What is the Indiana Derby?
The Indiana Derby is a Grade III Thoroughbred race held annually at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Indiana. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt for 3-year-olds, it is the signature event of Horseshoe Indianapolis and the most prestigious race in the state of Indiana. Inaugurated in 1995 at Hoosier Park, the race reached Grade II status in 2004 before being downgraded back to Grade III in 2017. The race moved to Indiana Grand, now Horseshoe Indianapolis, in 2013. The 2010 running marked a milestone for Indiana racing when Lookin At Lucky became the first Triple Crown race winner ever to compete in the state. Bob Baffert holds the record for most wins with four, while Florent Geroux leads active jockeys with three victories.
When is the Indiana Derby in 2026?
The 2026 Indiana Derby is scheduled for July at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt with a purse of $300,000, the race is the marquee event of the Indiana racing calendar and draws top 3-year-olds targeting the summer championship circuit.
Indiana Derby History & Notable Winners
Tip Top Thomas gave trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez a 2025 win in 1:41.15, setting a new track record at the current Horseshoe Indianapolis facility. Dragoon Guard gave trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux a 2024 victory in 1:42.26 for Juddmonte Farms. Verifying gave Cox and jockey Marcelino Pedroza Jr. a 2023 score in 1:43.15 for the powerful Coolmore ownership group. Actuator gave trainer Michael McCarthy and jockey James Graham a 2022 win in 1:44.48. Mr. Wireless gave trainer Bret Calhoun a 2021 victory under Ramon Vazquez in 1:42.84.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tip Top Thomas | John Velazquez | 1:41.15* |
| 2024 | Dragoon Guard | Florent Geroux | 1:42.26 |
| 2023 | Verifying | Marcelino Pedroza Jr. | 1:43.15 |
| 2022 | Actuator | James Graham | 1:44.48 |
| 2021 | Mr. Wireless | Ramon Vazquez | 1:42.84 |
* Track record at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
The Indiana Derby is the signature race of Horseshoe Indianapolis and the most prestigious Thoroughbred event in the state each July.
