Hialeah's Historic Flamingo

Hialeah's Flamingo Stakes was once the premier Kentucky Derby prep of the Florida season. It produced twelve dual winners, starting with Lawrin in 1938 and continuing through 1979, when Spectacular Bid won both races.

Other notable winners which did not go on to victory at Churchill Downs, but who were influential in other ways include Black Helen in 1935 (when the race was called the Florida Derby), Olympia in 1949, Nashua in 1956, Bold Ruler in 1957, Never Bend in 1963, and Alydar in 1978.

The 1985 winner was Chief's Crown (originally disqualified but reinstated on appeal). The final running in 2001 went to Thunder Blitz.

Hialeah's operator Eugene Mori was a great promoter, and even had a beverage concocted to honor the race.



The Flamingo cocktail
A Blend of Coconut & Pineapple Juice, Grenadine & Rum
Pour over crushed ice and garnish with pineapple chunk and cherry.
* Many recipes say Apricot Brandy, Gin, Lime juice and Grenadine, but the above is taken from a Hialeah Flamingo Cocktail glass.

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Here are the winners of the Flamingo Stakes who also won the Kentucky Derby.

1938 - Lawrin
1948 - Citation
1954 - Turn-To
1956 - Needles
1958 - Tim Tam
1961 - Carry Back
1964 - Northern Dancer
1966 - Buckpasser
1975 - Foolish Pleasure
1976 - Honest Pleasure
1977 - Seattle Slew
1979 - Spectacular Bid

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Spectacular Bid also won the Florida Derby of 1979

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