Derby 2012 Post Time May Be ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports'

Come post time for the Kentucky Derby, which is 6:24 p.m. Eastern on May 5, fans will be treated to what's been described as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” The Kentucky Derby earned that nickname because the first horse across the wire typically completes the 1 1/4-mile voyage about two minutes after post time for the Kentucky Derby, which will be at 6:24 p.m. Eastern on May 5, 2012.

Each year, post time for the Kentucky Derby provides the continuation of one of America's greatest sporting spectacles and traditions. For those with a horse in the race, post time for the Kentucky Derby is the culmination of years of hard work in preparation. For bettors, post time for the Kentucky Derby provides the opportunity for a big score. Given there are usually 20 horses lined up at post time for the Kentucky Derby, which will be at 6:24 p.m. Eastern on May 5, 2012, there is typically a handful of horses whose odds will be a bit inflated despite their having a legitimate chance to win.

There has been a post time for the Kentucky Derby every year since its inaugural running in 1875. The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., where during the week leading up to post time for the Kentucky Derby the city is abuzz. Each year there are dozens of parties and other events, many of which attract stars from the entertainment and sports fields, with everything culminating with post time for the Kentucky Derby.

Longtime followers of the Kentucky Derby may wonder, didn't post time for the Kentucky Derby used to be earlier in the day? In fact it was, but several years ago Churchill Downs pushed back post time for the Kentucky Derby to get it closer to prime time. Eventually, we may see post time for the Kentucky Derby occur at night. A few years back, Churchill Downs added lights around the entire track that allow for night racing and it may be just a matter of time before the Kentucky Derby is held under the lights.

Post time for the Kentucky Derby will be televised by the NBC family of networks at 6:24 p.m. Eastern on May 5, 2012. Coverage of the 2012 Kentucky Derby will begin with the Kentucky Derby undercard on NBC Sports Network from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern. Coverage will then shift to NBC at 4 p.m for a one-hour special dubbed Access to the Kentucky Derby/Red Carpet Special. At 5 p.m., nearly 1 ½ hours prior to post time for the Kentucky Derby, NBC will continue with two hours of Kentucky Derby coverage that includes roughly 30 minutes of analysis following post time for the Kentucky Derby.

Post time for the Kentucky Derby is a once-a-year experience. Don't miss it.