The race took place on May 1, 1943, and was won by the heavy favorite, Count Fleet.

[3][4] Colonel Matt Winn lobbied for the Kentucky Derby to be held in 1943 despite many restrictions related to the war effort.

[5] Count Fleet was the winter-book favorite for the Derby after being named the champion two-year-old colt of 1942.

In April 1943, he easily won the Wood Memorial Stakes but injured himself during the race.

A few hours before the race, Ocean Wave was scratched due to an injured leg, leaving Count Fleet as the 2-5 favorite – the shortest odds in Derby history.