As the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches on Saturday, Alabama’s presence continues, thanks to a historic win 80 years ago and a new contender ready to carry the torch at Churchill Downs.

An Alabama-trained champion: Hoop Jr.’s 1945 triumph

In 1943, Fred W. Hooper, a self-made businessman and construction magnate based in Montgomery, entered the horse racing world by purchasing his first thoroughbred at the Keeneland Sales in Lexington, Kentucky. The colt, later named Hoop Jr., was trained in Alabama under the direction of Hall of Fame trainer Ivan Parke and showed early promise on the track.

Two years later, Hoop Jr. captured national attention by winning the 1945 Kentucky Derby, which was rescheduled to June 9 due to World War II—the latest date the race has ever been held. Ridden by jockey Eddie Arcaro, Hoop Jr. dominated the field, winning by six lengths.

Hoop Jr. retired with nine starts, four wins, and nearly $100,000 in earnings, and his victory launched Hooper’s career as one of the sport’s most respected breeders.

Coal Battle: Alabama’s 2025 Derby underdog

This year, Alabama is back in the Derby spotlight with Coal Battle, a dark bay colt owned by Thomasville grocer Robbie Norman. The horse was acquired for $70,000 at the 2023 Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale, and has since shown competitive potential with a 98 Equibase speed rating and success across varying track conditions.

Trained by Lonnie Briley, a 72-year-old veteran from Louisiana, Coal Battle enters the Derby with 30-1 odds and a reputation for tactical adaptability—a crucial trait in a crowded 20-horse field.

Related: Thomasville grocer’s horse of a lifetime: Alabama’s Coal Battle enters Derby spotlight

2025 Kentucky Derby: What to know

The 151st Run for the Roses will take place at 6:57 p.m. ET on May 3. Live coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC, and streaming options will be available on Peacock, YouTube TV, and Fubo.

This year’s favorites include Journalism (3-1), Sovereignty (5-1), and Sandman (6-1)—but longshot stories like Coal Battle’s have upended expectations before.

From the Alabama-trained Derby winner Hoop Jr. in 1945 to Coal Battle’s underdog bid in 2025, the state’s connection to racing’s biggest stage continues to inspire.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].