Nashville Derby

Nashville Derby
ClassGrade II
LocationKentucky Downs
Franklin, Kentucky, United States
Inaugurated2014 as Dueling Grounds Derby
Race typeThoroughbredFlat racing
WebsiteKentucky Downs
Race information
Distance1+516 miles
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
Weight123 lbs
Purse$3,500,000 (2025)

The Nashville Derby is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three years olds, over a distance of one and five-sixteenths miles on the turf held annually in late August or early September at Kentucky Downs racetrack in Franklin, Kentucky during their short turf meeting.

With a purse of $3.5 million for its 2025 running—including $1.5 million for Kentucky-bred runners—the Nashville Derby is the richest race to be run at Kentucky Downs, as well as the second richest turf race in the United States behind the Breeders' Cup Turf. The total purse makes the Nashville Derby the richest race in the United States outside of the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders' Cup.