As the spring sun begins to warm the Florida coast, the excitement of Thoroughbred racing heats up at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Florida.
This Saturday, March 8, 2025, the racetrack will host the 44th running of the Tampa Bay Derby, a Grade III stakes race that has become a thrilling highlight of the racing calendar and a pivotal stop on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby.” With a purse of $400,000 and crucial Kentucky Derby qualifying points up for grabs (50-25-15-10-5 for the top five finishers), this 1 1/16-mile dirt showdown promises to deliver high stakes, heart-pounding finishes, and a glimpse of the next potential Triple Crown contender.
Tampa Bay Downs, a beloved fixture on Florida’s west coast since 1926, sets the stage for this electrifying event. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch facilities, the track has a storied history of producing champions. The Tampa Bay Derby itself, first run in 1981 as the Budweiser Tampa Bay Derby Stakes, has evolved into a proving ground for some of racing’s biggest names. Legends like Street Sense (2007) and Super Saver (2010) used victories or strong performances here as a springboard to Kentucky Derby glory, cementing the race’s reputation as a launchpad for greatness.
This year’s edition, officially the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby, is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter. Festival Day at Tampa Bay Downs will feature a stacked 12-race card, including multiple graded stakes, drawing top trainers, jockeys, and equine talent from across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a newcomer eager to experience the thrill of the sport, the Tampa Bay Derby offers something special: the chance to witness history in the making, surrounded by the electric energy of a crowd cheering on the future stars of the track.
We’ll have plenty of contest options for you to get in on the action and have a FREE FEEDER this Friday where you could WIN your entry in the big game!
So, mark your calendars and get ready to head to Tampa Bay Downs—or tune in from afar—as the gate flies open and the chase for Derby dreams begins. Who will emerge victorious and etch their name into the legacy of this iconic race? We’ll find out soon enough!
