Louisiana Derby 2026
The 113th Running of the Louisiana Derby drew a large crowd of thoroughbred horse racing enthusiasts, fashionistas, and spectators to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, soaking in the last sunny weekend at the track before the complex's Jazz Fest stage construction begins.
While a full day of racing—including the Louisiana Derby's morning line in the 12th race—almost 8,000 people filled the grandstands and track side areas. Many were dressed to impress, turning many heads even more than the horses.
Extravagant hats decorated with colorful wide brimmed chapeaus that would give Kentucky Derby patrons a run for their money. Even more coveted than the horse's winning purse was the hat competition, one for men as well as the women.
When the bugler called the nine "riders up" to post, the paddock was shoulder-to-shoulder to get a glimpse of the field with the hope of seeing a future Kentucky Derby—or possible Triple Crown—winner up close and personal.
As the chestnut horse bolted from the starting gate in post position nine for the one-and-three-sixteenths mile race, Emerging Market was able to ultimately outrun 3-1 favorite Chip Honcho and 6-1 Pavlovian in the final stretch to decisively finished with at a 1:55.18 time—a mere 0:00.80 shy of Epicenter's 2022 speed record.
Also a 3-1 favorite, jockey Flavien Prat strategically navigated Emerging Market across the finish line, overcoming long shot Pavlovian by a head. A $2 minimum bet for Emerging Market paid $6 to win, $4 to place, and $2.80 to show. Pavlovian returned $13.60 and $5.80. Golden Tempo paid $3.20 to show. The $1 exacta paid $38.80, and the 50-cent trifecta returned $71.65.
Beyond capturing the the million dollar prize, the three-year-old, trained by Chad Brown, also secured a post position in the Kentucky Derby six weeks later on the first Saturday of May. Other horses in the race who may also still qualify for the Run for the Roses include third place Golden Tempo and Chip Honcho, who finished fifth.
With this exciting win—the second of Emerging Market's short but undefeated career—it's not surprising that the horse's bloodline includes Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker and Triple Crown champion Affirmed in his lineage. Brown was happy with the win but reserved deciding on heading to Louisville until he confers with the owners at Klaravich Stables. The respected trainer has yet to train a horse wearing the Kentucky garland of roses, and finds himself is in with three qualifying horses with a fourth in contention to make the morning line.
The lucky Louisiana horse racing fans in attendance may have seen the newest All-Star colt's launch to Triple Crown greatness live—and may have been closer to the next Run for the Roses winner than most of the hippophiles at the other Churchill Downs on May 2. Of course, those attending Jazz Fest can watch the recap afterwards, but at least they'll still be at the Fair Grounds.
