When Is the Kentucky Derby?

"The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" always happens on the first Saturday in May -- in 2019, that's May 4 -- on the dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It's taken place at that track every year since Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. -- the grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition -- founded it in 1875. It's the first race of the Triple Crown (followed by the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes). Here's what you need to know to tune in for the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Time: Post time for this year's race is 6:50 p.m. ET, so make sure you have your hat on and your mint julep in hand by 6:45 so you don't miss it.

Where to Watch: The Kentucky Derby will air on NBC and stream on NBCSports.com. Coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. ET and runs until after the race at 7:15 p.m. ET. If you don't have cable, you can watch by signing up for Hulu with Live TV, which should carry your local NBC affiliate, but check your zip code.

About the race itself: Omaha Beach was considered the frontrunner, but the horse was scratched due to a medical problem. So now it's anyone's race. For in-depth race analysis and how to bet, visit our sister site CBS Sports.

The 145th Kentucky Derby airs Saturday, May 4 at 6:50/5:50c on NBC.

Other Links From TVGuide.com Kentucky Derby