The Rich History of the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course: A Thrilling Derby Prep in the Heart of New Orleans
THE LECOMTE STAKES: A GATEWAY TO GLORY
The entrance to the Fair Grounds Race Course. Photo by Tom Ferry.
When the calendar turns to January, the horse racing world sets its sights on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, where the graded stakes action kicks off at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans with the Lecomte Stakes (G3).
This Grade 3 event for three-year-olds isn’t just a race; it’s a stepping stone for young Thoroughbreds with dreams of Kentucky Derby (G1) glory. Let’s dive into the history, stats, and significance of this iconic race.
A STORIED TRADITION
2002 Lecomte, Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem retired to Old Friends Equine.
Photo by Tom Ferry.
First run in 1943 as the LeCompte Handicap, the race has evolved into a pivotal prep race for the Kentucky Derby. With a current distance of 1 1/16 miles on dirt, the Lecomte Stakes challenges promising three-year-olds to showcase their potential early in the season.
Oxbow wins the 2013 Preakness Stakes with Gary Stevens.
Photo by Steve Heuertz.
Historical Highlights
Kentucky Derby Winners: War Emblem (2002) won the Kentucky Derby after claiming the Lecomte, while Mandaloun (2021) was later declared the Derby winner following a disqualification.
Biggest Upset: Pastourelles defeated the heavily favored 3/10 odds-on favorite, Risen Star, by a length and a quarter. Risen Star would later win the Preakness Stakes (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1) (1988).
Largest Winning Margin: 11 ½ lengths, a jaw-dropping performance from Oxbow that left the competition in the dust.
A Race of Many Distances
Throughout its history, the Lecomte Stakes has been contested at various distances, reflecting the evolving nature of horse racing:
1943: Inaugurated as the LeCompte Handicap, the race was contested over 1 1/8 miles.
1961: The race distance was shortened to 1 mile
1991: The distance was changed to 1 mile and 70 yards
2010-2011: The race was further shortened to 1 mile and 40 yards.
2012-2019: The distance increased to 1 mile and 70 yards.
2020-Present: The distance was lengthened to 1 1/16 miles
Legends of the Lecomte
The race’s legacy is built on the achievements of its stars:
Robby Albarado, the winningest jockey, has crossed the finish line first five times (1998, 2001, 2005, 2012, 2017).
Trainer John B. Theall holds the record for most wins, with an impressive five victories spanning three decades.
Owners Mr. & Mrs. Joe W. Brown dominated in the mid-20th century, with six wins to their name.
Oxbow ran the fastest time recorded at the race's current distance of 1 1/16 miles in 1:37.60 (2013).
A LAUNCHPAD FOR GREATNESS
War Of Will at Pimlico Race Course training for the 2019 Preakness Stakes.
Photo by Steve Heuertz.
This race is more than just a competition—it’s an early glimpse at the potential stars of the Triple Crown season. The Lecomte Stakes has a track record of propelling horses to the national stage. Oxbow would go on to claim the Preakness Stakes. In 2019, War of Will followed a similar trajectory, turning his Lecomte victory into Preakness glory.
WHY IT MATTERS