National Television Broadcast Schedule

“Road to the Kentucky Derby”

Like every prolific sporting championship, the Kentucky Derby is the culmination of months – even years -- of preparation, determination and the heart-felt desire to win America’s greatest race for horses. For many, the chance to compete in the Derby is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and not making the cut means saying goodbye to a dream.

As is the case with the road to the Super Bowl, World Series and Final Four, teams of contenders chasing the Kentucky Derby trophy must enter and perform well in a long schedule of preparatory races – a play-off series – in order to earn a berth in the “Run for the Roses.” The newly launched “Road to the Kentucky Derby” television series, produced in partnership by Churchill Downs Incorporated and NBC Sports, will take viewers into the middle of this gritty competition and show them the intense and often emotional commitment made by both human beings and horses chasing the garland of roses. The TV series will provide live coverage of six Derby prep races that equate to final play-off games for Derby contenders. These are contests that hopefuls must win in order to secure a coveted spot the Derby’s 20-horse field.

The three-part series, slated to run on consecutive Saturdays from March 27 through April 10, will also recreate the on-track spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby experience for viewers watching at home. Outrageous hats, designer fashions, celebrity chefs cooking regional cuisine, festive music and the Derby’s real “characters” -- colorful fans from all walks of life – will draw viewers into the social scene that makes the Derby America’s original, extravagant, springtime sports party.

Saturday, March 27
5-6 p.m. EDT
USA Network

Featuring live coverage of the Louisiana Derby from Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots and of the Lane’s End Stakes from Turfway Park

Saturday, April 3
5-6 p.m. EDT
NBC

Featuring live coverage of the Santa Anita Derby from Santa Anita Park and of the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct

Saturday, April 10
5-6 p.m. EDT
NBC

Featuring live coverage of the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes from Keeneland Race Course and of the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park

“Kentucky Oaks: Ladies First”

Friday, April 30
5-6 p.m. EDT
Bravo

Enjoy live coverage of the Grade I Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs along with a look at all of the Oaks Derby “Ladies First” festivities, including the second PINK OUT at the track, the First Lady of Fashion contest and the Survivors Parade, which highlights 136 breast cancer survivors and their supporters. The Kentucky Oaks is an official partner of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

ESPN Coverage of the Kentucky Derby Undercard

Saturday, May 1
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT
ESPN

Don’t miss any of the exciting racing leading up to Kentucky Derby 136. ESPN provides race-to-race coverage of the Kentucky Derby Day undercard, including prestigious stakes races such as the Eight Belles (GIII), Churchill Downs (GII) and Humana Distaff (GI).

“Access at the Kentucky Derby / Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Special”

Saturday, May 1
4-5 p.m. EDT
NBC

Join Access Hollywood and NBC hosts as they interview celebrities arriving on the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet and get a behind-the-scenes look at the fabulous fashion, food and social scene that leads up to the “Run for the Roses.”

“Kentucky Derby 136”

Saturday, May 1
5-7 p.m. EDT
NBC

Who will claim the garland of roses and a spot in horse racing history? NBC Sports provides live coverage of Kentucky Derby 136 and showcases the fascinating equine and human competitors chasing fortune and glory enroute to the Derby Winner’s Circle. The two-hour telecast also highlights the fantastic spectacle behind “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” at the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky.

HRTV Derby Week Broadcast Schedule

Coming soon!

Simulcast Wagering

Check back for the latest list of simulcast locations and account-wagering providers offering wagering on Kentucky Derby 136, Kentucky Oaks 136 and the events’ respective racing programs.

(Approved wagering sites listed alphabetically)

Arlington Park
Calder Casino & Race Course
Churchill Downs Racetrack
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
TwinSpires.com