The Illustrious History of the Ohio Derby: From 1876 to Present
The Ohio Derby, held annually at Thistledown Racecourse in June, stands as one of America's significant horse racing events. First run in 1876, this prestigious race has evolved significantly through its rich history.
The race's journey began with Bombay's victory in its inaugural running but faced a brief hiatus after just eight renewals in 1883. Notable winners during this initial period included Bootjack, Harper, and Pilot.
Making its comeback in 1924, the race gained prominence when Kentucky Derby winner Black Gold claimed victory, establishing the Ohio Derby as a target for elite horses. While primarily associated with Thistledown, the race was temporarily hosted at Bainbridge Park.
The race's classification has undergone several changes:
- Held Grade 2 status until 2014
- Briefly became a stakes race (2014-2017)
- Restored to Grade 3 status in 2017
Notable Grade 2 winners include:
- Deputy Glitters (2006) - Also won Tampa Bay Stakes
- Brass Hat - Later won Louisville Handicap and Sycamore Stakes
- Magic Weisner (2002) - Preakness Stakes runner-up
The 2021 edition featured promising three-year-olds including:
- King Fury - G1 Lexington Stakes winner
- Promise Keeper - G3 Peter Pan Stakes victor
- Proxy and Hozier
Today, the Ohio Derby continues to attract top talent, maintaining its position as a significant milestone in the American racing calendar.
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