How the American Derby evolved
Although the area surrounding Chicago was originally Native American territory, white settlers started to become common in the area around the early 1800s. Along with that, they brought their favorite form of entertainment – horse racing. Steady settlement of the area continued and around 1840 the first jockey club was formed.
The initial focus was on harness racing, and a serious angle toward Thoroughbred racing started in the late 1870s with the opening of Chicago’s Garfield Park. In 1883, the prestigious Washington Park Jockey Club was opened by Chicago’s elite and the American Derby followed the same year.
America Derby’s competitive spirit
In 1883, the first American Derby had a first prize of $50,000, the second-richest horse race prize in the world. Why so high? As it turns out, the large purses were highlighted throughout many books in the late 1800s along with accusations that there was obviously a rivalry between Chicago and Louisville horse racing clubs to be the greatest.
For instance, despite the fact that it was unheard of at that time, the 1905 American Derby offered $25,000 compared to the Kentucky Derby’s mere $4,800. In today’s dollars, the 1905 American Derby purse would be worth the equivalent of $575,000. Another example of competitiveness is the fact that the American Derby ran at a ‘true Derby distance of 1.5 miles.’ Regardless, the competitive spirit of the American Derby was about to be broken.
Horse racing failing in early 1900s Chicago
Due to the unpopularity of the horse racing in local government, the American Derby was doomed to fail. Horse racing was restricted in Chicago, and the race was not run in 1895, 1896, 1897, 1899. It had some success for about six years but was banned again from 1905 through 1925. However, 1925 when things started looking up for Illinois horse racing.
American Derby soars with legal horse betting
Most of the time, the larger winnings that bettors can get are from highly regulated legal horse racing. The system simply works better for anyone that wants to gamble and it takes a lot of focus from lawmakers to make it work out for everyone. Since 1926, the American Derby has continued to run because Chicago finally figured out how to make the pari-mutuel betting pools effective without falling prey to swindlers and the mafia.
American Derby’s new phase of history
For many years, there was an inability to find a suitable home for the American Derby. In 1926, it was run at Washington Park Race Track in Homewood, Illinois. In 1928, temporary placement at Arlington Park was used while the new Washington Park was built. The race finally had a home and did not return to Arlington Park until 1958. Since that time, little has changed concerning the location of the race – but management is quite a different story.
Management fails the American Derby
With competition from four other tracks, in the mid-1990s, Arlington Park stepped up their game and began to host simulcasts of leading horse races from around the globe. Sadly, a failure to resolve problems behind Arlington Park resulted in it’s closing in 1997. For three years, the American Derby was not run, and it had nothing to do with betting being outlawed. Interestingly, the company that saved the American Derby was once it’s fiercest enemy.
History crosses paths with the American Derby
The American Derby may have started with a bit of competitiveness toward Churchill Downs from the Chicago patrons that started it – but these feelings dissipated over time. Today, one of the strange twists in the American Derby history is that the competition now owns it. Starting in 2000, Churchill Downs merged management with Arlington Park and the American Derby.
Over the past 12 years, the guidance of Churchill Downs has led Arlington Park and the American Derby into some extremely distinct territory. In particular, a wagering record was won in 2002 with $13.7 million in the betting pool for a single race. The same year, they also hosted the Breeders’ Cup.
Obviously, like the Kentucky Derby, this is a race that is prominent, but might slip under the radar due to it’s Grade 3 racing status. Nevertheless, considering the results of past American Derby events, this is one day of racing that you should include in your annual top 10 wins.
2012 American Derby betting pool $332,980
Cozzetti – win $10 place $5 show $3.20
All Stormy – place $5.60 show $3.80
Skyring – show $4
Winners of the American Derby 2002-2012
· 2012 Cozzetti
· 2011 Willcox Inn
· 2010 Workin For Hops
· 2009 Reb
· 2008 Tizdejavu
· 2007 Lattice
· 2006 Union Avenue
· 2005 Gun Salute
· 2004 Simple Exchange
· 2003 Evolving Tactics
· 2002 Mananan McLir
Sources