Renegade Horse: All About the Kentucky Derby 2026 Odds Leader
Renegade is the horse that was leading the betting odds going into the 2026 Kentucky Derby. However, Renegade didn't win the Derby. That honor went to Golden Tempo.
The Derby takes place on May 2, 2026, and all eyes were on Renegade. Here's what you need to know about the horse with the highest expectations.
Who Are the Trainer, Jockey & Owner of Renegade Horse?
According to the Kentucky Derby's website, Renegade has the following background:
Owner: Robert & Lawana L. Low & Repole Stable (Mike Repole)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Breeder: Robert Low & Lawana Low
Earnings: $1,002,500
Color: Bay
Renegade's wins are listed as:
Saratoga: "He got third place in a maiden race (his debut)."
Belmont: "He won a one-mile race in his second start, beating other good horses."
Aqueduct: "He came in second in the Remsen Stakes (a famous Derby prep race).
Tampa Bay: "He recently won a Grade 2 stake at Tampa Bay Downs."
Oaklawn Park: "He won the Arkansas Derby, one of the biggest prep races for the Kentucky Derby," the website adds.
Renegade's Pedigree Was Called the 'Most Classically Stamina-Rich in the field'
Renegade has an impressive pedigree. "Renegade's father is Into Mischief, a stallion famous for producing fast, competitive horses. His mother comes from the Curlin family - one of the greatest racing families ever! This combination gives Renegade both speed and the ability to run long distances," the Derby's website reveals.
"Renegade is the projected favorite for good reason. His pedigree, Into Mischief out of a Curlin mare whose dam is by Bernardini, the broodmare sire of Sovereignty , stacks up as the most classically stamina-rich in the field," the Derby's website page for the horse says.
"His Arkansas Derby win featured a massive finishing kick with triple-digit late pace figures in both 2026 starts. Most tellingly, Irad Ortiz Jr., who had his pick of multiple top Derby contenders this spring, chose Renegade above all others," the website says.
"That endorsement from North America's best jockey matters. Todd Pletcher brings two Derby wins' worth of experience to the barn. The main handicapping risk is trip-related: Renegade needs to close from off the pace in a chaotic 20-horse gate, and any traffic trouble could end his chances in a matter of strides. Pletcher's favorites also have a complicated Derby history. Bet the talent and the pedigree, but understand the execution risk."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 4:16 PM.