The 2026 Kentucky Derby has arrived, and entering Saturday’s race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the favorite has remained consistent.
Renegade, which has already won two events in 2026, sits with 5/1 odds and slightly edges out So Happy (6/1), Commandment (7/1) and Further Ado (7/1). The unique horse names are one of the best parts about the Kentucky Derby — so much so that we ranked them all in this year’s field.
In the case of Renegade, the name has a fairly simple background. Owner Mike Repole gave a straightforward response when asked about the choice, simply explaining that the horse looks like a “crazy renegade” during races.
“Where do you think the name Renegade came from? You know anybody who’s a renegade? We’ve got a crazy renegade running in these races,” Repole said.
Repole will certainly hope that’s the case as Renegade seeks to become the first Derby favorite to emerge victorious since 2018.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kentucky Derby 2026: Where favorite Renegade’s name comes from