When Is the Kentucky Derby 2022? Start Time, TV Channel, Weather For Horse Race

The first leg of the Triple Crown gets underway Saturday with the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Inclement weather has a chance to play a role in the 148th Run for the Roses.

Post time for the 2022 Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs. With rain possibly in the forecast for Louisville, Ky., the 20-horse field could be forced to race in sloppy conditions.

"There’s a traffic jam setting up in the atmosphere later this week, and that will slow the forward progress of a storm system moving through the Ohio Valley around the time of the Kentucky Derby festivities," AccuWeather Meteorologist Reneé Duff said.

There’s currently an 85% chance of rain in Louisville on Saturday with a 17% chance of thunderstorms during the day, according to the latest Accuweather forecast.

“The dirt track at Churchill will dry out pretty quickly once the rain stops, so even if there is a little bit of rain in the morning, chances are the track will be fast by Derby time. If the showers linger later in the day, the track could still be a bit wet for the Derby,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brian Thompson said.

NBC will broadcast the Kentucky Derby on network TV. Viewers can also streasm the race on Peacock. There will be five hours of coverage on both NBC and Peacock, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday.

Zandon opened as the betting favorite to win this year’s Kentucky Derby with 3/1 odds. Epicenter is second with 7/2 odds, but a sloppy track could open up the path to victory for any number of longshots.