The 2021 Kentucky Derby is set to take place at 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky derby is back to kicking off the Triple Crown in 2021. Last year, the Kentucky Derby was the second leg of the Triple Crown, with the change coming due to the coronavirus.
Fans were not allowed at last year's Kentucky Derby due to the pandemic, but Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is expecting to be able to let in a limited number of fans this year. Last year's Kentucky Derby took place in September.
The 147th running of the Kentucky Derby and will run at its usual 1 1/4 miles.
The weather for the Kentucky Derby is always a factor for the horses and jockeys participating, but now that fans are likely allowed back through the gates, it will be a factor for the spectators as well.
Who wins the Kentucky Derby? And which massive long shot is a must-back? Visit SportsLine right now to get Jody Demling's Kentucky Derby winner, see which huge long shot contends, and get the finish positions for every single horse, all from the expert who's nailed nine Derby-Oaks doubles!
Here is the weather report for the day of the event as of Friday, April 23
2021 Kentucky Derby forecast:
Service: The Weather Channel
Projected weather: Sunny, max UV Index of 8
Projected temperatures: High of 75, low of 56
Race-time projection: 73 degrees, sunny, 30% humidity, winds at 11 mph
Chance of rain: 0% chance of rain
Service: AccuWeather
Projected weather: Mostly sunny, max UV Index of 9
Projected temperatures: High of 75, low of 58
Race-time projection: 75 degrees, sunny, 33% humidity, winds at 13 mph
Chance of rain: 0% chance of rain
