The Hawthorne Derby is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually since 1965 at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Illinois near Chicago. Raced in October, it is open to three-year-old horses. In 2024, it was contested for a purse of $150,000 over a distance of miles on turf.
Inaugurated as the Hawthorne Diamond Jubilee in 1965 (through 1968), it was run on dirt until 1984 when it was switched to the turf course. The colt Bold Bidder, leased by John R. Gaines from owner Paul Falkenstein, won the inaugural race then the following year returned to the Hawthorne Race Course to win the 1966 Hawthorne Gold Cup. From inception, the Hawthorne Derby has been run at various distances. Since 1989 it has been set at a mile and one eighth. In 1979 the race was run at the now closed Sportsman's Park.
The race was not run in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, & 2020.
Records Time records:
(At current distance of miles turf) 1:44.70 Rainbows For Life (1991) (A course record which still stands) (At the prior distance of miles dirt) 1:39.60 Sensitive Prince (1978) (A track record which still stands)
Winners of the Hawthorne Derby since 1991 Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Time2025AnegadaLuis H. ColonMichael J. MakerThree Diamonds Farm 1:48.712024Ak Sar Ben DerbyAxel ConcepcionJohn OrtizMillard R. Seldin Revocable Trust 1:49.302023Act a FoolAlexis CentenoLarry RivelliPatricia’s Hope LLC & Richard Ravin1:52.622022Speaking ScoutJareth LoveberryH. Graham MotionEclipse Thoroughbreds Partners1:48.802021MohsJareth LoveberryPatrick B. McBurneyDominic Bossone, Nadine Schnoor, Peter Donnelly, W. Oberdorff, & ABL Stable1:50.322017Mr. Bariley Santo SanjurAnthony J. GranitzCaptain Jack Racing Stable 1:56.072015Lucky LindyRobby AlbaradoMark R. FrostadAugustin Stable1:48.262013Kid DreamsFrancisco C. TorresNeil D. DrysdaleRobert S. Evans2:01.492012Two Months RentJesus Lopez CastanonJames J. TonerAJ Suited Racing Stable 1:52.582011Willcox InnRobby AlbaradoMichael StidhamAll In Stable1:48.972010Yankee FourtuneVictor SantiagoKiaran McLaughlinHarvey Clark & Andrew Albstein1:46.282009Proceed BeeChristopher EmighScott BeckerWilliam Stiritz1:57.002008Strait of MewsinaE.T. BairdLarry RivelliRichard Ravin1:49.482007Bold HawkJean-Luc SamynJames J. TonerPatricia E. Nicholson & Justin Nicholson1:47.452006Best of BuddiesEddie M. Martin Jr.Michelle BoyceBarr Three LLC1:50.592005Gun SaluteCornelio VelásquezWilliam I. MottBrant M. Laue1:47.512004Cool ConductorJosé A. SantosWilliam I. MottDavid E. Garner1:47.892003False PromisesCarlos Marquez Jr.Anthony J. GranitzDavid Maracich1:48.482002Scooter Roach *Jesse CampbellTerrel GoreLizabeth Gore1:58.882001KaluJosé A. SantosChristophe ClementRobert G. Schaedle & Bonnie Heath Farm1:50.492000Hymn (DH)Laffit Pincay Jr.Richard J. LundyRichard Nip & Scott Goldsher1:53.79Rumsonontheriver (DH)John S. Pregman Jr.Alfredo J. Juarez Jr.John S. Pregman Jr. & Gerald Goodman1999Minor WisdomRamsey ZimmermanRichie SchererCarolyn Friedberg1:49.061998Stay SoundAnthony J. D'AmicoBernard S. FlintRichard Klein & Elaine Bertram1:47.541997River SquallCraig PerretPeter M. VestalThomas M. Carey1:48.201996JaunatxoJuvenal Lopez DiazLouie J. Roussel, IIILouie J. Roussel, III1:47.181995Cuzzin JebCharles C. LopezGene A. Lotti, Jr.Scott Young1:48.901994Chrysalis HouseMark GuidryHarvey L. VanierNancy A. Vanier, Lyda Williamson & Diane Curry1:51.881993Snake EyesGarrett K. GomezSteven L. MorguelanMel Isenstein1:50.281992BantanCurt C. BourqueP. Noel HickeyIrish Aces Farms1:48.051991Rainbows for LifeDavid PennaJames E. DaySam-Son Farms1:44.70 In 2002, Flying Dash won the race but was disqualified for use of medications banned in the state of Illinois
Earlier winners
1990 – Tutu Tobago 1989 – Broto 1988 – Pappas Swing 1987 – Zaizoom 1986 – Autobot 1985 – Derby Wish 1984 – Pass The Line 1983 – St. Forbes 1982 – Drop Your Drawers 1981 – Jeremy Jet 1980 – Jaklin Klugman 1979 – Architect 1978 – Sensitive Prince 1977 – Silver series 1976 – Wardlaw 1975 – Winter Fox 1974 – Stonewalk 1973 – Golden Don 1972 – Feloniously 1971 – Northfields 1970 – Well Mannered 1969 – Oil Power 1968 – Te Vega 1967 – Gentleman James 1966 – Handsome Boy 1965 – Bold Bidder
References