Indiana Derby moved to July 18

The 2015 Indiana Derby will be run July 18, vacating its traditional date in late September or early October.

Brian Elmore, vice president for racing at Indiana Grand racetrack in suburban Indianapolis, said the reason for the new date is primarily for fans and horsemen to enjoy warmer weather. The new date also comes at a time that avoids competing with major events at Keeneland, Belmont, and Santa Anita, as had been the case in prior years, Elmore noted.

The Grade 2, $500,000 Indiana Derby is a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds. In some years, it has been used as a final prep for the Breeders’ Cup, such as when Lookin At Lucky prevailed in 2010 for Bob Baffert. The 2014 running was won by East Hall under Luis Saez.