The Louisiana Derby is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. Run in late March, the race is open to horses, age three, willing to race miles on the dirt. It currently offers a purse of $1,000,000.

The Louisiana Derby is one of the major prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Race history The first race at the "Louisiana Race Course", now the Fair Grounds Race Course took place spring 1838, proprietors Bernard de Marigny, Julius C. Branch, and Henry Augustine Tayloe – son leading turfman John Tayloe III founder of the Washington (DC) Jockey Club (1789) – offered on the fifth race day "The Louisiana Plate."

A race was held in 1894 and called the Crescent City Derby. The race was later renamed in honor of Fair Grounds' home state, Louisiana.

Two winners of the Louisiana Derby have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby: Black Gold in 1924, and Grindstone in 1996. The 1988 winner, Risen Star, went on to become a "Dual Classic Winner" by winning the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

Race venue The race was held at Crescent City Race Course from 1894 through 1908. It was also held at Jefferson Park from 1920 through 1931. The race was not held in 1895 through 1897, 1909 through 1919, 1921 through 1922, 1940 through 1942, 1945 and 2006. In 2006, the race was cancelled because the track was partially destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Race distance The race was run at one mile in 1894; it was run at miles from 1898 until 1988. The race has been run at miles from 1989 through 2009. On August 11, 2009, the owner of Fair Grounds, Churchill Downs Incorporated, announced that they were moving the Louisiana Derby from eight weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby to only five weeks prior. They also announced that the distance of the Louisiana Derby would be increased back to miles. Starting in 2020 the Louisiana Derby has been run at the miles distance.

Records Speed record: miles – 1:42.60 – Crypto Star (1997) miles – 1:48.80 – Clev Er Tell (1977) miles – 1:54.38 – Epicenter (2022)

Most wins by a jockey: 5 – Pat Day (1986, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1997)

Most wins by a trainer: ¹ 5 – Todd Pletcher (2007, 2010, 2013, 2018, 2023) 5 – Steven M. Asmussen (2001, 2008, 2016, 2022, 2025)

Most wins by an owner: 4 – Joe W. Brown & Dorothy D. Brown (1949, 1953, 1954, 1965, 1968, 1982)

