The Ultimate Guide to Streaming The Kentucky Derby on Your Tablet

ByJim Miller

It is that time of the year when we have to prepare for the most exciting two minutes of sports in the Kentucky Derby.

But this year is special. It is the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby and the organizers at Churchill Downs are already building the hype by saying that this is going to be one of the most exciting Kentucky Derby races in history.

They’ve introduced new renovations to the racetrack and sitting arrangement by introducing new areas, and the competition is quite big in the Road to Kentucky Races.

So, whether you are a horse racing lover or someone who likes the adrenaline rush from competitions, the Kentucky Derby is a must-watch!

How can you stream the Kentucky Derby on your tablet? Is it possible to watch it on a handheld device? And how to do it? Let’s find out.

About the Kentucky Derby

This is one of the most demanding horse races in the world. Why? Well, because of the competition. Every racehorse owner in the world likes to win the Kentucky Derby, which means that only the best of the best horses will compete.

It is a spectacle of speed and stamina and involves the world’s fastest three-year-old thoroughbreds running over a distance of 1.25 miles. Sounds simple enough? Well, it’s not.

It is not just a race, is a cultural phenomenon, with a huge tradition that is well embedded into the roots of the race. It is also a fashion show, a red carpet, a great spot for advertisers, and the starting gates of a possible Triple Crown Champion!

Where and When to Watch

The 150th run of the Kentucky Derby will be held on May 4th, 2024, with the main event scheduled around 6:57 PM ET. But the revelry stretches from 12:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET, giving you a full day of equestrian excitement​​.

Streaming the Derby

  • NBC & Peacock: NBC is the traditional home for the Derby, offering extensive coverage that spans the full race day. For those preferring a streaming service, Peacock steps up, streaming all of Derby Day’s events live. Yes, that includes the undercard races that build up to the main event.
  • FuboTV: Offering more than just a window to the Derby, FuboTV gives you 200+ channels of entertainment. With plans starting at $79.99/month, it includes NBC among its selection, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action. Plus, there’s a free trial to get you started​.
  • Sling TV: Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Sling TV throws its hat in the ring with packages that include NBC in many locations. It’s a great way to catch the Derby and more without breaking the bank​.
  • Hulu + Live TV & YouTube TV: Both platforms offer NBC as part of their packages, with Hulu starting at $76.99/month and YouTube TV at $72.99/month. They both come with hefty on-demand libraries and the flexibility to cancel anytime​.

If you’re among the cable-cutters or simply prefer the digital nomad lifestyle, these streaming services are your ticket to the Derby. Most offer free trials, so you can choose based on your other viewing preferences and budget.

Plus, they are all apps, which means they can be downloaded on your tablet for easy remote viewership. The only thing you need is high-speed internet and you are good to go. 

Tips from the Winner’s Circle

Check the Network Coverage: Before you commit, make sure NBC (or the equivalent broadcaster in your country) is included in the service you pick.

Don’t Forget the Undercard: The main event might be the draw, but the undercard races offer plenty of excitement and are a great way to get into the Derby spirit.

Look Out for Deals: Some services offer deals, like Sling TV’s antenna offer, which might add value to your subscription​.

What If You Are Outside of the US?

As you probably already know, NBC is geo-restricted to US residents only. Therefore, obtaining access to this network outside of the US is a little hard. 

So, what does this mean for international access to the Kentucky Derby?

Well, there are a few choices:

Local Cable Network

In most cases, NBC alongside Churchill Downs is selling the rights to air the events to sports networks oversee. This means that local TV networks might cover the Kentucky Derby. So, before you start planning how to get access to the Kentucky Derby, check with your local cable TV networks. 

Channels like Sky Sports are usually streaming the event live, which makes it accessible even for non-US residents.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

The second option would be to use a VPN. It might be a bit more complicated than the ones we covered so far, but you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to set it up. You just need to subscribe to a VPN service, change your IP to the US, and try to get access to the Kentucky Derby by getting a streaming subscription.

Pro Tip: Some people choose the 7-day free trial that is sometimes offered by streaming services, get a VPN, change their location to the US, watch the race, and cancel the streaming subscription.