What is the Tampa Bay Derby?
The Tampa Bay Derby is a Grade III horse race held annually at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Florida. It takes place over a distance of 1 1/16 miles on dirt and is a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby.The race has a rich history of producing top contenders in the U.S. Triple Crown series.
When does the Tampa Bay Derby take place in 2025?
The Tampa Bay Derby is typically held in March. In 2024, it will take place on March 8th. This race sets the stage for the major Triple Crown prep races and is a pivotal moment in the racing calendar for 3-year-old thoroughbreds
Tampa Bay Derby Winners
Over the years, the Tampa Bay Derby has seen many remarkable horses claim victory. Notable older winners include Street Sense in 2007, who went on to win the Kentucky Derby; Sun King in 2005, trained by the renowned Nick Zito; and Deputy Glitters in 2006.
Other standout winners from earlier decades include Reinvested in 1982 and Morganmorganmorgan in 1983. These horses helped build the reputation of the Tampa Bay Derby as a key race leading up to the Triple Crown.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Domestic Product | Tyler Gaffalione | Chad C. Brown | Klaravich Stables | 1:45.47 |
| 2023 | Tapit Trice | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | Whisper Hill Farm & Gainesway Farm | 1:43.37 |
| 2022 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Brian A. Lynch | Clarke M. Cooper Family Trust & Kentucky West Racing | Cypress Creek Equine | 1:44.90 |
| 2021 | Helium | Jose C. Ferrer | Mark E. Casse | D. J. Stable LLC | 1:43.55 |
| 2020 | King Guillermo | Samy Camacho | Juan Carlos Avila | Victoria's Ranch | 1:42.63 |
| 2019 | Tacitus | Jose L. Ortiz | Richard E. Mandella | Juddmonte Farms | 1:41.90 |
| 2018 | Quip | Florent Geroux | Rodolphe Brisset | WinStar Farm, China Horse Club & SF Racing | 1:44.72 |
| 2017 | Tapwrit | Jose L. Ortiz | Todd A. Pletcher | Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred & Robert V. LaPenta | 1:42.36 |
As part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, the Tampa Bay Derby awards points to the top finishers. These points are crucial for determining which horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby, making the race a key focus for trainers and bettors alike. This connection to Derby qualification further elevates the event’s relevance in online horse betting.
