Listen to the 150th Kentucky Derby Live from Churchill Downs on NBC Sports Audio

Experience the 150th Kentucky Derby, broadcasting live on SiriusXM’s NBC Sports Audio channel on May 4, 2024, at 2:30pm ET.

Kentucky Derby 2024

How to listen

The 150th Kentucky Derby airs live on NBC Sports Audio on satellite channel 85 and the SiriusXM app.

About the Derby

The most exciting two minutes in sports, The Kentucky Derby — the first jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown — stands as one of the most iconic and revered events in the sport.

The roots of the Kentucky Derby trace back to the late 19th century when Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of the renowned explorer William Clark, visited Europe and attended the Epsom Derby in England. Inspired by the spectacle and excitement of the race, Clark returned to his native Kentucky with a vision of creating a similar event. In 1872, he founded the Louisville Jockey Club and organized the inaugural running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 17, 1875.

The first Kentucky Derby attracted a crowd of over 10,000 spectators who gathered to witness 15 three-year-old Thoroughbreds compete in the 1.5-mile race.  From that moment on, the Kentucky Derby became an annual tradition. Over the years, the Kentucky Derby has evolved and adapted, yet certain traditions remain steadfast, like the iconic garland of roses draped over the winner’s shoulders and the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” by the University of Louisville Marching Band before the race.

Throughout its storied history, the Kentucky Derby has been graced by the presence of legendary horses and accomplished jockeys who have left an indelible mark on the sport. From Secretariat’s record-breaking performance in 1973 to Barbaro’s courageous run in 2006, each Derby winner adds a new chapter to the race’s legacy.

While the Kentucky Derby holds a special place in the hearts of Kentuckians, its appeal extends far beyond state borders, with millions tuning in from around the world to witness the “Run for the Roses.” From its humble beginnings in 1875 to its status as a global phenomenon, the Derby continues to captivate audiences.