Louisiana Derby

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Louisiana Derby

Louisiana Derby Race Facts

  • Location: Fair Grounds Race Course, New Orleans
  • Inaugural Race: 1894
  • Current Distance: 1 3/16 miles
  • Track Type: Left-Handed Dirt
  • Age Qualifications: Three-year-olds
  • Status: Grade 2
  • 2023 Purse: $1,000,000
  • 2023 Race Date: Saturday, March 25th

The Louisiana Stakes is a Road to the Kentucky prep-race held each year at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. Winners of the contest are awarded 100-40-30-20-10 points.

2023 Louisiana Derby Race Results

POSTHORSEJOCKEY / TRAINERWIN / PLACE / SHOW
6KingsbarnsFlavien Prat / Todd A. Pletcher$11.00 / $6.40 / $5.00
5DisarmJoel Rosario / Steven M. Asmussen$7.80 / $7.00
11Jace's RoadFlorent Geroux / Brad H. Cox$5.60
1Shopper's RevengeRicardo Santana, Jr. / Steven M. Asmussen
4Sun ThunderBrian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. / Kenneth G. McPeek
2Instant CoffeeLuis Saez / Brad H. Cox
9Tapit's ConquestReylu Gutierrez / Brad H. Cox
7CagliostroCristian A. Torres / Cherie DeVaux
12Baseline BeaterCorey J. Lanerie / Neil L. Pessin
10DeningtonJunior Alvarado / Kenneth G. McPeek
3Curly JackEdgar Morales / Thomas M. Amoss
8Single RulerDavid Cohen / J. Keith Desormeaux

Exotic Payoffs:

  • $1 Exacta (6-5) Paid: $47.30
  • $0.50 Trifecta (6-5-11) Paid: $192.45
  • $0.10 Superfecta (6-5-11-1) Paid: $350.52

Watch the 2023 Louisiana Derby

The History of the Louisiana Derby

The Louisiana Derby is a Grade II prep race along the Road to the Kentucky Derby. It is annually hosted at Fair Grounds Race Track and currently offers a sizeable purse of $1 million dollars. Typically run in late March, the Louisiana Derby also provides the top-five finishers 100-40-30-20-10 derby points for entry in to the first leg of the Triple Crown. This remains one of the longest running and storied competitions in the history of American Thoroughbred racing.

The very first running of the race was held at Crescent City Race Course in 1894, but the race was named the Crescent City Derby. The race was officially moved to the Fair Grounds and rebranded as the Louisiana Derby. The only other track to host the Louisiana Derby is Jefferson Park, who held that honor for eleven years from 1920 through 1931.

Weather and outstanding circumstances have forced cancellations for the race. In 2006, the race was cancelled due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. There was also a period where the race was not allowed to run from 1909 through 1919 because racing was illegal in the state of Louisiana.

The current distance of the race is 1 3/16th miles. At its original distance of 1 1/8th miles, Clev Er Tell established the speed record in 1977, clocking a time of 1:42.60. From 1988 through 2009, the Louisiana Derby was run at a distance of 1 1/16th mile with Crypto Star achieved the speed record over that distance at 1:42.60 in 1997. In 2010, the race returned to its original 1 1/8th mile distance but in 2020 the race was extended to 1 3/16th miles. At this length Epicenter has so far turned in the best time of 1:54.38, doing so in 2022.

Only two winners from the race have won the Kentucky Derby. Black and Gold was the first to accomplish this feat, having done so in 1924. The most recent horse to accomplish this feat was Grindstone, who did so in 1996. Another famous Louisiana Derby winner is Risen Star, who would go on to win the 1988 Preakness and Belmont Stakes as well. Master Derby, winner of the 1975 Preakness Stakes, also scored in the Louisiana Derby.

Two winners went on to take the Preakness Stakes: Master Derby (1975) and Risen Star (1988), who also won the Belmont Stakes. The best recent winner was Gun Runner (2016), who went on to finish third in the Kentucky Derby before a great 4-year-old campaign that culminated with victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The best guide for punters is the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds the previous month. Four notable winners – Girvin, Gun Runner, and International Star and Noble Indy – all won the Risen Star Stakes, while others to complete the double include Friesan Fire (2009), Pyro (2008), and Repent (2002) and Epicenter (2022).

