Photos from the 152nd Kentucky Derby: The best day in horse racing, the 'sport of kings'

2 hours ago 9

May 2, 2026, 4:57 PM EDT / Updated May 2, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT

Every year, the Kentucky Derby produces some of the best visuals in sports: horses galloping around a dirt track, the stands filled with spectators dressed in linen suits, gaudy dresses and even gaudier hats, the twin spires of Churchill Downs looming above. The Derby has gone on like this for more than 150 years.

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Long ago, horse racing was referred to as the “sport of kings” for its connection to nobility and high society. The Derby offers us all a chance to play dress-up, celebrate this historic sport and travel back in time.

Follow along for live updates.

The sights, the sounds, the grandeur — at the end of the day, it’s almost as important as which horse wins.

Horses.

Race fans pass by the Pat Day statue.

Attendees look at betting books.

Horses break from the starting gate.

A composite image of people at the Kentucky Derby.

Fans look over the program.

Horses take off from the starting gate.

A man smokes a cigar while watching the fourth race.

People wear Derby hats.

Attendees check racing forms of the prep races.

Overall view of race track.

May 2, 2026, 4:57 PM EDT / Updated May 2, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT

Every year, the Kentucky Derby produces some of the best visuals in sports: horses galloping around a dirt track, the stands filled with spectators dressed in linen suits, gaudy dresses and even gaudier hats, the twin spires of Churchill Downs looming above. The Derby has gone on like this for more than 150 years.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Long ago, horse racing was referred to as the “sport of kings” for its connection to nobility and high society. The Derby offers us all a chance to play dress-up, celebrate this historic sport and travel back in time.

Follow along for live updates.

The sights, the sounds, the grandeur — at the end of the day, it’s almost as important as which horse wins.

Horses.

Race fans pass by the Pat Day statue.

Attendees look at betting books.

Horses break from the starting gate.

A composite image of people at the Kentucky Derby.

Fans look over the program.

Horses take off from the starting gate.

A man smokes a cigar while watching the fourth race.

People wear Derby hats.

Attendees check racing forms of the prep races.

Overall view of race track.

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