Location New Orleans Louisiana U.S.A. hosted by the Fair Grounds Race Course
Established: 1898
Style: Thoroughbred/Three year olds
Type of Track/length: Left-Handed over dirt for 1 1/16 miles
Stakes: 600,000
The Louisiana Derby is hosted by the Fair Grounds Race Course originally opened during the American Civil war and then known as the Union Race Course. It holds a long and prestigious history and can date its prominence back to the aid of Col. Matt Winn hero of the Kentucky Derby. Now owned by Churchill Downs Inc. the Fair Grounds Race Course commonly known as New Orleans Fair Grounds has operated as a host to some of the South’s most famous races for long over a century.
In 1898 Presbyterian claimed the first win of the inaugural running of the Louisiana Derby and since it has gone on to boast many Champions such as Black Gold who in 1924 went on to win the Kentucky Derby. 1996 brought forth another Kentucky Derby Champion from the Louisiana Derby Grindstone a bay stallion from Overbrook farm. He was ridden by jockey Jerry Bailey and became his second Kentucky Derby winner. Earlier that year Grindstone also claimed second in the Arkansas Derby. After his wearing of the roses however he was retired due to a fracture ending his reign to fame.
Some speed records for the Louisiana Derby are held by such famous equines as Crypto Star at 1: 42.60 in 1997 and Clev Er Tell for 1:48.80 in 1977 marking racing history with their outstanding performance.
Held early in March every year excepting a pause during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2006 the Louisiana Derby’s current purse now boasts 600,000 and is exclusive to three year old thoroughbreds annually drawing thousands of racing fans as well as bringing in prime bloodstock from across the U.S.
Another pride of the South the Louisiana Derby is an entertaining race for any wager you choose to place. Thousands of racing enthusiasts and equine fans take part every March and now with the luxury of internet and widespread media coverage on many derbies you can now join in and experience what others already have without the hassle of crowds.
