How to Listen to the Kentucky Derby on the Radio: The Complete 2026 Guide
As the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated annual sporting events in America. Over 150,000 fans flock to Churchill Downs in Louisville on the first Saturday in May to experience the "Run for the Roses" in person. But for the millions who can‘t make it to the Derby, radio provides an unparalleled way to transport yourself right to the track and soak in the excitement.
According to Nielsen ratings, over 15.5 million viewers tuned into the 2022 Kentucky Derby across multiple TV networks. However, a sizeable portion of fans still prefer following along on the radio – ratings for the live race call have remained steady over recent years. There are several reasons why tuning into a radio broadcast captures the spirit of the Derby:
- Expert commentary from veteran hosts and analysts
- Insider interviews with jockeys, owners and trainers
- Build-up and live call of the big race
- Sights and sounds that immerse you in the moment
- Flexibility to listen anywhere
As a horse racing expert and enthusiasts with years under my belt, I want to provide an in-depth guide to listening to the 149th Kentucky Derby on the radio. From getting coverage on the dial in Louisville to streaming online across the country, here is everything you need to know to catch all the action.
When and How to Tune In
The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday of May every year at Churchill Downs race track in Louisville, Kentucky.
- The 2023 Kentucky Derby will run on Saturday, May 6 with an approximate post time of 6:57 pm Eastern.
- However, radio coverage and pre-race programming begins in the morning and continues through the evening with post-race analysis. Most stations start their broadcasts around 8 am Eastern.
- To tune in, you can listen via a radio, streaming online, mobile apps or connected devices like smart speakers.
- In Louisville, home to Churchill Downs, local stations like WLKY provide extensive coverage on 99.7 FM or 1240 AM.
I‘ll provide more details below on listening options and top radio broadcasts covering the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Key Radio Networks Broadcasting the Derby
Here is a guide to the major national radio networks that carry live Kentucky Derby coverage from Churchill Downs. Tune into one of these stations to receive the full day of commentary, interviews, analysis and the all-important live race call.
Horse Racing Radio Network
The preeminent horse racing station, Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) provides wire-to-wire coverage of the Kentucky Derby and other major races. Their broadcast team features recognizable hosts like Mike Penna, Kurt Becker and Jason Beem, along with expert analysts and former jockeys.
HRRN has correspondents stationed around Churchill Downs all day long reporting live. Their coverage transports listeners to the Derby scene with interviews, updates on the betting odds, behind-the-scenes access and much more leading up to the race call.
This station is a must-listen for thoroughbred racing fans on the first Saturday in May. You can tune in to HRRN through their website, mobile app, SiriusXM channel or TuneIn.
HRRN‘s broadcast team calls the Kentucky Derby live from Churchill Downs (Image: horseracingradio.net)
ESPN Radio
The sports radio giant devotes significant airtime to the Kentucky Derby across its talk shows and live national broadcast.
ESPN Radio offers expert analysis of the horses and odds along with reporting and interviews from Churchill Downs. On Derby Day, it‘s a great option for sports fans seeking coverage alongside ESPN‘s other sports talk and games.
The network provides live radio streaming through their website and app. You can also check listings for local ESPN radio affiliates in your area that may be carrying the Kentucky Derby.
ESPN Radio offers national sports talk coverage of major events like the Kentucky Derby (Image by ESPN)
Westwood One Sports
This national radio network partners with hundreds of local stations across the U.S. to provide live coverage of major sporting events.
Westwood One Sports carries the exclusive national live race call of the Kentucky Derby, along with several hours of pre-race programming. Listeners can expect lively discussion, interviews with horse racing personalities, updates from Churchill Downs and analysis of all the Derby contenders.
Check Westwood One‘s site leading up to the Derby to find local radio affiliates in your area that will be broadcasting the network‘s live race day feed. Streaming is also available through Westwood One online and their mobile app.
Westwood One Sports provides the live race call and coverage of big events to partner stations (Image: Westwood One Sports)
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
The satellite radio provider offers subscribers extensive Kentucky Derby coverage across multiple channels. Fans can get wire-to-wire coverage on Derby Day by tuning into:
- Sirius 147 Rural Radio – Horse racing talk, interviews, coverage all week long
- Sirius 82 Mad Dog Sports Radio – Live race call, expert analysis
- Sirius 84 ESPN Xtra – ESPN‘s Derby talk and live broadcast
With SiriusXM, you can listen from anywhere nationwide. Tune into these channels for an all-access pass to the sights, sounds and excitement of Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
SiriusXM offers several channels with Kentucky Derby coverage (Image: SiriusXM)
How to Listen to the Kentucky Derby Radio Broadcast
There are several easy ways to tune into Kentucky Derby radio coverage no matter where you are:
On a Radio Dial
If you are local to Louisville or another area broadcasting a station covering the Derby, just turn your radio dial to the AM or FM station airing the event live.
Stream Online
Many radio stations and networks provide a live audio stream on their website or mobile app. Simply search for the station online and click their "Listen Live" link.
Radio Apps
Download smartphone apps like Horse Racing Radio, ESPN Radio, TuneIn or iHeartRadio to access live Derby streams.
