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Virtual Kentucky Derby: Where to stream and how to bet on the Triple Crown Showdown

By Josh Hill

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 04: Country House #20, ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, War of Will #1, ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione , Maximum Security #7, ridden by jockey Luis Saez and Code of Honor #13, ridden by jockey John Velazquez fight for position in the final turn during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 04: Country House #20, ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, War of Will #1, ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione , Maximum Security #7, ridden by jockey Luis Saez and Code of Honor #13, ridden by jockey John Velazquez fight for position in the final turn during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Kentucky Derby is still happening, albeit virtually and with the greatest horses to have ever raced. 

For a second straight year, we won’t have a horse in the Triple Crown race.

After last year’s bizarre Kentucky Derby disqualification controversy produced no true winner (Country House won but didn’t race in the Preakness), we are once again presented with an unprecedented situation.

Amid a global pandemic, the Kentucky Derby has been canceled. There will be no live race, there will be no winner — but there will be a Triple Crown conversation.

Specifically, we will have a virtual race of every horse to ever win the Triple Crown in place of the Kentucky Derby. That’s right, if you’re looking to get a thoroughbred fix this weekend like you were planning to, the plan is still (mostly) on.

How Will Kentucky Derby Work?

Obviously, there are no horses racing — but that doesn’t mean there’s no racing at all.

Rather than racing the best horses right now, NBC will be airing a simulation to determine what the best horse ever is. Specifically, which Triple Crown winner is the G.O.A.T., which is actually a pretty fascinating substitute to what we’re accustomed to.

The most interesting thing about the Derby is finding out what horse will have a shot at winning the Triple Crown. Throughout the entire history of racing, there have only been 13 horses to complete the Triple Crown, and until American Pharoah did won in 2015 it hadn’t happened in 37 years.

Since then there have been two winners — American Pharoah was followed three years later by Justify — and for the second straight year we won’t have a chance to see if a third horse can follow.

Can I Bet On the Virtual Kentucky Derby

Hell yes, you can. Technically there’s no actual betting allowed but there’s charity involved to benefit COVD-19 relief, so gamblers can finally use their degenerate powers for the greater good.

Here are the odds:

  • Affirmed, 1978 (5-1)
  • Assault, 1946 (20-1)
  • Secretariat, 1973 (7-2)
  • Sir Barton, 1919 (20-1)
  • Seattle Slew, 1977 (5-1)
  • American Pharoah, 2015 (6-1)
  • Gallant Fox, 1930 (20-1)
  • Citation, 1948 (4-1)
  • War Admiral, 1937 (8-1)
  • Whirlaway, 1941 (6-1)
  • Count Fleet, 1943 (6-1)
  • Justify, 2018 (15-1)
  • Omaha, 1935 (20-1)

Kentucky Derby Viewing Guide

Everything is happening virtually, so that means you’ll have to keep up on both NBC and the Derby’s social media feeds to get all of the action. Here’s a list of the biggest events if you want to strip out all of the pomp and replicate your Dervy experience as though everything was normal.

3:00-6:00 p.m.

The First Saturday in May: The American Pharoah Derby, NBC

5:00 p.m.

Virtual Toast, KY Derby Social Media

5:15 p.m.

My Old Kentucky Home, KY Derby Social Media

5:45 p.m.

Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown, NBC

For the events that are happening on social media, you can follow along on the Derby’s Facebook or Twitter pages.

How to Watch Kentucky Derby

Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 5:45 p.m. ET
Streaming: NBC Sports

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