It’s known as the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports for a reason.
Only a few days remain until the 2024 Kentucky Derby, and there will be something for everyone. Fans of pop culture may identify scores of celebrities from the crowd, sports fans can experience the excitement of the race, bettors can stake on anything from the outcome to whether the trainer will cry in the post-race interview, and hat lovers can, well, wear funny hats.
Yes, the Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race. It’s a cultural touchstone race held each spring in Louisville, Kentucky, as the first leg of the vaunted Triple Crown race. Sip a glass of the best bourbon and brush up on your horse racing terminology. It’s finally the rider’s turn!
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
The 150th Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4th.
What time does the 2024 Kentucky Derby start?
The broadcast time for the 2024 Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. and.
Where can you watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby, also known as the Run for the Roses, is broadcast on NBC.
How much money will the winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby receive?
The highest prize money in Kentucky Derby history this year is $5 million. The winner will receive $3.1 million and the runner-up will receive $1 million. Third place he will receive $500,000, fourth place he will receive $250,000 and fifth place he will receive $150,000.
Who is the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby in 2024?
At odds of 3-1, Fierceness is the current Kentucky Derby favorite. Sierra Leone (7-2) and Catching Freedom (8-1) are close behind.
Who will sing the national anthem at the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky native Wynonna Judd will sing the national anthem, she announced on Facebook last week.
“From going to the racetrack as a little girl to now singing The Star-Spangled Banner during this milestone year, it’s such a full-circle moment,” Judd wrote.
Who will give up on being a rider! Command?
Martha Stewart had the honor of serving as Grand Marshal this year and giving the order to “Rider Up.” Since 2012, another celebrity has taken over the ceremonial role, with Patrick Mahomes filling the role last year. They often have ties to Kentucky, with Jack Harlow, Teddy Bridgewater, Laila Ali, and John Calipari all having served as general marshals in the past.
Which celebrities will be attending the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
In addition to Judd and Stewart, Kentucky Derby spectators can expect some famous faces. Even if you don’t know everyone in attendance, you can get some clues by looking at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala guest list. Unbridled Eve is an annual charity gala held on the eve of the Derby that has attracted names from music, television, sport and more over the past decade.
This year’s guests include the following celebrities:
- Rauw Alejandro (Grammy Award Nominee)
- Larry Demeritte (First Black trainer to qualify for Kentucky Derby)
- John Elefante (Former lead singer of Kansas)
- Bob Guiney (The Bachelor)
- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Former NBA player)
- Lisa Leslie (Basketball Hall of Famer)
- Madison Marsh (Miss America 2024)
- Mike Mills (R.E.M.)
- Warren Moon (NFL Hall of Famer)
- Dean Norris (Breaking Bad)
- Richie Sambora (Lead guitarist for Bon Jovi)
- John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard)
- J.D. Shelburne (Country music artist)
- Randy Travis (Grammy-winning country music artist)
What Kentucky Derby Traditions Should You Know?
Hats: There are many opportunities for attendees to showcase their creativity because to the intricate hats at the Kentucky Derby. Thanks to guest style editor Zanna Roberts Rassi, the Derby itself even offers hat tips on its website. She suggests starting with the hat and organizing the rest of your outfit appropriately.
Mint Julep: What would the Kentucky Derby be without the Mint Julep? Woodford Reserve is the title sponsor of the Derby, but choose your favorite brand. You will also need sugar, mint and ice.
Hot Brown: Good drinks go with good food. Hot browns are as much a part of the Derby as the horses themselves. An open-faced sandwich with turkey, bacon, tomato, and mornay sauce on thick slices of toast.
The Garland of Roses: At the end of the race, the victorious jockey is seen adorned with a blanket of 554 red roses, in accordance with a tradition dating back to 1896.