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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is an annual Thoroughbred horse race held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Kentucky Derby is an annual Thoroughbred horse race held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 2026 running was won by Golden Tempo, with Renegade second and Ocelli third. The race was run over 1 1/4 miles on May 2, 2026, and Golden Tempo was ridden by José Ortiz.

2026 race result

The 152nd Kentucky Derby was won by Golden Tempo, with Renegade second and Ocelli third. The official order of finish placed Chief Wallabee fourth and Danon Bourbon fifth.

Race details

The 2026 Derby was run on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs over 1 1/4 miles. Golden Tempo was reported as a 23-1 long shot and finished in 2:02.27.

Notable aftermath

Coverage highlighted Golden Tempo’s come-from-behind win and described the result as historic for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who was reported to be the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.

Scratches and field

Reports listed several late scratches, leaving an 18-horse field for the main race. Sources differed slightly on which scratches were included, but Great White, Right to Party, The Puma, Silent Tactic and Fulleffort were among those withdrawn.

Key facts

  • Golden Tempo won the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
  • Renegade finished second and Ocelli finished third.
  • The race was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Golden Tempo was ridden by José Ortiz and recorded a time of 2:02.27.
  • Multiple reports described the win as a late run from near or at the back of the field.
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Canadian context

The Kentucky Derby is of interest to Canadian horse-racing fans as one of North America’s major Triple Crown races and a prominent international Thoroughbred event.

Frequently asked questions

Who won the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Golden Tempo won the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
Who finished second and third?
Renegade finished second and Ocelli finished third.
Where was the race run?
The race was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
What was the winning time?
Golden Tempo won in 2:02.27.
Who rode the winner?
José Ortiz rode Golden Tempo.
What were the final odds on the winner?
Golden Tempo was listed at 23-1 in multiple reports.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Kentucky_Derby
    Supports: 2026 race date, location, distance, winning horse, winning time, jockey and odds
  2. NBC Sports — https://www.nbcsports.com/horse-racing/kentucky-derby/results
    Supports: Official-style finish order and scratches for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
  3. CBS Sports — https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/2026-kentucky-derby-live-updates-race-time-results-odds-horses-highlights/live/
    Supports: Top finishers and reported odds for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
  4. OffTrackBetting — https://www.offtrackbetting.com/horse-racing-results/churchill-downs/2026-kentucky-derby.html
    Supports: Winner, jockey, trainer, payouts and finish order
  5. USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/horses/triple/derby/2026/05/02/who-won-kentucky-derby-2026-results-winners/89911942007/
    Supports: Winner, result context and note about scratches
  6. Lexington Herald-Leader — https://www.kentucky.com/sports/horses/kentucky-derby/article315614074.html
    Supports: Complete order of finish, payouts and scratches