What time is the Kentucky Derby? Here's your complete guide to the 2022 race
From the disqualification of Maximum Security in 2019 to the coronavirus-delayed race in 2020 to last year's controversy surrounding trainer Bob Baffert and winner Medina Spirit, the Kentucky Derby has produced more than its fair share of drama in the past three years.
So what will the headlines be in 2022?
For now, we'll start with the basics. Here's everything you want to know about the 2022 Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs.
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When is the 2022 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875 and has been staged on the first Saturday in May every year since 1946, with two exceptions.
The 1945 Derby was held June 9 because of World War II and the 2020 Kentucky Derby was held Sept. 5 after it was moved over fears of the coronavirus pandemic.
This year, the Kentucky Derby falls on Saturday, May 7.
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When is post time for the 2022 Kentucky Derby?
The 2022 Kentucky Derby has a post time of 6:57 p.m. EDT.
Where is the Kentucky Derby held?
The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs, located at 700 Central Ave. in Louisville, Kentucky.
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What TV channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
NBC has broadcast rights for the Kentucky Derby. While the 2022 TV schedule has not been announced, coverage of the Kentucky Derby traditionally runs from 2:30-7:30 p.m.
What will Kentucky Derby attendance look like in 2022?
Fans were not allowed at Churchill Downs in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the 2021 crowd was limited because of the pandemic, with an announced attendance of 51,838.
That's a far cry from pre-pandemic numbers, as 150,729 attended the Kentucky Derby in 2019. It remains to be seen if the Kentucky Derby can return to those attendance numbers as the pandemic still lingers.
What COVID-19 safety protocols are in place at Churchill Downs?
Churchill Downs has not announced any protocols for the 2022 spring meet, including the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
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What's Churchill Downs' purse policy?
Churchill Downs Racetrack will enforce a restricted bag policy from April 30 through Derby Day on May 7. Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Each guest is permitted:
one large clear bag —either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag or 12 inches by 6 inches clear tote bag.
Diaper bags are allowed if you have a child with you.
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How do I get tickets to the 2022 Kentucky Derby?
Your best bet to find Kentucky Derby tickets is at kentuckyderby.com/tickets. On this website, you can find tickets for various sections as well as different experiences. For more information on tickets, check out this story.
How can I bet on the Kentucky Derby?
Bets can be made at Churchill Downs or on several online apps. One way is through the racetrack's online wagering platform, twinspires.com. You're required to create a username and password, but signing up is free and doesn't take much time. You can transfer money from your bank account into your account and then place your bets.
When is the Kentucky Derby draw?
The draws for both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will be held at Churchill Downs on Monday, May 2, from 2-3 p.m.
Who won the Kentucky Derby 2021?
Medina Spirit won last year's Kentucky Derby by a half-length over Mandaloun, but the ultimate result could take years to decide.
A week after the race, Baffert revealed Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, which is illegal when found in the blood on race day because it’s considered a possible performance-enhancer.
Churchill Downs has said Mandaloun will be declared the Kentucky Derby winner if the findings of Medina Spirit’s positive test are upheld. Churchill Downs stewards rule on disqualifications, and Baffert could appeal any decision to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. That process is ongoing.
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Baffert’s camp, including owner Amr Zedan, filed an injunction against the KHRC in June in an effort to show the betamethasone detected in the horse’s blood samples was from a topical ointment and not an injection.
What happened to Medina Spirit, the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner?
Medina Spirit, the disputed winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, died in late 2021 of a heart attack after a workout at Santa Anita Park in California.
“My entire barn is devastated by this news,” Baffert wrote in an email. “Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss.
“I will always cherish the proud and personal memories of Medina Spirit and his tremendous spirit.”
According to a statement from Santa Anita Park, a team led by Senior Veterinarian Dr. Laurie Bohannon “immediately took blood, hair and urine samples from Medina Spirit. Those samples were sent to the California Horse Racing Board. A full necropsy, as per protocol in California, run by the University of California-Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine will be performed to try and ascertain the exact cause of this sudden death.”
The CHRC will release the necropsy and toxicology studies at a later date.
Churchill Downs released the following statement: "Churchill Downs mourns the tragic loss of Medina Spirit and extends our deepest condolences to his fans and all who loved this horse."
When will we know the Kentucky Derby horse lineup, contenders?
The final prep race for the Kentucky Derby was in Lexington on pril 16 at Keeneland. After that race, the final point standings for the Kentucky Derby will be settled, with the top 20 earning spots in the Kentucky Derby. However, in the three weeks between the Lexington and the Kentucky Derby, horses could drop out of the field, allowing horses ranking lower in the point standings to qualify.
When is Kentucky Oaks 2022?
The Kentucky Oaks, a Grade 1 race for 3-year-old fillies, is scheduled for Friday, May 6.
When is Thurby 2022?
Thurby — considered by many "Louisville's Day" at the races during Derby Week — is scheduled for Thursday, May 5.
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @KentuckyDerbyCJ.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: When is the Kentucky Derby? Everything to know about 2022 race
