When is the Kentucky Derby 2023? Complete guide for tickets, more

From the COVID-19 pandemic to a disqualification to an 80-1 long shot winning, the past few Kentucky Derby races have been anything but normal.

Will chaos reign again in 2023, or will the race return to form?

For now, we'll simply start with the basics. Here's everything you want to know about the 2023 Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs.

When is the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875 and has been staged on the first Saturday in May every year since 1946, with two exceptions.

The 1945 Derby was held June 9 because of World War II and the 2020 Kentucky Derby was held Sept. 5 after it was moved over fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year, the Kentucky Derby falls on Saturday, May 6.

When is post time for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

Official post time will be determined at a later date. Last year's post time was 6:57 p.m. EDT.

Where is the Kentucky Derby held?

The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs, located at 700 Central Ave. in Louisville, Kentucky. 

What TV channel is the Kentucky Derby on?

NBC has broadcast rights for the Kentucky Derby. While the 2023 TV schedule has not been announced, coverage of the Kentucky Derby traditionally runs from 2:30-7:30 p.m. 

What will Kentucky Derby attendance look like in 2023?

Fans were not allowed at Churchill Downs in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the 2021 crowd was limited because of the pandemic, with an announced attendance of 51,838.

Attendance was close to normal in 2022 with 147,294 fans but still off the pre-pandemic number of 150,729 in 2019.

Churchill Downs' purse policy

Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches. Each guest is permitted one large clear bag — either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag or a 12-inches-by-6-inches clear tote bag.

Diaper bags are allowed if you have a child with you.

How do I get tickets to the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

Your best bet to find Kentucky Derby tickets is at kentuckyderby.com/tickets. On this website, you can find tickets for various sections as well as different experiences.

How can I bet on the Kentucky Derby?

Bets can be made at Churchill Downs or on several online apps. One way is through the racetrack's online wagering platform, twinspires.com. You're required to create a username and password, but signing up is free and doesn't take much time. You can transfer money from your bank account into your account and then place your bets.

When is the Kentucky Derby draw?

No official time has been announced. Last year's draws for the Derby and Oaks were held on the Monday before the races.

Who won the Kentucky Derby 2022?

Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby at 80-1 odds, the second-biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history. Rich Strike paid $163.60 on a $2 win bet.

Donerail, at 91-1 odds in 1913, was the longest shot to win the race.

When will we know the Kentucky Derby horse lineup, and contenders?

The final prep race for the Kentucky Derby is the Lexington on April 15 at Keeneland. After that race, the final point standings for the Kentucky Derby will be settled, with the top 20 earning spots in the Kentucky Derby. However, in the three weeks between the Lexington and the Kentucky Derby, horses could drop out of the field, allowing horses ranking lower in the point standings to qualify. 

What is Bob Baffert's status for Kentucky Derby 2023?

The trainer has won the Kentucky Derby six times but is banned at Churchill Downs through the 2023 spring meet, including the Kentucky Derby. The ban came after the Baffert-trained Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone after finishing first in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. That victory would have been Baffert's seventh in the Kentucky Derby, but the horse ultimately was disqualified.

Last year, two Baffert-trained horses — Taiba and Messier — were transferred to trainer Tim Yakteen so they could compete in the Kentucky Derby. Taiba finished 12th, and Messier was 15th.

When is Kentucky Oaks 2023?

The Kentucky Oaks, a Grade 1 race for 3-year-old fillies, is scheduled for Friday, May 5.

When is Thurby 2023?

Thurby — considered by many "Louisville's Day" at the races during Derby Week — is scheduled for Thursday, May 4.

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; [email protected]; Twitter: @KentuckyDerbyCJ.