| Kentucky Derby | |
| Grade I stakes race | |
| Location | Churchill Downs |
|---|---|
| Date | May 20, 1879 |
| Winning horse | Lord Murphy |
| Jockey | Charlie Shauer |
| Trainer | George Rice |
| Owner | Geo. W. Darden & Co. |
| Surface | Dirt |
The 1879 Kentucky Derby was the 5th running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 20, 1879.[1] The winning horse Lord Murphy set a new Derby record with a winning time of 2:37.00.[2]