Arkansas Derby 2026 Results, Winner, Payouts and Order of Finish

Renegade surged to victory in the Arkansas Derby on Saturday at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

In doing so, he may have inserted himself in the conversation about the favorites for this year's Kentucky Derby.

Arkansas Derby Results

1. Renegade (Win: $4.00; Place: $2.60; $2.20)

2. Silent Tactic (Place: $3.20; Show: $2.60)

3. Taptastic (Show: $3.80)

Payouts via FanDuel

Renegade entered as the betting pick from the eight-horse field. The Todd A. Pletcher-trained colt was runner-up to Paladin in the Remsen Stakes last December before prevailing in the Sam F. Davis Stakes.

Saturday was an opportunity to make a firm statement with an eye toward Churchill Downs. That's exactly what he did and then some.

Things weren't looking good for Renegade and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. early on. They ran near the back of the pack for much of the race, with Redland Rebels setting the tempo in first place. The running order didn't change too much as the jockeys plotted when to make their move in the 1 1/8-mile race.

Once the pace quickened coming around the final turn, however, Renegade's speed set him apart. He coasted to the finish line comfortably ahead of Silent Tactic.

Silent Tactic, who was the second-favorite, put together a strong effort himself. Like Renegade, he lived up to the hype and put some contenders on notice heading into the Run for the Roses.

But the gap between the top two horses at Oaklawn Park. When Ortiz let Renegade fully run, the colt was on another level.

This looked like a different horse from the one that came up short against Paladin, who won't be a factor in the Kentucky Derby after suffering an injury during training Saturday.

Pletcher will be feeling good about his odds of guiding a third horse to the winner's circle in the opening leg of the Triple Crown.