Kentucky Derby Betting Down as Golden Tempo Wins Big
Kentucky Derby betting for the keystone race declined by 2.6 percent in 2026, with a $9 million drop in year-over-year receipts, according to Churchill Downs.
The overall wagering on Derby Day was $340 million, down from $349 million in 2025.
Despite the drop in betting on Derby Day itself, Churchill Downs reported an increase across Derby Week. The Kentucky track owners reported a record $487 million in all-sources handle, up $13 million from 12 months ago.
Oaks Day was perhaps Churchill Downs’ biggest of the week. It recorded $88.5 million in handle for that day alone, which went some way in boosting the track’s year-over-year performance.
At a Glance:
- All-source wagering on the Run for the Roses was $225 million in 2026, down $9 million YoY
- $340 million in betting for Derby Day, also down $9 million from 2025
- Derby Week wagers rose 3% to $487 million
- Online betting at TwinSpires up 6% YoY
- Golden Tempo wins 152nd Kentucky Derby at odds of +2300
TwinSpires is the biggest betting winner
TwinSpires, the official online sports betting partner of the Kentucky Derby, saw the biggest jump in wagers. It had a 6% increase in bets across the entire Derby Week, handling a record $129 million. That was up from $122 million in 2025.
Within that came $89 million in wagers for Derby Day alone, $57 million of which was on the Kentucky Derby itself.
Interestingly, Kentucky recently updated its sports betting bill despite objections from Gov. Andy Beshear. The legal betting age in Kentucky has been raised from 18 to 21. Plus, fixed-odds betting on horse racing is also now legal in Kentucky.
Golden Tempo secures historic 23/1 winner for Cherie DeVaux
Golden Tempo won the biggest race of the week, the iconic Kentucky Derby. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, Golden Tempo won by a neck against Renegade. DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, earning a $3.1 million purse in the process.
“We commend the connections of Golden Tempo on an exceptional victory in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby,” said Churchill Downs, Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen. “This year’s Kentucky Derby Week was a remarkable celebration of racing.”
Despite being one of the favorites, Renegade was well off the pace during the race. However, it had a stunning final few lengths, putting smiles on the faces of its backers. Bookmakers like DraftKings were smiling, however, after the favorite was edged on the line by Golden Tempo, with Joe Ortiz riding.
Great White rears and misses race to deny gamblers
Kentucky Derby betting would have been even higher, were it not for the very late omission of Great White. The horse reared up just before the race started. Gamblers were refunded, but not in time to place their money elsewhere.
Additionally, the decision to move the Kentucky Oaks probably helped Churchill Downs. The track moved the race to 8:40 p.m., arguably increasing television viewership and online betting.
