Florida Derby (G1)

The Florida Derby is one of the most prestigious and influential prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Run each spring at Gulfstream Park, this Grade 1 event has long been a proving ground for elite three-year-olds with Triple Crown ambitions.

📅 2026 Race Details

• Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

• Location: Gulfstream Park – Hallandale Beach, Florida

• Distance: 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs)

• Surface: Dirt

• Eligibility: Three-year-olds

• Purse: $1,000,000

• Kentucky Derby Points: 100–50–25–15–10 to the top five finishers

With 100 qualifying points awarded to the winner, the Florida Derby is one of the most important final stops before Churchill Downs. A strong performance here virtually guarantees a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

A Cornerstone of the Spring Racing Calendar

First run in 1952, the Florida Derby has consistently attracted the best three-year-olds in the country. Its timing in late March makes it one of the final major prep races, giving trainers a perfect launching pad into May.

The race has produced an impressive list of champions who went on to claim victory on racing’s biggest stage, including:

• Spectacular Bid

• Unbridled

• Thunder Gulch

• Barbaro

• Big Brown

• Orb

Few prep races can match that level of influence.

Why the Florida Derby Matters

The Florida Derby is more than just another prep — it’s often a defining moment in a colt’s career. By late March, contenders have typically had two prep races under their belts. The Florida Derby serves as the final test of stamina, maturity, and class at the same 1 1/8-mile distance used by several other major preps.

Winning here doesn’t just secure points — it establishes a horse as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender and often reshapes the futures market overnight.

Florida Derby Day Atmosphere

Florida Derby Day is one of the biggest events of the meet at Gulfstream Park. The undercard traditionally features multiple graded stakes, creating one of the strongest racing programs of the early spring season. The energy is high, Derby dreams are on the line, and the crowd gets a first glimpse at potential Triple Crown stars.

Legacy and Naming

In recent years, the race has been officially titled the Curlin Florida Derby in honor of Hall of Fame champion Curlin, further cementing its place among elite American racing traditions.

Final Thoughts

As one of the final and most lucrative stops on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Florida Derby plays a pivotal role in shaping the Triple Crown narrative each year. A victory here signals readiness for the biggest stage in American racing.