153rd Kentucky Derby

The 153rd Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2027, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Grade I race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds covers 1¼ miles, carries a $5 million purse, and opens horse racing’s U.S. Triple Crown.

The race

Often called the “Run for the Roses,” the Derby has been staged since 1875 and traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in May. The 2027 field is expected to accommodate as many as 20 horses, with qualification largely determined through the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system.

The 2026–27 Road to the Kentucky Derby awards points to the top five finishers in designated prep races, with increasingly valuable races as Derby Day approaches. Major late preps include the Florida Derby, Louisiana Derby, Arkansas Derby, Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial, and Jeff Ruby Steaks; international pathways can reserve up to three Derby berths.

Derby weekend

The 153rd Kentucky Oaks is scheduled for Friday, April 30, followed by the Derby on May 1. Churchill Downs currently lists an approximately 6:57 p.m. ET Derby post time, although operational details can still change before race day; Derby Week itself includes multiple themed racing days and festivities.

Attending at Churchill Downs

Tickets are already being offered across infield general admission, reserved seating, dining rooms, and private suites. Many Derby/Oaks offerings are sold as two-day packages, while frontside reserved-seat packages include food and beverages plus offsite parking and shuttle transportation; parking and other event-day details continue to be updated as the event approaches.