2026 Kentucky Derby: Complete horse post positions for Run for the Roses

USA TODAY

April 30, 2026, 6:02 a.m. ET

The biggest day in horse racing is only three days away, as "the greatest two minutes in sports” prepares to capture the attention of fans across the nation. The 2026 Kentucky Derby will showcase a field of the world’s most talented thoroughbreds, each vying for the coveted first jewel of the Triple Crown.

The packed field for the 152nd Run for the Roses features a race favorite in Renegade starting from the No. 1 post position, a spot that, despite being on the rail, has not produced a Derby champion since 1986. Meanwhile, Six Speed will break from the notoriously challenging No. 17 post, which for decades was considered a tough draw and has not produced a winner.

Right to Party will break from the No. 5 position, long regarded as the most advantageous starting gate at Churchill Downs. With ten past winners emerging from this post, it offers an ideal balance, providing enough flexibility for a horse to avoid early traffic while giving jockeys room to maneuver for a strong position early in the race.

Here’s a look at how the field will line up for this year’s Derby.

2026 Kentucky Derby horse numbers

Here are the starting positions for all the horses participating in the 152nd Kentucky Derby:

No. 1:Renegade
No. 2: Albus
No. 3:Intrepido
No. 4: Litmus Test
No. 5: Right to Party
No. 6: Commandment
No. 7: Danon Bourbon
No. 8:So Happy
No. 9: The Puma
No. 10: Wonder Dean
No. 11: Incredibolt
No. 12: Chief Wallabee
No. 13: Silent Tactic SCRATCHED
No. 14: Potente
No. 15: Emerging Market
No. 16:Pavlovian
No. 17: Six Speed
No. 18: Further Ado
No. 19: Golden Tempo
No. 20: Fulleffort

When is 2026 Kentucky Derby?

The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Fans can watch the Kentucky Derby on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options on Peacock.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC, USA Network
Stream: Peacock
Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)

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