Kentucky Derby

Classic Empire and Always Dreaming headline the field at the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby, the first jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown and "the most exciting two minutes in sports.'' From Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Live from iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. In preparation for the Derby, NBC Sports asked a number of celebrities and NBCUniversal personalities for their race picks, including Blake Shelton (The Voice), Seth Meyers (Late Night With Seth Meyers), Heidi Klum (America's Got Talent), Andy Cohen (Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen), Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show) and more. Their picks will be revealed during Kentucky Derby coverage this Saturday on NBC and Peacock.Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Jimmie Johnson will be featured during Saturday's coverage and will compete in his first Indianapolis 500 this month.Professional WWE Raw wrestlers Bianca Belair and Montez Ford, who are married, will join NBC News' Dylan Dreyer and E!'s Zanna Roberts Rassi on Derby Day for a fashion segment.

Live from iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 149th Kentucky Derby features likely morning-line favorite Forte, who has won six of seven career starts, including the Florida Derby (G1) in his last start in April, and finished as the Kentucky Derby qualifying points leader. Other contenders include 2023 Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Practical Move, this year's Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Angel of Empire, 2023 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Tapit Trice, and 2023 UAE Derby (G2) winner Derma Sotogake.

Live from iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Live from iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.The 151st Kentucky Derby features morning-line favorite Journalism (3-1), who won the 2025 Santa Anita Derby (G1) and the 2025 San Felipe Stakes (G2). Other contenders include 2025 Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman (6-1), this year's Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Burnham Square (12-1), 2025 Florida Derby (G1) runner-up Sovereignty (5-1), and 2025 Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Tiztastic (20-1).

Live from iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.