Alabama Derby

The Alabama Derby is an annual grade III horse race for three-year olds sponsored by the Alabama Quarter Horse Racing Association. It was held at the Birmingham Turf Club from 1987 to 1995 and then moved to the Louisiana Downs (now Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino) in Vinton, Louisiana for the 1996 race.

1987

The first derby was held on April 11, 1987. Lost Code, a colt ridden by Gene St Leon, was the winner with a time of 1:51 for the 1 1/80-mile race. The winner's purse was $240,000. Homebuilder finished second by 1 1/4 lengths.

1992

Always Silver, owned by James and Alice Lewis of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and trained by Emmanuel Tortora, set a course record with the win.

1995

Dazzling Falls was the winner, owned by Don and Barb Kreuger of Elkhorn, Nebraska

1996

The 1996 race was held at the Louisiana Downs on September 1. The winner was Vivace, a filly.

1997

Mr Groush was the winner.

2001

The 2001 race was held on June 1 at Delta Downs. Special Rockette was the winner.

2002

The 2002 race was held on June 1 at Delta Downs. Ryons Figure was the winner.

2003

The 2003 race was held on May 3 at Delta Downs. Two Socks Dashin was the winner.

2004

The 2004 race was held on May 1 at Delta Downs. Toy Dreams was the winner.

2005

The 2005 race was held on April 30 at Delta Downs. Hope for Fame was the winner.

2006

The 2006 race was held on April 29 at Delta Downs. Striking Black Gold, a black gelding ridden by Tami Purcell, won the race and a $16,785 purse for owner Sheri Loy and trainer Ray Robbins. Quick Bubba Ray placed and Wicked Tune came in third. Other finishers included Quick to Get High, Heza Streakin Flare, Fleetfoot Chico, First Down Royalty, A Royal Kiss, Royal Quick Roni, and Rockets Midnight Gal.

2007

The 2007 race was held on May 5 at Delta Downs. Tysup, a gray colt ridden by Jerry Yoakum, won the race and a $13,304 purse for owner Gary Byrd and trainer Ray Robbins. Roll Easy Dash placed and Cs Zoomer came in third. Other finishers were Okie Shawnee, Eye Ballin, Blakes Runaway, Royal Quick Legs, For You Kid, Oh Victoria Lynn, and Chitas Royal Rocket.

2008

The 2008 race was held on May 3 Delta Downs.