NBC Sports will present a historic prime time broadcast of the Kentucky Oaks on May 1, 2026, at Churchill Downs, Kentucky. This marks the first time the event will air in prime time, starting at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Coverage from NBC Sports will total 12.5 hours during Churchill Downs Derby Week. The network plans to showcase 16 live races over two days, including the prestigious Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Oaks features a purse of $1,500,000, while the Kentucky Derby boasts a purse of $3,000,000. Historically, the best bets at Churchill Downs have finished in the money 68% of the time. The first race on Derby day is scheduled for 12:30 PM ET.
This development follows years of tradition at Churchill Downs, which has been home to these significant horse racing events. NBC Sports aims to enhance viewer engagement with this new broadcasting format.
As excitement builds for this milestone event, officials have not disclosed specific details about additional programming or features planned for viewers. However, this initiative represents a significant shift in how major horse racing events are presented.
The integration of prime time coverage could attract a broader audience to both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Fans eagerly anticipate how these changes will impact viewership and participation in future Churchill Downs events.
