With legal US horse betting surging in popularity, it’s the perfect time for one of the most iconic sporting events in the history of the United States to return for another classic installment.
The 149th renewal of The Kentucky Derby ran on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the famous Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky and the field was stronger than ever. Live coverage of the event aired on NBC and the network’s website and app. The post time was set at 6:57 PM ET.
Follow along for everything you’ll need to know about this past year’s rendition of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” from how you can wager on The Kentucky Derby online in the future to all of the closing odds.
Top Kentucky Derby Promo Code Offers
TwinSpires (Horse)- Promo Code: USBRACING
- Betting Arm of Churchill Downs
- Legal in 35+ States
DRF Bets (Horse)- DRF Promo Code
- Excellent Welcome Offer
- Horse Racing Authority Since 1894
FanDuel Racing$20 No Sweat Bet
- No Promo Code Required
- Exclusive Horse Racing Offer
- Available in 25+ States
- 18+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
AmWager- AmWager Promo Code
- Active in 25+ States
- Taking Bets Since 2009
| Horse Racing Apps | Sign Up Offer |
|---|---|
TwinSpires 4.8 Stars / 67.6K Ratings 4.5 Stars / 670 Ratings | $200 Sign Up Offer |
| DRF Bets 4.7 Stars / 4K Ratings 4.4 Stars / 443 Ratings | $200 Deposit Match |
| FanDuel Racing 4.5 Stars / 1.2K Ratings Not in play store | $20 No Sweat Bet |
| AmWager Not in app store Not in play store | 100% First Deposit Match up to $150 |
Kentucky Derby odds
As the 2023 Kentucky Derby has finalized, odds were posted all around, and easy to find. On this page, we will have gathered and will review the odds from the industry’s top racebooks and put everything into one place, so you don’t have to.
Below is a table of the Kentucky Derby Odds. Wager pools are an opportunity for fans to bet on which horse they think will end up winning the Derby.
Here is where the odds closed at before the race.
| Horse Name | Odds | Estimated $2 Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Angel of Empire | 8-1 | $18 |
| Confidence Game | 20-1 | $42 |
| Cyclone Mischief | 30-1 | $62 |
| Derma Sotogake (JPN) | 10-1 | $22 |
| Disarm | 30-1 | $62 |
| Hit Show | 30-1 | $62 |
| Jace’s Road | 50-1 | $102 |
| Kingsbarns | 12-1 | $26 |
| Mage | 15-1 | $32 |
| King Russell | 50-1 | $102 |
| Raise Cain | 50-1 | $102 |
| Reincarnate | 50-1 | $102 |
| Rocket Can | 30-1 | $62 |
| Skinner | 20-1 | $42 |
| Sun Thunder | 50-1 | $102 |
| Tapit Trice | 5-1 | $12 |
| Two Phil’s | 12-1 | $26 |
| Verifying | 15-1 | $32 |
| Mandarin Hero | 22-1 | $46 |
Kentucky Derby odds last updated on May 8th, 2023.
Kentucky Derby contenders
Here were the top 20 contenders for the 149th running of the Derby so far:
| Horse (Sire) | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|
| Tapit Trice (Tapit) | Todd Pletcher | Luis Saez |
| Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo) | Todd Pletcher | Flavien Prat |
| Angel of Empire (Classic Empire) | Brad Cox | Flavien Prat |
| Derma Sotogake (Mind Your Biscuits) | Hidetaka Otonashi | Christophe Lemaire |
| Mage (Good Magic) | Gustavo Delgado | Luis Saez |
| Disarm (Gun Runner) | Steve Asmussen | Jose Ortiz |
| Reincarnate (Good Magic) | Tim Yakteen | Jose Velazquez |
| Skinner (Curlin) | J. Shireffs | V. Espinoza |
| Rocket Can (Into Mischief) | William Mott | Junior Alvarado |
| Verifying (Justify) | Brad Cox | Tyler Gaffalione |
| Hit Show (Candy Ride) | Brad Cox | M. Franco |
| Jace’s Road (Quality Road) | Brad Cox | F. Geroux |
| Raise Cain (Violence) | Ben Colebrook | Joel Rosario |
| Sun Thunder (Into Mischief) | K. McPeek | F. Geroux |
| General Jim (Into Mischief) | C. McGaughey III | L. Saez |
| Cave Rock (Arrogate) | B. Baffert | J. Hernandez |
Kentucky Derby predictions
With the Kentucky Derby in the rearview mirror for May 2023, we had an exciting field of twenty, three-year-old horses that tried to join the heralded history of being crowned as a Derby champion for the 149th Run for the Roses.
After one of the Derby’s most significant upsets ever in 2022, where Rich Strike cashed as a +8000 longshot, 2023 produced even more chaos with +1700 winner, Mage.
The favorite in this year’s loaded group was Forte. Unfortunately, one of the day of the race, Forte was scratched as Angel of Empire became the new favorite at 5/2 odds.
