Louisiana Derby Draws Nine in Search of History

By Margaret Ransom

Despite the fact that only two horses in history have completed the Louisiana Derby (GII)-Kentucky Derby (GI) double, the main event for the Fair Grounds meet is still an important stop along the Triple Crown trail. Before points determined who would make the gate for the Run for the Roses, graded purse money was the most prominent determining factor and even before the New Orleans-based track boosted the purse to $1 million, the 1 1/8-mile race has featured some good horses trying to make the gate under the Twin Spires in Louisville.

Though Black Gold (1924) and Grindstone (1996) are the lone Louisiana/Kentucky Derby winners, that’s not to say some good horses haven’t run in the Pelican State’s main Derby prep. Risen Star won in 1988 before taking the Preakness Stakes (GI) and Belmont Stakes (GI); and recent Dubai World Cup (GI) runner-up Gun Runner won a year ago. Other recognizable names to win Louisiana Derby throughout the years include… (more)