The 150th Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and the horse racing world has reconvened to witness the excitement and solidarity. It is an esteemed yearly horse race that usually occurs in the first week of May. Spanning a distance of 10 furlongs, the thrilling race typically lasts around two minutes. Notably, it marks the commencement of horse racing’s renowned Triple Crown series.

This year there will be twenty horses vying for the title, with the champion poised to win a $3.1 million reward. The overall prize money has experienced a boost heightening the excitement leading up to the event. With each passing moment, anticipation grows for the spectacle. It’s interesting to mention that this year’s total prize surpasses that of last year. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you should know about this occasion.

When and where is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

It is set to take place at Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 4th. The event begins at 6:57 p.m. Eastern Time. Also, this venue has a capacity for over 150,000 attendees on Derby Day.

2024 Kentucky Derby schedule

Kentucky Derby weekend offers a vibrant array of activities and social gatherings alongside the thrilling races. Here’s the full schedule:

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Kentucky Derby weekend starts with ‘Thurby’ on Thursday at Churchill Downs, featuring racing and bourbon. In the evening, enjoy the Mint Julep Sunset Social or Taste of Derby events. Friday brings the Kentucky Oaks, celebrating racing and fashion. In the evening, join the exclusive Barnstable Brown Gala. Saturday is the main event: the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, with a full day of racing and festivities.

2024 Kentucky Derby horses

Twenty horses will compete in the Kentucky Derby. Here are the top 10 favourite horses:

• Fierceness
• Sierra Leone
• Catching Freedom
• Forever Young
• Just a Touch
• Dornoch
• Mystik Dan
• Just Steel
• Honor Marie
• Encino

Fierceness, with a lineage tied to City of Light, the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner at Churchill Downs, is the current favorite for victory at the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Sierra Leone emerges as a strong contender, having led much of the Kentucky Derby race season.

How to get tickets?

You can purchase tickets from the race’s official website. The organizers provide a range of options, including reserved seating and private dining, ensuring there’s a choice to suit every racegoer’s needs.

What is the prize money for the event?

The total purse for the 2024 Kentucky Derby has reached $5 million, up $2 million from the previous year. The winner stands to earn $3.1 million, a significant increase from 2023’s $1.86 million. The second-place finisher will receive $1 million, followed by $500,000 for third place, $250,000 for fourth place, and $150,000 for fifth place. So, get ready for the thrilling action on 4th May.