Catching Freedom Wins Louisiana Derby, Earns Record Beyer Speed Figure

Impressive Performance Earns Horse a Spot in Kentucky Derby Contention

Catch Wins, Earns 97 Beyer Speed Figure

NEW ORLEANS, La. (March 23, 2024) - Catching Freedom stormed from last to first to win the $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course on Saturday, earning a 97 Beyer Speed Figure for his triumph. The victory gives the horse a spot in the Kentucky Derby, which is set to be run on May 4 at Churchill Downs.

Catching Freedom, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, closed from last to first to win the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:49.83. The victory was the second in a row for Catching Freedom, who also won the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in February.

Catching Freedom's Beyer Speed Figure of 97 is the highest of any 3-year-old horse this year. It is also the highest Beyer Speed Figure earned by a horse in the Louisiana Derby since 2019, when War of Will won the race with a 98.