Kentucky Derby 2022: What To Know, How To Watch

LOUISVILLE, KY — It’s time to put on your best hat and mix up a mint julep, because the Kentucky Derby returns this weekend.

The event starts Saturday at noon EST on USA Network and then moves to NBC from 2:30-7:30 p.m. EST. Coverage will also be available on NBC Sports for those with Xfinity TV, as well as the NBC Sports app, and Peacock, for Peacock Premium subscribers. Streaming services YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, fuboTV and Sling TV also offer NBC. Fashion enthusiasts can watch the NBC red carpet starting at noon EST on Facebook and Twitter.

Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby is America’s longest continually held sporting event. It always takes place on the first Saturday in May and typically draws a live crowd of more than 150,000.

Kentucky Derby 2022 Horses: Photos From 148th Race

Twenty 3-year-old thoroughbred horses run the 1.25 miles at Churchill Downs in Louisville, after competing in a series of 35 races around the world. The 2022 winner will receive $1.86 million of the $3 million derby purse.

Last year’s champion was Mandaloun, with a time of 2:01.02, after winner Medina Spirit was disqualified and his trainer, Bob Baffert, was temporarily banned from Churchill Downs, according to the Associated Press. Medina Spirit failed a drug test after the race and was found to have taken a steroid, the Associated Press reported, noting the horse was the second in the derby's history to be disqualified for drug use.

The favorites to win in 2022 include Zandon, Mo Donegal, Epicenter and Zozos.