Connected Devices
Use voice commands to request live Derby coverage on smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home. Streaming sticks like Roku also carry radio apps.
SiriusXM Satellite
As a SiriusXM subscriber, tune to channels like Rural Radio, Mad Dog Sports or ESPN Xtra for Derby Day coverage.
With these streaming options, out-of-town fans don‘t have to miss a minute of the action at Churchill Downs!
Streaming radio on a smartphone or website provides flexible Kentucky Derby listening (Image: John Bareham via marco.org)
What to Expect from the Kentucky Derby Radio Broadcast
Far more than just the two-minute race call, a Kentucky Derby radio broadcast gives listeners an all-access pass to the sights, sounds, color and anticipation of this one-of-a-kind event. Here are some highlights:
Early Morning Build-Up – Coverage starts early with scene-setting, anticipation and updates on the festival atmosphere at Churchill Downs. Guidance on wagering strategy also starts early.
Celebrity Interviews – Derby parties attract A-list stars and you‘ll hear many make their way to the radio booth.
Handicapping Analysis – Hosts and analysts provide in-depth breakdowns of the field, odds, and which horses they expect to contend. This insight helps inform wagering.
Features – You‘ll hear segments, interviews and profiles that spotlight unique stories from Derby history, favorite traditions and more. The radio broadcast showcases what makes the race special.
Performances – Listen to renditions of "My Old Kentucky Home" along with the national anthem as the crowd sings along in unison.
The Live Race Call – Finally, the iconic race is described in vivid detail lap-by-lap by announcers expertly calling the action.
In the build-up to those thrilling two minutes when the winner crosses the finish line, radio makes you feel like you‘re soaking in the atmosphere and electricity at Churchill Downs.
Radio allows listeners to experience the crowds, cheers and energy as the Derby horses race (Photo: Coady Photography)
Why Radio Captures the Spirit of the Kentucky Derby
For almost a century, radio has gone hand-in-hand with experiencing the Kentucky Derby. While television viewing has grown tremendously, radio still offers unique advantages:
- Flexibility – Listen at home, in the car, at a party or on the go. Be part of the action wherever you are.
- Visualize the Scene – Vivid commentary lets your imagination recreate all the Derby sights and sounds. It transports you to Churchill Downs even if you can‘t make the trip.
- Insider Access – Radio hosts often gain special behind-the-scenes access listeners might miss even watching on TV. The broadcast feels like an all-access pass.
- Timeless Tradition – For generations of fans, listening to the Derby on the radio is ingrained as an annual family tradition. It just feels right.
- Build Excitement – The ongoing coverage on Derby Day amplifies the anticipation leading up to those two minutes when a champion is crowned.
Radio presents the Kentucky Derby in an intimate, imaginative way that newer technologies can‘t replicate. Tune in to be part of an American sports tradition continuing to thrive in the digital age.
Radio Listening Tips to Enhance Your Kentucky Derby Experience
To make the most of listening to the Kentucky Derby on the radio, keep these tips in mind:
- Listen early for the setup, scene at Churchill Downs, puff pieces and celebrity interviews that set the stage.
- Bet along as hosts and analysts provide informed picks and the latest odds in real-time. Let their insights guide your wagers.
- Picture the scene and let the announcers‘ words paint the picture of the crowds, infield, parties, celebrities, fashion and pageantry.
- Lean in for the race call – turn up the volume to be immersed in all the audible action as the horses charge to the finish.
- Stick around post-race for jockey interviews, stories with owners of the winner, revelations on key moments and perspectives on the race with the benefit of hindsight.
- Engage on social media – follow the conversation on Twitter and Facebook to connect with other listeners experiencing the Derby in real-time.
By embracing these best practices when tuning into a radio broadcast, you‘ll feel like an armchair expert at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May!
Finding a Derby Radio Broadcast Outside Louisville
While being local to Churchill Downs provides the easiest access to Kentucky Derby radio coverage, fans across the U.S. and around the world can still tune in.
If your area doesn‘t have a local station providing Derby coverage, try:
- NPR – Many affiliates provide at least the live race call along with special NPR broadcasts like Morning Edition on Derby day
- CBS Sports Radio – National programs on CBS Sports Radio share live updates
- TSN Radio – For listeners in Canada, TSN Radio carries Derby coverage
- Radio Apps – The apps for TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio and others will have live streams available
- Shortwave Radio – With a shortwave radio, you may be able to get broadcasts from Louisville on Derby Day. Conditions vary.
With all the radio options now available in the digital age, there are plenty of ways to get wired into the excitement at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
Immerse Yourself in the 2023 Kentucky Derby by Radio
From the early morning handicapping analysis through the triumphant finish line call as a new champion is crowned, a radio broadcast of the Kentucky Derby delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Tune into the marathon coverage across award-winning horse racing stations, sports networks and local gems to be transported right to Churchill Downs. Expert hosts break down the field, set the scene, interview racing celebrities and deliver the live action blow-by-blow.
As a longtime fan and horse racing expert, I highly recommend radio as the ideal way to feel the build-up, anticipation and thrill of the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Radio uniquely transports you trackside to get goosebumps as the horses thunder by in the race for the roses.