Derby Turf Club Race Betting, Las Vegas, Ladies Cotton Tee

Description

Founded in December 1953, the Derby Turf Club began life at 113 South 1st Street, just off Fremont Street. Its original licensees were Louis Nier and David Stearns, each holding a 50% stake, officially approved on December 10, 1953. The venue specialized in horse-race betting, serving as a dedicated race and sports book, though it never succeeded in obtaining a full sports betting license, instead focusing primarily on racing. Ownership evolved over the years. By December 1962, control was held 75% by Harry Hurley and 25% by Frank Cobert. Later that month, Cobert acquired an additional 25% from Hurley for $17,500, and subsequently, Hurley sold his remaining 50% interest to Harry Gordon for $40,000. After nearly three decades of operation, the club closed in 1982. Today the former Derby Turf property is part of the expansive Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino footprint. Though gone, the Derby Turf Club remains a strong part of Las Vegas lore—its legacy preserved in matchbooks, ashtrays, matchcovers, paintings, and the memories of fans of Vegas’ vintage racing and race betting heyday.