Gulfstream Park’s signature race for 3-year-olds, the $1 million Florida Derby, will be held Saturday, March 29. In addition to world-class championship thoroughbred racing, Derby Day promises entertainment, contests and giveaways, and more non-stop excitement.

Throughout its history Gulfstream Park has been hailed as the proving ground of champions, and the Florida Derby has been the nation’s foremost prep for the Kentucky Derby. In its proud 57-year history, 38 3-year-olds have come out of the Florida Derby to win 51 Triple Crown events, including 20 Kentucky Derby winners – most recently the beloved Barbaro.

Few horses in recent years have captured the nation’s hearts as the undefeated Barbaro, who took the 2006 Holy Bull Stakes and Florida Derby at Gulfstream before crushing his field in the Kentucky Derby.

This year’s Florida Derby undercard includes two additional graded-stakes races: the Bonnie Miss for 3-year-old fillies and the Palm Beach on the turf.

However, the excitement will extend beyond the oval on Derby Day. The morning will begin with the live simulcast of one of the world’s most prestigious racing cards, the World Cup program from halfway across the world, the United Arab Emirate of Dubai. The Dubai card concludes with the $6 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest thoroughbred race, which Gulfstream guests will be able to watch and wager on in real-time.

Fans that are members of the GP Advantage Club can take part in a handicapping contest that would bring riches. Here’s how it works: pick the winners of the eight races culminating with the Florida Derby and, if you’re the only winner, you win $500,000.

There will also be a contest to pick the winners of three races, culminating in the Florida Derby.

Casino players can get in on the action, as Gulfstream will award $25,000, a new Ford Mustang, or four years of college tuition at a state university in Florida on March 28, 29 and 30 as part of its “Cash, Cars or College” promotion. One lucky winner on each drawing day will have their choice of the valuable prizes.

Also on Saturday, for those dressed up in their Derby hats and finery, Gulfstream will hold a Best Dress Gentleman and Best Dressed Lady contest.

Since it’s a festive occasion there will be entertainment including two steel bands leading up to the big races.

As always, Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino provides world-class thoroughbred racing, non-stop casino action, fine dining, poker, entertainment and much much more excitement.