Kentucky Derby 2026
Run for the Roses: Finn’s Complete 2026 Derby Coverage
As a young photographer, getting the chance to cover the 2026 Kentucky Derby with full access to Churchill Downs still feels surreal.
Walking the backside at dawn, standing trackside as the horses loaded, and capturing everything from the sea of hats in the infield to Golden Tempo’s incredible last-to-first charge was a dream I never thought would happen this young.
I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in me and opened those gates—thank you for trusting me with this opportunity and letting me tell the story of Derby Day through my lens.
Walking the backside at dawn, standing trackside as the horses loaded, and capturing everything from the sea of hats in the infield to Golden Tempo’s incredible last-to-first charge was a dream I never thought would happen this young.
I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in me and opened those gates—thank you for trusting me with this opportunity and letting me tell the story of Derby Day through my lens.
Did you know?
Worst-to-first thriller — Golden Tempo was last of 18 horses (as many as 17¾ lengths behind) for much of the race before exploding down the stretch to win by a neck.
Historic first — Trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman ever to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner when Golden Tempo crossed the finish line.
TV
Worldwild watched the race
Race Bets
For the Derby
Crowd Size
Fans in attendance
Total Wagers
For the week – a new record!
