The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, marking the first leg of the Triple Crown. The 20-horse field will feature only three-year-olds racing for a chance to win a share of the $5 million purse. Notably absent from this year’s race is Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who has been banned through 2024 following a failed drug test by his 2021 Kentucky Derby winner, Medina Spirit. This will be the third consecutive Kentucky Derby in which a Baffert-trained horse will not be competing.
The list of horses and their betting odds for the race includes favorites such as Fierceness, trained by Todd Pletcher, as well as longshots like T O Password and Catalytic. Fierceness is the 3-1 favorite after winning the Florida Derby by an impressive margin in his last race. The diverse field of horses will be competing for the coveted title of Kentucky Derby winner, with spectators and bettors eagerly awaiting the outcome of the historic race.
Fans can tune in to watch the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024, with a projected post time of 6:57 p.m. EST. The race will be broadcast on NBC, and viewers can expect an exciting display of horse racing talent as the prestigious event unfolds. The stakes are high as the contenders battle it out on the track, showcasing their speed and skill in pursuit of victory. The atmosphere at Churchill Downs is sure to be electric as spectators cheer on their favorite horses and jockeys.
The controversy surrounding Bob Baffert and Churchill Downs has added an extra layer of drama to this year’s Kentucky Derby, as the Hall of Fame trainer continues to be embroiled in controversy surrounding drug testing violations. Baffert’s absence from this year’s race marks a significant shift in the dynamic of the competition, with other trainers and horses stepping up to fill the void left by the notable absence. The culmination of months of training and preparation will come to a head as the horses make their way to the starting gates, ready to showcase their talents in the biggest race of the year.
The Kentucky Derby remains a premier event in the world of horse racing, drawing in spectators, bettors, and enthusiasts from around the globe. The history and prestige of the race add to the excitement, with each year bringing new storylines and potential upsets. As the 150th running of the Derby approaches, the anticipation is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to witness history in the making. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a casual observer, the Kentucky Derby is sure to offer an unforgettable experience filled with thrills, excitement, and top-notch competition.
