Kentucky Derby 2016 Start Time and Channel

Kentucky Derby 2016 Start Time and Channel: With all the excitement over handicapping the contenders leading up to the race, sometimes the smaller details become lost. Fans might wonder about the exact post time and channel for the 2016 Kentucky Derby.

According to the official website, the Kentucky Derby starts at 6:34 p.m. EST at Churchill Downs on May 7.

NBC will provide coverage of the Kentucky Derby and other events preceding the race during the week. On May 4, NBC Sports will show the Post Position Draw from 5:30 to 6 p.m EST. Bettors will want to pay attention, as the race often becomes a contest of whichever horse receives the best trip. No one wants the No. 1 post.

Two days later, on May 6, coverage of the Kentucky Oaks begins at 12:30 p.m. through 6 p.m. EST on NBC Sports. With so many other activities going on besides the races, expect to see other Derby-related events such as fashion or food-related specials. Derby week always involves much more than just the actual race.

On May 7, NBC Sports will cover the Kentucky Derby undercard from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST. Fans should not be underwhelmed by the term “undercard.” Typically, the Derby undercard acts as a “mini Breeders’ Cup” with a wide variety of graded stakes races to fit almost every division. Expect to see several familiar older horses.

The main coverage runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST on the main NBC channel. Analysis from expert handicappers, interviews with connections, high-class fashion segments and more celebrity sightings are expected.

One of the lasting traditions of the Kentucky Derby comes during the post parade, when the traditional song “My Old Kentucky Home” is played as the horses comes out onto the main track. Attendees consider this one of the most emotional parts of the in-person experience, while viewers will be hard pressed to not sing along.

Once the Kentucky Derby is run, the winning jockey will be interviewed directly after the race, followed by analysis and the trophy presentation where the host will talk with the rest of the connections. The trophy consists of an “18-karat gold horse and rider, includes horseshoe shaped handles, is 22 inches tall and weighs 56 ounces.”

Whichever connections win the Kentucky Derby will stamp their place in history. Racing fans will replay the race for years to come, especially on YouTube. The names of the jockey, trainer and owner will be forever stamped into the minds and hearts of people. The Derby is a special event not to be missed, whether in person or on NBC.