 |
 |
 |
 |
Florida Derby
Stakes - For
Thoroughbred Three Year Old; 1 mile and 1/8 mile
(9 furlongs)
Race type: Thoroughbred - Flat racing
Purse: $1,000,000 US
Location: Gulfstream Park - Hallandale
Beach, Florida USA
Value of Race: $1,000,000 1st $600,000,
2nd $190,000, 3rd $100,000, 4th $60,000, 5th $30,000,
6th $20,00
Inaugurated: 1952
Track: Dirt, Right-handed
Weight: 122 lbs (55.3 kg)
Website: Saratoga
Race Course
The Florida Derby Stakes, held annually at Gulfstream
Park, is one of the preparatory races for 3-year-olds
gunning for the Kentucky Derby race. But the Florida
Derby remains one of the most anticipated prep races
having sent 19 victories to Churchill Downs throughout
the race's history.
The Florida Derby is a Grade I race for top 3-year-old
thoroughbred horses in America, 9-furlong (1.1/2
miles) run and a $1 million purse up for grabs.
It debuted at Gulfstream Park in 1952, in time with
the race track's expansion. The next year the derby
purse was raised to $100,000 making it the first
stakes event so richly endowed in the Sunshine State.
It was in 1957, in a historic race where Gen. Duke
equaled the world record 1:46 4/5 and defeating
Bold Ruler, that the Florida Derby was established
as a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby
and the Triple Crown trail.
The race continued to rise in popularity over the
next years, along with it the significant increase
in the race's purse. Standing at $1 million today,
the Florida Derby is still one of the richest horse
racing stakes. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