Louisiana Derby Past Winners

YearWinnerJockey / TrainerDist.
(Miles) / Time
2023KingsbarnsFlavien Prat / Todd A. Pletcher​1 3⁄16 M / 1:57.33
2022EpicenterJoel Rosario / Steven M. Asmussen​1 3⁄16 M / 1:54.38
2021Hot Rod CharlieJoel Rosario / Leandro Mora​1 3⁄16 M / 1:55.06
2020Wells BayouFlorent Geroux / Brad H. Cox​1 3⁄16 M / 1:56.47
2019By My StandardsGabriel Saez / W. Bret Calhoun​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.53
2018Noble IndyJohn R. Velazquez / Todd Pletcher​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.28
2017GirvinBrian Hernandez Jr. / Joe Sharp​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.77
2016Gun RunnerFlorent Geroux / Steve Asmussen​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.06
2015International StarMiguel Mena / Michael Maker​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.67
2014Vicar's in TroubleRosie Napravnik / Michael Maker​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.77
2013RevolutionaryJavier Castellano / Todd Pletcher​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.28
2012Hero of OrderEddie Martin Jr. / Gennadi Dorochenko​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.13
2011Pants on FireRosie Napravnik / Kelly Breen​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.92
2010Mission ImpazibleRajiv Maragh / Todd Pletcher​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.32
2009Friesan FireGabriel Saez / J. Larry Jones​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.46
2008PyroSh.Bridgmohan / Steve Asmussen​1 1⁄16 M / 1:44.44
2007Circular QuayJohn R. Velazquez / Todd Pletcher​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.01
2006No Race due to track damage cause by Hurricane Katrina
2005High LimitRamon Domínguez / Robert J. Frankel​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.74
2004WimbledonJavier Santiago / Bob Baffert​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.71
2003Peace RulesEdgar Prado / Robert J. Frankel​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.67
2002RepentJerry D. Bailey / Kenneth McPeek​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.86
2001Fifty StarsDonnie Meche / Steve Asmussen​1 1⁄16 M / 1:44.76
2000MightyShane Sellers / Frank L. Brothers​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.29
1999Kimberlite PipeRobby Albarado / Dallas Stewart​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.56
1998Comic StripShane Sellers / Neil J. Howard​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.36
1997Crypto StarPat Day / Wayne Catalano​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.60
1996GrindstoneJerry D. Bailey / D. Wayne Lukas​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.79
1995PetionvilleChris Antley / Randy Bradshaw​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.96
1994KandalyCraig Perret / Louie J. Roussel III​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.86
1993Dixieland HeatRandy Romero / Gerald Romero​1 1⁄16 M / 1:44.80
1992Line In The SandPat Day / Neil J. Howard​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.40
1991RichmanPat Day / William I. Mott​1 1⁄16 M / 1:44.50
1990Heaven AgainCorey Nakatani / Vincent Timphony​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.80
1989DispersalJosé A. Santos / Bud Delp​1 1⁄16 M / 1:43.80
1988Risen StarShane Romero / Louie J. Roussel III​1 1⁄16 M / 1:42.80
1987J. T.'s PetPat Day / Lynn S. Whiting​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.00
1986Country LightPat Day / Steve C. Penrod​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.40
1985VioladoJacinto Vásquez / William E. Burch​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.20
1984Taylor's SpecialSam Maple / William I. Mott​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.60
1983Balboa NativeJorge Velásquez / D. Wayne Lukas​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.60
1982El BabaDon Brumfield / Dewey P. Smith​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.60
1981WoodchopperJorge Velásquez / Robert J. Reinacher Jr.​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.80
1980Prince ValiantMike A. Gonzalez / John M. Gaver Jr.​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.40
1979Golden ActSandy Hawley / Loren Rettele​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.20
1978Esop's FoiblesChris McCarron / Loren Rettele​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.80
1977Clev Er TellRay Broussard / Homer C. Pardue​1 1⁄8 M / 1:48.80
1976Johnny AppleseedMarco Castaneda / John M. Gaver Jr.​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.80
1975Master DerbyDarrel McHargue / Smiley Adams​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.60
1974SelloutMarco Castaneda / James P. Conway​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.20
1973Leo's PiscesRobert Breen / Abe Simoff​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.60
1972No Le HacePhil Rubbicco / Homer C. Pardue​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.80
