Kentucky Derby 2024: Mark Your Calendar for Race Day
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Quick Answer
- Mark your calendars: the 2024 Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 4th.
- This iconic race always goes down on the first Saturday of May.
- Get ready for “The Run for the Roses” and all the fanfare that comes with it.
Who This Is For
- Horse racing fanatics who want to make sure they don’t miss a single stride of the Triple Crown’s first jewel.
- Anyone looking to soak in a classic American sporting tradition, whether you’re hosting a party or just want to watch a great race.
What to Check First
- The Official Date: Confirm it’s Saturday, May 4th, 2024. This is the main event.
- Race Start Time: The actual post time for the Derby is usually late afternoon. You’ll want to check closer to the date for the exact minute.
- Broadcast Channel: NBC is the traditional home for the Derby in the US. Verify this as race day gets closer.
- Associated Events: Don’t sleep on the Kentucky Oaks, which is for the fillies and runs the day before. It’s a major race in its own right.
Step-by-Step Plan to Enjoy the Derby
1. Action: Lock in the date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
What to look for: Official confirmation from the Kentucky Derby’s official website or major, reputable sports news outlets. This is non-negotiable.
Mistake to avoid: Relying on a vague memory from last year or a random social media share. Things can change, and you don’t want to be a day early or late.
2. Action: Pinpoint the exact race start time.
What to look for: The official Kentucky Derby post time. It’s typically around 6:57 PM Eastern Time, but always double-check.
Mistake to avoid: Forgetting to convert that ET time to your local zone. I once tuned in way too early because I forgot I was three hours behind. Total rookie move.
3. Action: Confirm where you’ll be watching.
What to look for: The confirmed broadcast network (almost certainly NBC) and the specific channel number for your cable or satellite provider.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming your streaming service or basic cable package will automatically have it. A quick channel check beforehand saves a lot of hassle.
4. Action: Plan your Derby viewing setup.
What to look for: Decide if it’s a solo watch, a small gathering, or a full-blown party. Get your snacks, drinks, and maybe even a ridiculous hat ready.
Mistake to avoid: Waiting until the last minute to gather supplies. Popular snacks and mint julep ingredients can disappear from shelves faster than a thoroughbred out of the gate.
5. Action: Consider the Kentucky Oaks.
What to look for: The schedule for the Kentucky Oaks, which takes place on Friday, May 3rd.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking the Derby is the only race that matters that weekend. The Oaks is a fantastic race featuring the best three-year-old fillies, and it’s a great way to kick off Derby weekend.
6. Action: Get familiar with the contenders.
What to look for: Start following the major prep races in the months leading up to the Derby. See which horses are performing well and earning their spots.
Mistake to avoid: Picking a horse at random five minutes before the race. A little research makes the whole experience more engaging.
Get your Derby viewing setup ready, and don’t forget to grab a fabulous Kentucky Derby hat to complete the festive look!
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What Date is the Kentucky Derby This Year?
Common Mistakes
- Mistake: Assuming the date is always the first Saturday in May without verification.
Why it matters: While this has been the tradition for decades, official confirmation for the current year is crucial for accurate planning. Relying on assumptions can lead to missed events.
Fix: Always consult the official Kentucky Derby website or trusted sports news sources for the definitive date each year.
- Mistake: Not checking the broadcast time for your specific time zone.
Why it matters: Live horse racing waits for no one. If you miscalculate the time difference, you might miss the thrilling finish or even the entire race.
Fix: Verify the official start time and then meticulously adjust it for your local time zone. I usually add three hours for myself out on the West Coast.
- Mistake: Overlooking the Kentucky Oaks, which precedes the Derby.
Why it matters: The Kentucky Oaks is a premier Grade I stakes race for three-year-old fillies. It’s a significant event on its own and a highlight of Derby weekend festivities.
Fix: Make sure to check the schedule for the Kentucky Oaks and include it in your viewing plans; it’s a fantastic race and a prelude to the main event.
- Mistake: Relying on unofficial event listings or outdated calendars.
Why it matters: While rare, race schedules can sometimes see minor adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances. Official sources are always the most accurate.
Fix: Stick to official channels like the Kentucky Derby website, Churchill Downs, or major sports media for all date, time, and broadcast information.
- Mistake: Forgetting to account for pre-race coverage.
Why it matters: The broadcast often starts much earlier than the actual race, featuring interviews, analysis, and coverage of the atmosphere. You might miss key insights if you only tune in for the post time.
Fix: Check the broadcast schedule for the entire day, not just the race itself, to get the full Derby experience.
FAQ
- What is the official date of the Kentucky Derby in 2024?
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is officially scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 4th.
- What time does the Kentucky Derby usually start?
The main race, the Kentucky Derby, typically has a post time around 6:57 PM Eastern Time. However, it’s always best to verify the exact time closer to the event as it can vary slightly.
- Which TV channel broadcasts the Kentucky Derby?
In the United States, the Kentucky Derby is traditionally broadcast live on NBC.
- Is the Kentucky Derby always on the first Saturday in May?
Yes, the Kentucky Derby has been held on the first Saturday in May consistently since 1931, making it a reliable anchor for the start of May’s major sporting events.
- What is the Kentucky Oaks and when is it?
The Kentucky Oaks is a significant Grade I stakes race for three-year-old fillies, held the day before the Kentucky Derby. In 2024, it will be on Friday, May 3rd. It’s often referred to as the “Filly Derby.”
- Where is the Kentucky Derby held?
The Kentucky Derby is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s a historic track known for its distinctive twin spires.
- What are some popular traditions associated with the Kentucky Derby?
Beyond the race itself, popular traditions include wearing elaborate hats, sipping Mint Juleps, singing “My Old Kentucky Home,” and the presentation of a garland of roses to the winning horse.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.