How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby for free online—and without cable
This year marks the 150th running of what is likely the most famous horse race in the world. Saddle up, race fans… it’s Derby time!
The 2024 run for the roses is hoping to avoid a lot of the recent drama that has plagued the sport. The technical winners of the 2019 and 2021 Derbies were later disqualified, making the second horse to cross the finishing wire the winner.
Still, race fans are hoping for a repeat of a surprise finish at Churchill Downs, much like they saw in 2022, when Rich Strike came out of nowhere and won, despite 80-1 odds of doing so.
The Kentucky Derby is set to run May 4—and it’s often called “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” It’s a thrilling race, but it’s a short one. And it can be easy to miss. Here’s how to be sure you catch all of the action.
When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4.
When is post time for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
The Run for the Roses is one of several races being held that day—and the network knows it has a captive audience, so expect a very extensive pre-game show. The race itself, though, has a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. Make sure you’ve got your mint julep in hand. This is not a race where you’ll want to leave the room for even a few seconds.
Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby?
NBC will carry the Derby this year—and it plans to kick off coverage at 2:30 p.m. That will run through 7:30 p.m. ET.
Can I watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby online?
Yep. NBC will offer a live stream on NBCSports.com and there are plenty of other options, including:
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to the race. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a $6 or $12 monthly charge. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads)—and that’s required if you want to watch the Derby.
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, either. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Which horse is favored to win this year’s Kentucky Derby?
Sierra Leone is the favorite right now, with 3-1 odds, followed by Fierceness at 5-2 and Catching Freedom at 8-1, according to CBS Sports. West Saratoga and Grand Mo the First are the long shots, each with 50-1 odds.
When are the other two races in the Triple Crown?
After the Derby is over, The Preakness Stakes is up next. It takes place on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The final leg of the Triple Crown – The Belmont Stakes – will be run on June 8 at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY.
