Held at Gulfstream Park Hallendale Beach Florida, U.S.A.
Established: 1952
Style: Thoroughbred flat racing for three year olds
Type of Track/length: Right-handed on dirt over 1 1/8 miles
Stakes: U.S. One million
The Florida Derby is a stakes race for three year old thoroughbreds, American Grade I style. It is held annually at the first of April or end of March, at the Gulfstream Park in Florida. This derby is often considered a major social event for the end of the South Florida winter season, added to the racing calendar upon its inauguration in 1952.
Between the years of 1926-1937 the Flamingo Stakes held the name of the Florida Derby. This race was originally held in Hialeah Park in Hialeah Florida; however 2001 witnessed the last running of the Flamingo Stakes.
Most winners of the Florida Derby go on to compete in the Kentucky Derby which is held annually in Louisville Kentucky on the first Saturday of May, and is the first leg in the American Triple Crown racing series.
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino was established in 1939 and is one of the most important venues for horse racing in the U.S. The season spans from January through April, for its annual meet, hosting three grades of stakes races.
Records
In 1957 General Duke equaled the world record at the Florida Derby with his speed of 1:46.80 for 1 1/8 miles. Calumet Farm holds the record at the Florida Derby as being the owner with the most wins, ranging five in total; 1957, 1958, 1968, 1972, 1978. The record for most wins by a jockey totaled at three for the Florida Derby is held by Bill Hartack, (1957, 1958, 1959), Bill Shoemaker (1954, 1963, 1964), Jerry D. Bailey (1992, 2003, 2005), Mike E. Smith (1994, 1995, 1996), And Edgar Prado (2002, 2006, 2007), and most wins by a trainer totaling 3 for the Florida Derby is held by John M Veitch (1978, 1985, 1988).
With a purse standing at one million the value of the race ranges from 600,000 for 1st, 190,000 for 2nd, 100,000 for 3rd, 60,000 for 4th 30,000 for 5th and 20,000 for 6th.
The Florida Derby continues to grow in popularity as being another greatly enjoyed American Grade I stakes race. It was originally established as a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby, and draws thousands of fans annually.
