The 2023 Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, attracting millions of viewers for the high-stakes horse race.
With the "most exciting two minutes in sports," anything can happen, as seen with Rich Strike's underdog victory in last year's Derby. Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
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What time is the race?
The race is scheduled to begin at 6:57 p.m. at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and will be televised by NBC.
Who are the favorites?
The favorites to win the race, based on betting odds going into Saturday, are Forte with 7-2 odds, Angel of Empire with 6-1 odds, and Tapit Trice with 6-1 odds. Odds may change until the start of the race Saturday evening.
Who are the long shots?
The longest-shot horses to win, based on betting odds going into Saturday, are Cyclone Mischief with 44-1 odds, King Russell with 44-1 odds, and Jace's Road with 42-1 odds. Odds may change up to the start of the race Saturday evening.
In last year's race, Rich Strike had the longest odds of the field but was able to pull off the improbable victory.
Why was trainer Saffie Joseph suspended indefinitely?
Trainer Saffie Joseph was suspended indefinitely on Thursday following the "highly-unusual sudden deaths of two horses trained by Joseph," according to Churchill Downs. The horses, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, died on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, following races.
“Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood,” Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of Churchill Downs Inc., said in a statement.
“The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility,” he added.
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Lord Miles, another horse trained by Joseph, was also scratched from Saturday's race.
Saturday's race will be the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. The event has been held every year since 1875. The event also marks the first event of the illustrious Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The last Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018.