LongShot Wins Kentucky Derby: Payouts, Winners, & Record Wagers

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby delivered one of the most lucrative results for bettors in recent memory, as longshot Golden Tempo (pictured above crossing the finish line) surged from the back of the field to win at odds of 23-1.

The dramatic finish at Churchill Downs on Saturday not only produced a historic moment on the track but also significant returns for bettors backing the underdog.

Golden Tempo edged out pre-race favorite Renegade in a tight stretch run, while Ocelli completed the top three. The unexpected outcome created massive payouts across multiple betting pools, particularly in exotic wagers where long odds amplified returns.

Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen highlighted the continued growth of betting interest around the event, noting that Derby Day remains a cornerstone for wagering in U.S. sports. He stated the event “continues to deliver unmatched excitement for fans and bettors alike,” underscoring the race’s expanding reach in both attendance and betting handle.

Betting Numbers Fall

Despite an exciting race result, Derby betting dropped this year. All-sources handle for Derby Week rose to a new record of $487 million, up $13 million (3%) from the prior record set in 2025.

Wagering from all sources on the Derby Day program totaled $340 million compared to last year’s record of $349 million. All-sources wagering on the Kentucky Derby race was $225 million, falling $9 million last year’s record of $234 million.

TwinSpires, the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby, handled a new record of $129 million in wagering on Churchill Downs races for Kentucky Derby Week, up $7 million or 6% from the prior record set in 2025.

The online platform handled a new record of $89 million in wagering on the Kentucky Derby Day program, up 1% compared to last year’s record of $88 million. TwinSpires’ handle on the Kentucky Derby race totaled $57 million, which was basically flat compared to last year’s record.

Wagering on the event has grown as legal sports betting has grown in popularity across the U.S. with sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel offering wagering on horse racing.

Top Finishers and Win Payouts

The race results shaped one of the most profitable betting slates of the year, especially for those targeting value beyond the favorites.

Top three finishers and payouts:

• 1st – Golden Tempo (23-1): $48.24 win, $19.14 place, $11.90 show
• 2nd – Renegade (5-1): $7.14 place, $5.46 show
• 3rd – Ocelli (70-1): $36.34 show

Exotic Bets Deliver Massive Returns

The biggest story from a betting perspective came from exotic wagers, where the combination of longshots created some hefty payouts.

• $2 Exacta (Golden Tempo – Renegade): $278.86
• $0.50 Trifecta (Golden Tempo – Renegade – Ocelli): $5,625.39
• $1 Superfecta (Golden Tempo – Renegade – Ocelli – Chief Wallabee): $94,489.95

These payouts highlight the appeal of Derby betting, where large fields and volatile odds can lead to outsized returns, particularly for bettors willing to take on additional risk through multi-horse combinations.

TV Ratings and Audience Growth

The 2026 Derby also delivered strong television ratings, drawing a massive national audience for NBC and the Peacock streaming service’s coverage.

With more than 150,000 in attendance at Churchill Downs and millions watching at home, the event once again proved its status as one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the United States.

The race set a new viewership milestone, drawing an average audience of 19.6 million across NBC and Peacock, surpassing the previous high from 1989 and reaching a peak of 24.4 million during Golden Tempo’s win.

Total viewership rose 11% from last year’s 17.7 million, with a record 1.3 million streaming viewers contributing significantly to the increase.The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown is set for May 16. The Belmont Stakes closes out the series on June 6.