The Hollywood Derby is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in late November/early December at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. The race is open to horses, age three willing to race a mile and a quarter on turf. It currently offers a purse of $500,000.
Inaugurated in 1938, the 2010 edition will mark the 69th running of the Hollywood Derby. It has been a Grade I event since 1973. There was no race from 1942 through 1944 as a result of World War II and it was not run in 2005 as a safety precaution after new grass had been planted on the turf course. It was contested in two divisions from 1981 through 1987.
Known as the Westerner Stakes from 1948-1958, the race was held at Santa Anita Park in 1949 after a fire destroyed the Hollywood Park grandstand and clubhouse.
Only three fillies have ever won the race: Busher (1945), Honeymoon (1946), A Gleam (1952).
Inaugurated at its current 1¼ miles, the Hollywood Derby has been contested at various distances on both dirt and turf:
- 1⅛ miles on dirt : 1945, 1950, 1976-1980
- 1⅛ miles on turf : 1981-2002
- 1¼ miles on dirt : 1938-1941, 1946-1949, 1951-1972
- 1¼ miles on turf : 2003 to present
- 1½ miles on turf : 1973-1975
Read more about Hollywood Derby: Records, Winners of The Hollywood Derby Since 1989, Earlier Winners
Famous quotes containing the word hollywood:
“Where is Hollywood located? Chiefly between the ears. In that part of the American brain lately vacated by God.”
—Erica Jong (b. 1942)