The Athletic has live coverage of the 2024 Kentucky Derby, the 150th anniversary.
The 2024 Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 4 on NBC/Peacock) will be the 150th running of the annual horse race in Louisville, Ky. Celebrities, famous athletes and horse racing enthusiasts (along with three of The Athletic’s staffers) will descend on Churchill Downs for the annual Run for the Roses.
Who will be wearing the most ridiculous hats? What do I need to know about Mystik Dan? Why is Tom Brady on my screen? All your answers are below, and be ready to strap in for Derby Day and get plenty of ice for your mint juleps — there will be more than six hours of television coverage on NBC.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
What is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is the premier horse race in the United States held the first Saturday in May each year. It is frequently called the Run for the Roses as a blanket of red roses is placed over the winning horse in the winner’s circle. The field is limited to 20 horses each year, and they qualify for the race through a series of point races. Only horses that are three years old are eligible to race in the Kentucky Derby, and it is open to both male and female horses. A filly (a female horse) hasn’t won the Kentucky…
