Kentucky Derby 2026

The prestigious Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs will feature a new contender as Silent Tactic has withdrawn due to a foot injury. This unexpected turn opens the door for Great White to compete for a share of the $5 million purse.

Renegade leads the pack as the favorite with odds set at 4-1. The race will see 20 horses vying for victory over a distance of 1¼ miles, starting precisely at 6:57 p.m. ET. Bob Baffert, renowned for his six Kentucky Derby wins, is among the trainers aiming for another triumph this year.

Mark Casse, trainer for Silent Tactic, explained the situation: “You can’t run in the Kentucky Derby and not be 100%.” He added, “It’s very, very slight. It’s very slight, so that’s the good news,” indicating that while the injury is concerning, it may not be as severe as initially feared.

John Ennis, who works closely with Silent Tactic, reassured fans about the horse’s overall health: “The horse is fit and healthy and strong.” However, he acknowledged that injuries can weigh heavily on a trainer’s mind. “It can be tough mentally in your mind to straighten things out and get things squared away,” he noted.

As Great White steps into this high-stakes race, observers are eager to see how he performs against seasoned competitors. The excitement surrounding this year’s Derby is palpable, especially given its status as the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.

Where to watch:

Live coverage on NBC Sports begins at 12 p.m. ET. and UK viewers can tune in via Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV.

The Kentucky Derby remains one of the most anticipated events in sports—often dubbed ‘the most exciting two minutes in sports.’ As preparations continue, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs come May 2nd.