Winners Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Dist. (Miles) Time Purse Gr.2026Emerging MarketFlavien PratChad C. BrownKlaravich Stables M1:55.18$1,000,000II2025TiztasticJoel RosarioSteven M. AsmussenMrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith & Winchell Thoroughbreds M1:56.20$1,000,000 II2024Catching FreedomFlavien PratBrad H. CoxAlbaugh Family Stables M1:56.16 $1,000,000 II2023KingsbarnsFlavien PratTodd A. PletcherSpendthrift Farm M1:57.33$1,000,000II2022EpicenterJoel RosarioSteven M. AsmussenWinchell Thoroughbreds M1:54.38$1,000,000II2021 Hot Rod Charlie Joel Rosario Leandro Mora Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing & William Strauss M1:55.06$1,000,000II2020 Wells Bayou Florent Geroux Brad H. Cox Clint Gasaway, Lance Gasaway, Madaket Stables, & Wonder Stables M1:56.47$1,000,000II2019 By My Standards Gabriel Saez W. Bret Calhoun Allied Racing Stable M1:49.53$1,000,000II2018 Noble Indy John R. Velazquez Todd A. Pletcher WinStar Farm M1:50.28$1,000,000II2017 Girvin Brian Hernandez Jr. Joe Sharp Brad Grady M1:49.77$1,000,000II2016 Gun Runner Florent Geroux Steven M. Asmussen Winchell Thoroughbreds & Three Chimneys M1:51.06$1,000,000II2015 International Star Miguel Mena Michael Maker Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey M1:50.67$750,000II2014 Vicar's in Trouble Rosie Napravnik Michael Maker Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey M1:50.77$1,000,000II2013 Revolutionary Javier Castellano Todd A. Pletcher WinStar Farm M1:50.28 $1,000,000II2012 Hero of Order Eddie Martin Jr. Gennadi Dorochenko Raut LLC M1:50.13 $1,000,000II2011 Pants on Fire Rosie Napravnik Kelly Breen George & Lori Hall M1:49.92$1,000,000II2010 Mission Impazible Rajiv Maragh Todd A. Pletcher Twin Creeks Rac.Stable M1:50.32$750,000II2009 Friesan Fire Gabriel Saez J. Larry Jones Vinery St./Fox Hill Farm M1:43.46$600,000II2008 Pyro Sh.Bridgmohan Steven M. Asmussen Winchell Thoroughbreds M1:44.44$600,000II2007 Circular Quay John R. Velazquez Todd A. Pletcher Michael Tabor M1:43.01$600,000II2006 No Race due to track damage cause by Hurricane Katrina2005 High Limit Ramon Domínguez Robert J. Frankel Gary & Mary West M1:42.74$600,000II2004 Wimbledon Javier Santiago Bob Baffert James McIngvale M1:42.71$600,000II2003 Peace Rules Edgar Prado Robert J. Frankel Edmund A. Gann M1:42.67$750,000II2002 Repent Jerry D. Bailey Kenneth G. McPeek Select Stable M1:43.86$750,000II2001 Fifty Stars Donnie Meche Steven M. Asmussen J. Cassells / R. Zollars M1:44.76$750,000II2000 Mighty Shane Sellers Frank L. Brothers Aspiration Stable M1:43.29$750,000II1999 Kimberlite Pipe Robby Albarado Dallas StewartJ. D. Gunther M1:43.56$640,000II1998 Comic Strip Shane Sellers Neil J. Howard William S. Farish III M1:43.36$500,000III1997 Crypto Star Pat Day Wayne Catalano Darrell & Evelyn Yates M1:42.60$400,000III1996 Grindstone Jerry D. Bailey D. Wayne Lukas Overbrook Farm M1:42.79$370,000III1995PetionvilleChris AntleyRandy BradshawEverest Stables M1:42.96$350,000III1994KandalyCraig PerretLouie J. Roussel IIILouie J. Roussel III M1:42.86$325,000III1993Dixieland HeatRandy RomeroGerald RomeroLeland Cook M1:44.80$300,000III1992Line In The SandPat DayNeil J. HowardWilliam S. Farish III M1:43.40$200,000III1991RichmanPat DayWilliam I. MottWilliam F. Lucas M1:44.50$200,000III1990Heaven AgainCorey NakataniVincent TimphonyK. Timphony et al. M1:43.80$165,000III1989DispersalJosé A. SantosBud DelpHenry & Teresa Mayerhoff M1:43.80$165,000III1988 Risen Star Shane Romero Louie J. Roussel III R. Lamarque/L. J. Roussel III M1:42.80$165,000III1987J. T.'s PetPat DayLynn S. WhitingW. Cal Partee M1:51.00$120,000III1986Country LightPat DaySteve C. PenrodCherry Valley Farm M1:50.40$186,650III1985VioladoJacinto Vásquez William E. BurchDue Process Stable M1:50.20$185,000III1984Taylor's SpecialSam MapleWilliam I. MottWilliam F. Lucas M1:49.60$185,000II1983Balboa NativeJorge VelásquezD. Wayne Lukas Robert N. Spreen M1:50.60$185,000II1982El BabaDon BrumfieldDewey P. SmithDorothy D. Brown M1:50.60$185,000II1981WoodchopperJorge VelásquezRobert J. Reinacher Jr.Greentree Stable M1:50.80$210,000II1980Prince ValiantMike A. GonzalezJohn M. Gaver Jr.Greentree Stable M1:50.40$160,000II1979Golden ActSandy HawleyLoren RetteleW. H. Oldknow & R. W. Phipps M1:51.20$170,000II1978Esops FoiblesChris McCarronLoren RetteleJerry Frankel M1:50.80$135,000II1977Clev Er TellRay BroussardHomer C. PardueJ. R. Straus & I. Proler M1:48.80$100,000II1976Johnny AppleseedMarco CastanedaJohn M. Gaver Jr.Greentree Stable M1:49.80$100,000II1975 Master Derby Darrel McHargue Smiley Adams Golden Chance Farm M1:49.60$100,000II1974 Sellout Marco Castaneda James P. Conway Jean Pancoast M1:51.20$93,000II1973 Leo's Pisces Robert Breen Abe Simoff Joseph Taub M1:51.60$85,000II1972 No Le Hace Phil Rubbicco Homer