Florida Derby Schedule & Race Guide
The Florida Derby is Gulfstream Park's major spring prep for the Kentucky Derby. Explore the race date, viewing options and the differences between this feature and Gulfstream's other racing seasons.
- Racecourse
- Gulfstream Park
- Who races
- Three-year-olds
- Distance
- 1⅛ miles
- Season
- Spring · Derby prep
2026 edition · date passed
Florida Derby 2026 Race Day
Gulfstream Park
- Race date · venue local
- Sat, Mar 28, 2026
- Listed race post time
- To be announced
This edition’s scheduled date has passed. Use the race date when looking up results or replays.
A race’s post time is separate from gate opening, the day’s first race and the start of TV coverage. Displayed times use America/New_York.
Florida Derby TV, Streaming & Replays
For this completed race date, look for the final result and an available replay. For the next edition, check its new broadcast timetable.
Know the race
Your Florida Derby Guide
The Florida route toward the Kentucky Derby
The Florida Derby is a key late-March stop on the Derby trail. Earlier Gulfstream races such as the Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth can help fans follow developing contenders. Those races have separate fields and results, so compare the horse's race history rather than treating the whole prep season as one event.
Florida Derby, Pegasus and Sunshine racing
Gulfstream hosts several kinds of feature days. The Florida Derby belongs to the spring three-year-old campaign; Pegasus is a January showcase, and the Sunshine Meet is a longer racing season. When opening a schedule, match the date and full race name. TV coverage can begin well before the Florida Derby's post time and include other races on the card.
Florida Derby: Common Questions
Is the Florida Derby run in Kentucky?
No. It takes place at Gulfstream Park in Florida. It is a prep for the Kentucky Derby.
How long is the Florida Derby?
The race distance is 1⅛ miles. Check its edition racecard for the entrants and complete conditions.
Is Pegasus the Florida Derby?
No. They are separate Gulfstream Park events held at different points in the season.
Which time should I use to watch the Florida Derby?
Use the named race's post time and the dated broadcast listing. A TV coverage start is not the same as the race start.
Race Information & Further Reading
Check the linked race and visitor guides for the edition you plan to follow.