The 1878 Kentucky Derby was the 4th running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 21, 1878. Winning horse Day Star set a new Kentucky Derby record with a winning time of 2:37.25. He also led the pack from start to finish, a first for the Derby. However, the most notable horse was the heavily favored Himyar. He had a bad start at the gate and the rest of the pack was ten lengths ahead before he got started. However, he passed all of them except Day Star, who he trailed by only two lengths at the finish line. This was the year that pari-mutuel betting was introduced to the Derby from France.
Full results Finished Post Horse Jockey Trainer Owner Time / behind 1st Day Star Jimmy Carter Lee Paul Thomas J. Nichols 2:37.25 2nd Himyar P. Robinson Barak G. Thomas 3rd Leveler Robert Swim R. H. Owens 4th Solicitor B. Edwards L. P. Tarlton 5th McHenry W. James Gen. Abe Buford 6th Respond Ramey Rodes & Carr 7th Burgundy L. Jones J. M. Wooding 8th Earl of Beaconsfield Mahoney A. Strauss & Co. 9th Charley Bush J. Miller Jennings & Hunt
Payout Post Horse Win Place Show Day Star $ 30.60
The winner received a purse of $4,050. Second place received $200.
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