Since 2022, Forte had proven its versatility as a horse that can win in various ways. But without Forte in the fold, the favorites to take home the Derby were Angel of Empire, Tapit Trice, and Derma Sotogake.
Kentucky Derby Horses
Here were the horses slated to race on May 6, 2023. Please note Rich Strike was a late addition to the 2022 field after Ethereal Road was scratched the morning of the race. So, whenever you are betting horses in the future, be sure to continuously check the field of horses to have the most up-to-date lineup as we had four late scratches leading up to the Derby. The draw for post position of the Kentucky Derby was held on Monday, May 1. Here is where each horse started:
- Hit Show
- Verifying
- Two Phil’s
- Confidence Game
- Tapit Trice
- Kingsbarns
- Reincarnate
- Mage
- Skinner
- Practical Move (Scratched)
- Disarm
- Jace’s Road
- Sun Thunder
- Angel of Empire
- Forte (Scratched)
- Raise Cain
- Derma Sotogake
- Rocket Can
- Lord Miles (Scratched)
- Continuar (Scratched)
- Cyclone Mischief
- Mandarin Hero
- King Russell
Kentucky Derby Horse Betting Operators
Placing a wager on any of the 2023 Kentucky Derby participants listed above is both extremely easy and convenient in today’s world, as online horse racing is live and legal in upwards of forty different states throughout the nation.
There are six – well, five really – mainstream operators that dominate the online horse betting industry in the United States. Players located in most states should have access to either TwinSpires or TVG, with some variation of AmWager, and/or NYRA Bets also available. 4NJBets is the aforementioned sixth operator, however the app is merely a carbon copy of TVG’s offering in other states, specifically tailored to bettors in New Jersey.
Kentucky Derby best offers explained
Each of the Kentucky Derby betting sites listed above, aside from NYRA Bets, are currently offering all new users a lucrative welcome bonus when they register for a brand new account. Each offer is a little bit different, so we went ahead and covered all of the details for each promotion.
TVG and 4NJBets
Both of TVG’s platforms are offering all new users an opportunity to get up to $200 back if they don’t win their first single-horse win bet. Once inside your brand new account, make a deposit and place your first wager within fifteen (15) days of account creation in order to qualify.
If your first single-horse wager is a bust, TVG will cover 100% of your initial stake, up to $200. The reimbursement will arrive within five (5) days in the form of a Promotion Bonus which must be wagered before it can be withdrawn. Any Promotion Bonus funds that remain unused after thirty (30) days will expire.
TwinSpires
The official online betting partner of the Kentucky Derby brings to the table yet another juicy welcome bonus, this time in the form of a bet-and-get style promotion worth up to $200. All new users who register for an account using this offer will have thirty (30) days to wager a minimum of $800 with TwinSpires in order to unlock $200 in bonus cash, completely on the house – win or lose!
For every $400 wagered with TwinSpires during the thirty day promotional period, eligible users will unlock bonus cash in increments of $100. Once the promotion ends or the user successfully clears the $800 wagering requirement, any bonus cash earned will be added to the user’s account within ten (10) business days. As always, all bonus cash is set to expire if unused thirty (30) days after issuance.
AmWager
Despite flying under the radar a bit among active horse bettors, AmWager is an incredible platform offering one of the strongest welcome bonuses in the game. All new, first-time users who register for an account with AmWager will receive a 100% match up to $150 on their first deposit with the website.
In order to qualify, simply make an initial deposit of $150 or more. From there, place at least $150 in wagers within the first thirty (30) days of account creation. Once complete, a 100% match of the initial deposit will be credited to the player’s account within seven (7) business days. Any promotional funds must be wagered before they can be withdrawn and will expire thirty (30) days after being credited if unused.
How to place bets on the Kentucky Derby?
Depending on where you live in the United States will ultimately dictate all of your legal options for placing bets on the Kentucky Derby. We’ve got you covered with a state-by-state breakdown on which online platforms are currently accepting action on this year’s event in your state:
- Alabama: TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA Bets
- Arizona: TVG, TwinSpires
- Arkansas: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA Bets
- California: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA Bets
- Colorado: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA Bets
- Connecticut: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Delaware: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Florida: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Idaho: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager
- Illinois: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA
- Indiana: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Iowa: TVG, TwinSpires
- Kansas: TwinSpires, AmWager
- Kentucky: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Louisiana: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Maine: Residents of Maine are restricted to wagering with HollywoodRaces.com for any online wagering needs
- Maryland: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA
- Massachusetts: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Michigan: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA
- Minnesota: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA
- Montana: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Nebraska: TwinSpires, AmWager
- Nevada: Residents of Nevada are restricted to using online horse betting apps and websites provided by local casino companies
- New Hampshire: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- New Jersey: Residents of NJ are restricted to using 4NJBets, no other platforms available
- New Mexico: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager
- New York: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- North Dakota: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Ohio: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Oklahoma:TwinSpires, AmWager
- Oregon: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Pennsylvania: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA
- Rhode Island: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- South Dakota: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Tennessee: TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Vermont: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Virginia: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA
- Washington: TVG, TwinSpires, NYRA
- West Virginia: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Wisconsin: TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA
- Wyoming: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager
Residents of Mississippi and Texas are legally permitted to place wagers on horse racing at any in-person facilities but online horse betting remains illegal in those states.
