Stepping Stone Purse Stepping Stone Purse The Stepping Stone Purse was an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in the latter part of April at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Open to three-year-old horses, it was, along with the Derby Trial Stakes, one of two final prep races hosted by Churchill Downs running up to the Kentucky Derby. In 1959, Sword Dancer won the Stepping Stone Purse, then ran second in the Kentucky Derby before winning the Belmont Stakes. The following year, Bally Ache won this race then ran second in the Derby but won the Preakness Stakes. In 1969, future U.S. Racing
Commonwealth Derby run in 2018 in anticipation of the 2019 reopening of Colonial Downs. Fastest time: Most wins by an owner: Most wins by a jockey: Most wins by a Trainer: Commonwealth Derby The "Virginia Derby" is an American Thoroughbred horse race returning to Colonial Downs in New Kent County, Virginia. The race was previously known as the Commonwealth Derby when it was held at Laurel Park race track in Laurel, Maryland. A Grade II event, it is raced on turf at a distance of 9 Furlongs ( miles) and is open to three-year-old horses. From 1998 to 2013, the race was