The 152nd Kentucky Derby, scheduled for May 2nd, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is rapidly approaching, with a leaderboard beginning to take shape as horses compete for qualifying points on the Road to the Derby.
Currently, Paladin, owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter M. Brant, Brook T. Smith & Summer Wind Equine LLC, holds the top ranking with 60 points. The colt, trained by Chad C. Brown and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, has earned $437,500 in earnings. Second place is held by The Puma, owned by OGMA Investments LLC, JR Ranch, and High Step Racing LLC, with 56 points. Gustavo Delgado trains The Puma, and Javier Castellano is set to be the jockey. The Puma has accumulated $230,000 in earnings.
Silent Tactic, owned by John C. Oxley, currently sits in third place with 50 points. Mark E. Casse is the trainer, and Cristian A. Torres is the jockey. Silent Tactic has earned $742,630. Class President, a WinStar Farm LLC, First Head Racing, and CHC Inc. Entry, is tied for third with 50 points, trained by Todd A. Pletcher and ridden by John R. Velazquez.
The Kentucky Derby, a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, is known as “The Run for the Roses,” with the winning horse draped in a blanket of roses. The race covers a distance of 1 ¼ miles and offers a purse of $5 million, with $3.1 million awarded to the winner. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds, while fillies carry 121 pounds.
Churchill Downs, the historic home of the Kentucky Derby, conducts Thoroughbred horse racing throughout the year. The 2026 Derby marks the 152nd renewal of the race, often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
Tickets and hospitality packages for the 2026 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are currently available, including reserved seating with all-inclusive amenities and access to offsite parking. Luxury dining options are also being offered, providing private spaces for an elevated race-day experience.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues, with horses vying for points in designated races to secure a spot in the starting gate. The leaderboard will continue to evolve as the Derby approaches.
