 After finishing fourth in the Futurity Stakes at Sheepshead Bay Race Track, he was bought by noted Kentucky horseman, John E. Madden and in a race for older horses in September, defeated the 1896 Kentucky Derby winner Ben Brush.As a three-year-old, Plaudit was ridden by future U.S.Racing Hall of Fame jockey, Willie Simms in the 24th edition of the Kentucky Derby.