2024 Kentucky Oaks live, think pink, how to watch free

The 150th running of the 2024 Kentucky Oaks traditionally takes place the Friday before Kentucky Derby Day. This year the date falls on Friday 3 May 2024, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race, which dates to 1875, is for qualified three-year-old fillies and now has a Think Pink Theme thanks to the color of lilies awarded to the winner.

The Kentucky Derby held the next day on the 2nd, is a race for three-year-old thoroughbreds, and also has a flower-themed tradition. The race is often called the “Run for the Roses” due to the longtime tradition of the winner being awarded a blanket of roses.

What time does the Kentucky Oaks start?

Kentucky Oaks is traditionally started on Friday and begins at 10:30 am – 7:00 pm at Churchill Downs before the derby day.

What’s the schedule for Kentucky Oaks?

  • Number of races: 13
  • Gates open at 9:30 a.m. ET
  • First post: 10:30 a.m. ET
  • Last post: 7:00 p.m. ET

Stakes: $1.25 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks (3-year-old fillies, 1 1/8 miles, dirt); $500,000, Grade 1 La Troienne (fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles, dirt); $400,000, Grade 2 Alysheba (4-year-olds and up, 1 1/16 miles, dirt); $300,000, Grade 2 Eight Belles (3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs, dirt); $300,000, Grade 2 Edgewood (3-year-old fillies, 1 1/16 miles, turf); $250,000, Grade 2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (3-year-olds and up, 5 ½ furlongs, turf)

Fillies qualify for the Kentucky Oaks by winning one of several races held across the country. The Oaks field, subject to scratches, has firmed up over the last few weeks and is limited to only fourteen fillies. The final three races on the “Road to Kentucky Oaks” have several more races on the points schedule including three in April prior to the Oaks.

The “Think Pink” color and event theme not only inspires people watching the race to wear pink, but it is now a race associated with raising Breast and Ovarian cancer awareness. Prior to the running of the Oaks, the track at Churchill Downs hosts the annual Survivors Parade in which survivors of Breast and Ovarian cancer walk the track.

Even though the race is run in May the field is being set and several fillies have risen to the top of the favorites list according to several betting sites. Malathaat is one of those horses.

Malathaat comes into the race at +1200 or 12/1 after winning two races at different and placing second at three different tracks. This shows the Louisville-born filly travels well and does not let different surroundings bother her.

Kentucky Oaks Basics:

  • Churchill Downs / Louisville, Kentucky
  • Track: dirt / one mile
  • Oaks race length: 1 1/8 miles
  • Weight/Jockey: 121 pounds
  • First run: 1875
  • Total Purse: 1.25 million
  • First: $750 thousand
  • TV coverage: NBC Sports

The Kentucky Oaks, Winners, trainer, jockey

YearWinnerJockeyTrainer
2024
2023Pretty MischievousTyler GaffalioneBrendan Walsh
2022Secret OathLuis SaezD. Wayne Lukas
2021MalathaatJohn R. VelazquezTodd A. Pletcher
2020ShedaresthedevilFlorent GerouxBrad H. Cox
2019Serengeti EmpressJosé OrtizTom Amoss
2018Monomoy GirlFlorent GerouxBrad H. Cox
2017Abel TasmanMike E. SmithBob Baffert
2016Cathryn SophiaJavier CastellanoJohn Servis
2015Lovely MariaKerwin ClarkJ. Larry Jones
2014UntapableRosie NapravnikSteve Asmussen
2013Princess of SylmarMike E. SmithTodd Pletcher
2012Believe You CanRosie NapravnikJ. Larry Jones
2011Plum PrettyMartin GarciaBob Baffert

Odds are subject to change as race day and gate time are near. The field is limited to 14 horses with a maximum of 18.

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