Residents of Missouri are allowed to wager on horses in-person, however it must take place at a racetrack, which the state currently has none.
Unfortunately for bettors residing in Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Utah, betting on horse racing is still fully illegal in those states, regardless of whether it takes place in person or online.
Different types of Kentucky Derby betting
Much like any other horse racing event, there are tons of different ways to wager on The Kentucky Derby. Once you’ve sorted out your state-related specifications and selected your operator of choice, it’s time to get into some actual wagers. Horse betting terms may seem like a bit much at first, but they’re really quite simple:
- Win: Bet on a horse to win if you think they will finish in first place.
- Place: Betting on a horse to place allows the bettor to cash their ticket as long as their horse finishes in first or second place.
- Show: The payout will be slightly reduced, but betting on a horse to show will win as long as your horse finishes first, second, or third.
- Exacta: Pick the first and second place finishers correctly, in that exact order
- Quinella: Pick the first and second place finishers, order does not matter
- Trifecta: Pick the first, second, and third place finishers correctly, in that exact order
- Superfecta: Pick the first, second, third, and fourth place finishers correctly, in that exact order
- Super Hi-Five: Pick the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth finishers correctly, in that exact order
Bettors will also have the option to pair up their Kentucky Derby selections with picks from any of the other thirteen races occurring on Saturday:
- Double: Pick the first place winner in back-to-back races
- Pick 3: Pick the first place winner in three consecutive races
- Pick 4: Pick the first place winner in four consecutive races
- Pick 5: Pick the first place winner in five consecutive races
- Pick 6: Pick the first place winner in six consecutive races
Kentucky Derby 2022 results
The 148th running of the Kentucky Derby was not short on drama, as Rich Strike, a late addition due to a scratch, won despite being an 80-1 underdog.
Rich Strike’s historic victory (second-biggest upset in the history of the Derby) gave trainer Eric Reed and jockey Sonny Leon their first.
History of the Kentucky Derby
There is no question that the Kentucky Derby is one of the most recognizable, iconic events in the history of the United States. The race was inaugurated on May 17, 1875 and has typically occurred on the first Saturday in May for the past 146 years. A staple in both American and sports culture, “The Run for the Roses” has been taking place at the famous Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky since its initial run and the tradition continues to live on to this day. The race extends for one and a quarter miles on dirt and only allows three-year-old thoroughbreds to compete.
The Kentucky Derby’s first ever winner was a colt named Aristides, ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis and trained by Hall of Famer Ansel Williamson. Following the inaugural Derby, various thoroughbred owners decided to send their successful horses to compete in two other competitions, the Preakness Stakes at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York.
In 1919, a horse by the name of Sir Barton became the first ever to pull off a clean sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, in what would later be known as the Triple Crown, or the greatest accomplishment in the sport of horse racing. The term ‘Triple Crown’ wouldn’t be recognized in mainstream media until sportswriter Charles Hatton used the phrase to describe Gallant Fox’s 1930 sweep that marked just the second Triple Crown winner in history, at the time.
Since Sir Barton and Gallant Fox first set the standard for greatness, eleven more horses have locked up a Triple Crown. Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Affirmed (1978) were the only Triple Crown winners in history until American Pharaoh (2015) and Justify (2018) became the first horses this century to accomplish the historic feat.
After the 2020 Kentucky Derby was rescheduled to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race extended its ongoing streak of running uninterrupted every year since the inaugural race in 1875. Among the three Triple Crown races going, the Derby remains the only one to do so.
Kentucky Derby FAQs
Post is still TBA, but it’ll likely be similar to last year’s start (6:57pm ET) and will be aired on both NBC and Peacock. The race doesn’t take long, so we recommend tuning in a little early to to let the excitement build!
Online horse betting, including wagering on the Kentucky Derby, is live and legal in more than forty different states in some capacity. There may be some specific restrictions or rules in each individual state, however players located in the following areas should have no problem placing some legal online horse betting action on this year’s Derby:
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, & WY.
Players based in any of the states mentioned above can bet on the 2022 Kentucky Derby by heading over to any of the following horse betting apps or websites: TVG, TwinSpires, AmWager, NYRA Bets, or 4NJBets. Scroll up for a full breakdown of which platforms are available in each state.
Yes, of course! Each of the platforms described above are offering all new, first-time users a strong welcome bonus just for signing up! Check out the Kentucky Derby best offers explained section above for full details on each and every promotion, along with links that will take you directly to the site or app to register and claim your offer today!
It will either be 18+ or 21+, depending on the state you are in when betting on the Kentucky Derby. 18 is the more common age requirement, though some states require users to be 21 years old to use their online horse betting platform.
With odds of 17-1, Mage took home the 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
