Renegade Aims for Kentucky Derby Glory in 2026

Horse, trainer, jockey, and owners look to make history at the Run for the Roses

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:35pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring a racehorse in motion, with vibrant brushstrokes and neon colors capturing the raw power and speed of the animal as it charges towards the finish line.Renegade's explosive run in the Arkansas Derby has made him a top contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, as the horse, trainer, and owners seek to make history at the Run for the Roses.Springfield Today

Renegade, a promising 3-year-old thoroughbred, is set to compete in the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The bay colt has already made a name for himself, winning the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby in impressive fashion and currently ranking second on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard. Trained by the legendary Todd Pletcher and ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Renegade is owned by the Lows and Repole Stable, both of whom are seeking their first Kentucky Derby victory.

Why it matters

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and watched horse races in the world, and Renegade's strong performance in the lead-up races has made him a top contender for the coveted Run for the Roses. A victory would not only be a career-defining moment for the horse, trainer, jockey, and owners, but it would also generate significant excitement and interest in the sport of horse racing.

The details

Renegade, a bay colt bred in Kentucky, has been on a steady rise since his 2-year-old season. After a winless start, the horse broke through with a victory in the Sam F. Davis Stakes in February and followed that up with a dominant performance in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, posting a career-best 98 Beyer Speed Figure. Trainer Todd Pletcher, who has won the Kentucky Derby twice before, is confident that Renegade has the talent and potential to contend for the Run for the Roses.

  • Renegade won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on March 28, 2026 at Oaklawn Park.
  • The post-position draw for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, April 25.
  • The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs.

The players

Renegade

A 3-year-old bay colt bred in Kentucky, sired by Into Mischief and out of the mare Spice Is Nice. Renegade is currently ranked second on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 125 points after winning the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.

Todd Pletcher

A renowned horse trainer who has won the Kentucky Derby twice before, in 2010 with Super Saver and in 2017 with Always Dreaming. Pletcher is training Renegade for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

Irad Ortiz Jr.

An accomplished jockey who has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, with a best finish of fourth in 2019 aboard Improbable. Ortiz Jr. will be riding Renegade in the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

Robert and Lawana Low

The owners of Renegade, who are seeking their first Kentucky Derby victory. The Lows founded the trucking company Prime Inc. and have previously had a horse finish third in the Derby.

Repole Stable

The co-owners of Renegade, led by Mike Repole. Repole Stable is also seeking its first Kentucky Derby win, with a best finish of fifth in 2022 with Mo Donegal.

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What they’re saying

“Just keep him together. If he runs like this, I think he'll be really tough (in the Kentucky Derby). He really did (exceed my expectations). He just got out there, and it was kind of a speed-favoring track — it seemed like — and then he closed like the way he did. Let's go win one.”

— Robert Low, Owner

What’s next

The post-position draw for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, April 25, which will determine Renegade's starting position in the race. The Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs.

The takeaway

Renegade's impressive performance in the Arkansas Derby has made him a top contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. With a talented trainer, jockey, and ownership group behind him, the colt has a real chance to deliver a victory that would cement his legacy and generate significant excitement for the sport of horse racing.