1971NorthfieldsWalter Blum / Woody Stephens​1⁄1 M / 1:50.80
1970Jim's AlibhiRonnie Baldwin / James J. Eckrosh​1 1⁄8 M / 1:55.60
1969King of the CastleCarlos H. Marquez / Oliver Cutshaw​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.80
1968Kentucky SherryJimmy Combest / Alcee Richard​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.20
1967Ask the FareDonald Holmes / Jere R. Smith Sr.​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.00
1966Blue SkyerRay Broussard / James A. Padgett​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.60
1965Dapper DelegateJohn Heckmann / Alcee Richard​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.20
1964Grecian PrincessKelly Broussard / Peter C. Keiser​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.80
1963City LineRobert L. Baird / John O. Meaux​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.20
1962Admiral's VoyageRay Broussard / Charles R. Parke​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.60
1961Bass ClefRonnie Baldwin / Anthony W. Rupelt​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.20
1960Tony GraffWayne Chambers / Nicholas Graffagnini​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.00
1959Master PalynchRay Broussard / Elmer Kalensky​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.80
1958Royal UnionJohn Heckmann / Frank Sanders​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.00
1957Federal HillWillie Carstens / Stanley M. Rieser​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.60
1956Reaping RightRobert L. Baird / Vester R. Wright​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.00
1955Roman PatrolDouglas Dodson / Joseph H. Pierce Sr.​1 1⁄8 M / 1:49.80
1954GiganticRich McLaughlin / John B. Theall​1 1⁄8 M / 1:53.20
1953MatagordaPaul J. Bailey / John B. Theall​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.80
1952Gushing OilAl Popara / Joseph Jansen​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.20
1951Whirling BatPete Anderson / Thomas G. May​1 1⁄8 M / 1:53.80
1950Greek ShipCon Errico / Preston M. Burch​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.00
1949RookwoodJohn Delahoussaye / John B. Theall​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.20
1948BovardWillie Saunders / James J. Rowan​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.60
1947Carolyn A.Ronnie Nash / James P. Conway​1 1⁄8 M / 1:57.80
1946PellicleAndrew LoTurco / E. Leigh Cotton​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.80
1945Race not held
1944Olympic ZenithNick Jemas / Edward L. Snyder​1 1⁄8 M / 1:54.00
1943Amber LightJohnny Longden / Jack C. Hodgins​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.60
1940-1942Race not held
1939Day OffEddie Arcaro / E. Leigh Cotton​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.60
1938Wise FoxJohnny Longden / Alfred G. Tarn​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.20
1937Grey CountCharles Corbett / Anthony Pelleteri​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.80
1936RushawayJohnny Longden / Alfred G. Tarn​1 1⁄8 M / 1:50.80
1935McCarthyPaul Keester / Thomas E. Keating​1 1⁄8 M / 1:54.00
1934Hickory LadJack Westrope / O. L. Foster​1 1⁄8 M / 1:53.80
1933Col. HatfieldCarl Meyer / John Parmalee​1 1⁄8 M / 1:56.80
1932Lucky TomAnthony Pascuma / Henry C. Riddle​1 1⁄8 M / 1:53.60
1931Spanish PlayCharles Landolt / George Land​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.20
1930Michigan BoyJimmy Shelton / J. Butler​1 1⁄8 M / 2:00.20
1929Calf RoperFrank Coltiletti / Charles E. Durnell​1 1⁄8 M / 1:56.00
1928Jack HigginsCharles E. Allen / William J. Curran​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.00
1927BooG. Johnson / William A. Hurley​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.80
1926BagenbaggageEric Blind / William A. Hurley​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.20
1925QuatrainHarry Stutts / Thomas J. Harmon​1 1⁄8 M / 1:56.00
1924Black GoldJ. D. Mooney / Hanley Webb​1 1⁄8 M / 1:57.60
1923AmoleJ. D. Mooney / Frank P. Letellier​1 1⁄8 M / 1:57.80
1921-1922Race not held
1920DamaskEddie Ambrose / Mose Goldblatt​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.80
1909-1919Race not held
1908MeelickEddie Dugan / Sam Hildreth​1 1⁄8 M / 1:51.80
1907MontgomeryCarroll Shilling / Frank E. Brown​1 1⁄8 M / 1:53.60
1906Guiding StarJack Martin / Sam Hildreth​1 1⁄8 M / 1:54.40
1905Right RoyalJack Martin / Roger Minton​1 1⁄8 M / 1:59.40
1904OstrichGrover Fuller / Not Available​1 1⁄8 M / 1:52.20
1903WitfullWillie Gannon / Sam Hildreth​1 1⁄8 M / 2:07.60
1902Lord QuexJimmy Winkfield / Albert Simons​1 1⁄8 M / 2:00.25
1901Henry Clay RyeHarry Cochran / Not Available​1 1⁄8 M / 1:55.00
1900Prince of VeroniaEddie McJoynt / Robert J. Walden​1 1⁄8 M / 2:00.00
1899King BarleycornWilliam Martin / Edward W. Heffner​1 1⁄8 M / 1:54.25
1898PresbyterianTommy Burns / George Walker​1 1⁄8 M / 1:56.50
1897MeadowthorpeTommy Murphy / Not Available​1 1⁄8 M / Not Available
1895-1896Race not held
1894BuckwaRoy Williams / Not Available1 M / 1:51.00