Horse Racing

Kentucky Derby 2027 — Odds, Facts & Betting Guide

Expected May 2027 · Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Exact dates have not yet been confirmed by the organisers. This page will be updated as soon as they are.

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The Kentucky Derby is "the most exciting two minutes in sports" — the first leg of the American Triple Crown, run over 1¼ miles on dirt at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The 2027 running is expected on 1 May.

A 20-runner field of three-year-olds, vast crowds and global television coverage make the Derby one of the biggest betting races in the world. Golden Tempo won the 2026 running at 23-1 under José Ortiz.

Where to find the latest odds

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Kentucky Derby: fast facts

The Kentucky Derby is run over 1¼ miles on dirt at Churchill Downs, Louisville.
It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
First run in 1875, it is the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States.
The maximum field is 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds, the largest in American racing.
It is nicknamed 'the most exciting two minutes in sports'.
Golden Tempo won the 2026 Derby at 23-1, trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by José Ortiz.

Past winners

Year	Winner	Key detail
2026	Golden Tempo	Won at 23-1 under José Ortiz
2025	Sovereignty	Won the 151st Derby
2024	Mystik Dan	Won a three-way photo finish
2023	Mage	Won at 15-1
2022	Rich Strike	Won at 80-1, one of the biggest Derby shocks ever
2021	Mandaloun	Awarded the race after Medina Spirit's disqualification
2020	Authentic	Won the pandemic-delayed September running
2019	Country House	Awarded the race after Maximum Security's disqualification
2018	Justify	Went on to win the Triple Crown
2017	Always Dreaming	Won on a sloppy track

How to bet on Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby's 20-runner field makes it a natural each-way race, and big-priced winners — Rich Strike at 80-1 in 2022, Golden Tempo at 23-1 in 2026 — are a recurring feature. Bookmakers typically pay extra places for the Derby.

Ante-post betting follows the US prep races through the spring, where qualifying points decide the field. Draw, early speed and proven form around two turns are the key pointers for a race often won from off the pace.

The Derby is one of racing's great betting spectacles, but its big field and pace chaos make it genuinely unpredictable. Bet each-way on a sensible budget and treat the result as entertainment, not a certainty.

Popular markets

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Kentucky Derby 2027: your questions answered

When is the Kentucky Derby 2027?

The 2027 Kentucky Derby is expected on Saturday 1 May at Churchill Downs. The date follows the first-Saturday-in-May tradition and will be confirmed by Churchill Downs.

Who won the Kentucky Derby in 2026?

Golden Tempo won the 2026 Kentucky Derby at 23-1, trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by José Ortiz.

How far is the Kentucky Derby?

It is run over 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on dirt.

What is the Triple Crown?

The American Triple Crown comprises the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, all won by the same three-year-old in a single season.

How big is the Kentucky Derby field?

Up to 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds — the largest field in American racing — which makes each-way betting popular.