Australian horse racing fans, get ready for an event on May 4th, 2024, as the 150th Kentucky Derby kicks off at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This race marks the beginning of the Triple Crown series and boasts a highly competitive field limited to just 20 horses.
Australian fans can enjoy live coverage of this event at no cost through Virgin Media Player. Sky Sports and Peacock TV (NBC Sports) will also broadcast the event live for fans to know further details on how to watch 2024 Kentucky Derby Live Stream in Australia, read the guide ahead.
Watch 2024 Kentucky Derby Live Stream in Australia
Horse Racing fans in Australia can watch Kentucky Derby live stream on Virgin Media Player and to stream the event live, you have to follow the steps below.
Watch Kentucky Derby Live Stream in Australia
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN or PIAVPN.
- Download the VPN app.
- Connect to a server in Ireland.
- Log in to your Virgin Media Player account.
- Watch Kentucky Derby Live on Virgin Media Player in Australia!
Where to Watch Kentucky Derby Live in Australia
Aussie fans stream Kentucky Derby live from their homes via streaming services like Virgin Media Player, Peacock TV, and Sky Sports. Details for streaming the event are provided below.
Watch Kentucky Derby Live on Virgin Media Player in Australia

In Australia, horse racing fans can watch the Kentucky Derby live on Virgin Media Player. Fans in Ireland have the opportunity to watch the race for free on Virgin Media Two (TV) and stream it online for free through Virgin Media Player. Whether you prefer watching on television or streaming online, Virgin Media has you covered.
Watch Kentucky Derby Live on Peacock TV in Australia
If you’re in Australia and want to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby live, you can watch it on Peacock TV. NBC is airing the event starting at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT on Saturday, with live coverage. To access Peacock, you’ll need a subscription.
The Premium membership costs $5.99 a month, while the Premium Plus plan, which gives you an ad-free experience, is $11.99 a month. Peacock is not only a great streaming service but it’s also compatible with most popular streaming devices.
Watch Kentucky Derby Live on Sky Sports in Australia
In Australia, you can watch the Kentucky Derby live on Sky Sports. While in the UK, both Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV will be covering the event. The main race is scheduled to start at 11:57 p.m. BST on Saturday. It’s sure to be an exciting event, and these channels will bring you all the joys and excitement of horse racing straight to your screen.
Kentucky Derby 2024 Runners & Riders List
Runners | Riders |
---|---|
Dornoch | Luis Saez |
Sierra Leone | Tyler Gaffalione |
Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez Jr. |
Catching Freedom | Flavien Prat |
Catalytic | Jose Ortiz |
Just Steel | Keith Asmussen |
Honor Marie | Ben Curtis |
Just a Touch | Florent Geroux |
T O Password | Kazushi Kimura |
Forever Young | Ryusei Sakai |
Track Phantom | Joel Rosario |
West Saratoga | Jesus Castanon |
Endlessly | Umberto Rispoli |
Domestic Product | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
Grand Mo The First | Emisael Jaramillo |
Fierceness | John Velazquez |
Stronghold | Antonio Fresu |
Resilience | Junior Alvarado |
Society Man | Frankie Dettori |
Epic Ride | Adam Beschizza |
Kentucky Derby 2024 Preview
The 2024 Kentucky Derby, scheduled for Saturday, May 4th at Churchill Downs, is gearing up to be an electrifying event. In its 150th running, the competition is fierce, with only 20 horses allowed in the field. As the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, the stakes are high as contenders vie for the prestigious title. Expert predictions and odds highlight favorites like Fierceness, Sierra Leone, and Catching Freedom, setting the stage for an intense battle on the iconic Churchill Downs track.
Adding to the excitement are trainers like Brad Cox, who has multiple entries in the race. Their quest for victory adds an extra layer of intrigue to the event. The Kentucky Derby post time is set for 6:57 p.m. ET, with live TV coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET, ensuring fans worldwide can witness the thrill firsthand. As anticipation mounts and the countdown to the “Run for the Roses” continues, all eyes are on Churchill Downs for what promises to be an unforgettable 2024 Kentucky Derby.
“An IMPOSSIBLE result here!”
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 2, 2024
It’s been 15 years since Mine That Bird (50-1) came from last to first to win the Kentucky Derby. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/oVZrwHpLIm
What is the purse for Kentucky Derby 2024?
This year’s Kentucky Derby features an impressive total purse of $5 million, marking a significant increase of $2 million from last year’s sum of $3 million. The top prize winner stands to claim $3.1 million, a notable rise from the $1.86 million awarded last year.
The runner-up will receive $1 million, with the third-place contender securing $500,000. Fourth place carries a prize of $250,000, while fifth place earns $150,000. Among the Triple Crown races, the Kentucky Derby offers the highest purse. In comparison, both the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes provide purses of $2 million each this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
Horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby through a series of races known as the “Road to the Kentucky Derby”, where points are awarded to the top finishers in each race.
What is the race distance of the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby race distance is 1¼ miles or 10 furlongs, and the race typically lasts around two minutes, earning it the nickname “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
Where does the Kentucky Derby take place?
The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Who won the previous Kentucky Derby races leading up to 2024?
The winners of the Kentucky Derby from 2000 to 2023 include notable horses like Medina Spirit, Justify, American Pharoah, and California Chrome.
What are some key events leading up to the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Events like Thurby on May 2, Kentucky Oaks on May 3, and the Kentucky Derby on May 4 are part of the Derby weekend schedule, offering a range of activities for attendees.