One of the most important, and exciting, weekends on the horse racing calendar every year is here, with two prestigious qualifying points races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve set for Saturday, March 29.
This is the time of year for new stars to arise in Thoroughbred racing. The final races preparing horses for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve run on May 3 at Churchill Downs are being held around the country, and competition is intense as the best equine athletes attempt to gain a spot in the Derby with a good finish in their final prep race.
By 1943, the United States was more than a year into World War II, with Allied forces fighting in both Europe and the Pacific. For many, the racetrack served as a distraction, a place to get away from the heaviness of reality and find personalities to root for in challenging times.
One of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is set for Saturday at Oaklawn Park, when the 89th Arkansas Derby will be held.
The Florida Derby has historically been the most important steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby with 25 3-year-olds who competed in the race going on to glory in the first jewel of the Triple Crown.
Mage, who finished second in the 2023 Florida Derby, was the last horse to come out of Gulfstream Park’s marquee race for 3-year-olds and go on to win the Kentucky Derby.