C. Pardue Joseph W. Strauss M1:52.80$85,0001971NorthfieldsWalter BlumWoody StephensJohn M. Olin M1:50.80$50,000+1970Jim's AlibhiRonnie BaldwinJames J. EckroshJ. Eckrosh & Est. of F. Akin M1:55.60$50,000+1969King of the CastleCarlos H. MarquezOliver CutshawOgden Phipps M1:52.80$47,500+1968Kentucky SherryJimmy CombestAlcee RichardDorothy D. Brown M1:50.20$45,000+1967Ask the FareDonald HolmesJere R. Smith Sr.Holiday Stable M1:50.00$45,000+1966Blue SkyerRay BroussardJames A. PadgettM. Padgett & H. Grant M1:50.60$45,000+1965Dapper DelegateJohn HeckmannAlcee RichardDorothy D. Brown M1:50.20$40,000+1964Grecian PrincessKelly BroussardPeter C. KeiserTheodore D. Buhl M1:50.80$40,000+1963City LineRobert L. BairdJohn O. MeauxT. Alie Grissom M1:50.20$40,000+1962Admiral's Voyage Ray BroussardCharles R. ParkeFred W. Hooper M1:52.60$40,000+1961Bass ClefRonnie BaldwinAnthony W. RupeltMrs. V. E. Smith M1:50.20$40,000+1960Tony GraffWayne ChambersNicholas GraffagniniAnthony Graffagnini M1:52.00$40,000+1959Master PalynchRay BroussardElmer KalenskyS. Sair & B. Hatskin M1:49.80$40,000+1958Royal UnionJohn HeckmannFrank SandersReverie Knoll Farm M1:52.00$40,000+1957Federal HillWillie CarstensStanley M. RieserClifford Lussky M1:49.60$40,000+1956Reaping RightRobert L. BairdVester R. WrightT. Alie Grissom M1:51.00$40,000+1955Roman PatrolDouglas DodsonJoseph H. Pierce Sr.Pin Oak Farm M1:49.80$40,000+1954GiganticRich McLaughlinJohn B. TheallJoe W. Brown M1:53.20$40,000+1953MatagordaPaul J. BaileyJohn B. TheallJoe W. Brown M1:51.80$40,000+1952Gushing OilAl PoparaJoseph JansenSam E. Wilson Jr. M1:51.20$20,000+1951Whirling BatPete AndersonThomas G. MayThomas G. May M1:53.80$20,000+1950Greek ShipCon ErricoPreston M. BurchBrookmeade Stable M1:51.00$15,000+1949RookwoodJohn DelahoussayeJohn B. TheallJoe W. Brown M1:51.20$15,000+1948BovardWillie SaundersJames J. RowanSylvester W. Labrot M1:51.60$15,000+1947Carolyn A.Ronnie NashJames P. ConwayBen F. Whitaker M1:57.80$20,000+1946PellicleAndrew LoTurcoE. Leigh CottonHal Price Headley M1:52.80$15,000+1945 Race not held1944Olympic ZenithNick JemasEdward L. SnyderWilliam G. Helis Sr. M1:54.00$15,000+1943Amber LightJohnny LongdenJack C. HodginsCharles T. Fisher M1:52.60$15,000+1940- 1942 Race not held1939Day OffEddie ArcaroE. Leigh CottonGreentree Stable M1:52.60$12,000+1938Wise FoxJohnny LongdenAlfred G. TarnAlfred G. Tarn M1:51.20$12,000+1937Grey CountCharles CorbettAnthony PelleteriMillsdale Stable M1:50.80$10,000+1936RushawayJohnny LongdenAlfred G. TarnAlfred G. Tarn M1:50.80$5,000+1935McCarthyPaul KeesterThomas E. KeatingMorrison & Keating M1:54.00$3,000+1934Hickory LadJack WestropeO. L. FosterWilliam C. Reichert M1:53.80$3,500+1933Col. HatfieldCarl MeyerJohn ParmaleeM. B. Cohen M1:56.80$5,000+1932Lucky TomAnthony PascumaHenry C. RiddleJ. J. Robinson M1:53.60$10,000+1931Spanish PlayCharles LandoltGeorge LandKnebelkamp & Morris M1:51.20$7,500+1930Michigan BoyJimmy SheltonJ. ButlerJohn L. Pontius M2:00.20$10,000+1929Calf RoperFrank ColtilettiCharles E. DurnellThree D's Stock Farm Stable M1:56.00$15,000+1928Jack HigginsCharles E. AllenWilliam J. CurranWilliam J. Curran M1:52.00$15,000+1927BooG. JohnsonWilliam A. HurleyIdle Hour Stock Farm Stable M1:51.80$15,000+1926BagenbaggageEric BlindWilliam A. HurleyIdle Hour Stock Farm Stable M1:51.20$10,000+1925QuatrainHarry StuttsThomas J. HarmonFrederick Johnson M1:56.00$17,500+1924Black GoldJ. D. MooneyHanley WebbRosa M. Hoots M1:57.60$15,000+1923AmoleJ. D. MooneyFrank P. LetellierSouthland Stable M1:57.80$10,000+1921- 1922 Race not held1920DamaskEddie AmbroseMose GoldblattHarry Payne Whitney M1:51.80$5,000+1909- 1919 Race not held1908MeelickEddie DuganSam HildrethSam Hildreth M1:51.80$7,825*1907MontgomeryCarroll ShillingFrank E. BrownEmil Hertz M1:53.60$7,825*1906Guiding StarJack MartinSam HildrethSam Hildreth M1:54.40$7,140*1905Right RoyalJack MartinRoger MintonMorris L. Hayman M1:59.40$7,145*1904OstrichGrover FullerG. L. Richards M1:52.20$4,550*1903WitfullWillie GannonSam HildrethSam Hildreth M2:07.60$4,640*1902Lord QuexJimmy WinkfieldAlbert SimonsAlbert Simons M2:00.25$3,450*1901Henry Clay RyeHarry CochranWallace C. Fessenden M1:55.00$2,840*1900Prince of VeroniaEddie McJoyntRobert J. WaldenAlfred H Morris. & David H. Morris M2:00.00$2,840*1899King BarleycornWilliam MartinEdward W. HeffnerEdward W. Heffner M1:54.25$2,840*1898PresbyterianTommy BurnsGeorge WalkerJohn W. Schorr M1:56.50$2,900*1897MeadowthorpeTommy MurphyJohn W. Schorr M$2,000*1895- 1896 Race not held1894BuckwaRoy WilliamsT. H. Stevens 1 M1:51.00$1,500*

Winners in bold won a Triple Crown Race * Denotes amount of money awarded to winner.

See also Louisiana Derby "top three finishers" and starters Road to the Kentucky Derby

References

External links The Louisiana Derby at Pedigree Query The Louisiana Derby at the NTRA