Why this year’s Kentucky Derby is wide open
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This episode of USA Today's The Excerpt explores the 2026 Kentucky Derby, framing it as a uniquely wide-open race with no clear favorite. Host Dana Taylor is joined by horse racing reporter Jason Frakes and lifestyle reporter Kirby Adams, who break down the key storylines: Renegade, the current favorite, faces skepticism due to his number one post position—a spot that hasn’t produced a winner in 40 years. Other contenders like Commandment, Further Ado, Chief Wallaby, Emerging Market, and the Japanese long shot Danon Berberan are highlighted as potential dark horses. The discussion also touches on improved horse safety protocols at Churchill Downs following past tragedies, as well as major scheduling changes, including moving the Kentucky Oaks to primetime Friday night to boost national TV viewership. Beyond the race itself, the episode celebrates the Derby’s cultural significance—its fashion-forward traditions, the iconic 'Riders Up' celebrity moment, and the emotional power of the crowd singing 'My Old Kentucky Home.' The episode closes with anticipation for the new romantic drama *Kentucky Roses*, filmed at Churchill Downs, premiering the same weekend.
This year’s Kentucky Derby is unusually wide open, with seven to eight horses capable of winning.
The number one post position hasn’t produced a winner in 40 years, making Renegade’s odds tougher despite being the favorite.
Scheduling changes—especially moving the Oaks to primetime—aim to boost national TV exposure but may impact local businesses.
The Kentucky Derby remains a major social and cultural event, especially for women, blending fashion, music, and tradition.
The emotional climax of the race—the 'Riders Up' moment and crowd singing 'My Old Kentucky Home'—is a unifying, deeply felt experience.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Kentucky Derby: More Than Just a Race
“It's loud, it's crowded, it's a little chaotic, more than a little chaotic, and it all comes down to just two minutes on the track.”
Why This Year’s Derby Is Wide Open
“You go into the race and there's seven or eight horses that no one would be surprised if any of those won the race this year.”
Safety, Scheduling, and the Future of Churchill Downs
Frakes discusses improvements in horse safety and the controversial shift of the Oaks to primetime, balancing national exposure with local business concerns.
The Fashion, Music, and Culture of Derby Weekend
“There's nothing, nothing like it. In my life, I've never been to any other event where the electricity is just zooming back and forth throughout 150,000 people the way it is at the Kentucky Derby.”
The Final Countdown: From Film to Fanfare
The episode wraps with a preview of the new film *Kentucky Roses* and reflections on the emotional heart of the Derby, including the 'Riders Up' moment and the tradition of 'My Old Kentucky Home'.
“There's nothing, nothing like it. In my life, I've never been to any other event where the electricity is just zooming back and forth throughout 150,000 people the way it is at the Kentucky Derby.”
“I'm not from Kentucky, but I've been here for almost 30 years and I get really choked up when everybody in the stands starts to sing my old Kentucky home.”
“You go into the race and there's seven or eight horses that no one would be surprised if any of those won the race this year.”
Host
Guests
Kentucky Derby
other
Jason Frakes
person
Kirby Adams
person
Churchill Downs
other
Courier-Journal
other
Renegade
other
My Old Kentucky Home
media
USA Today
other
Tedeschi Trucks Band
other
Kentucky Roses
media
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