Woody Stephens Stakes

Last updated
Woody Stephens Stakes
Grade I race
Location Belmont Park
Elmont, New York, United States
Inaugurated1985
Race type Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website www.nyra.com/index_belmont.html
Race information
Distance7 Furlongs
SurfaceDirt
Trackleft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
Weight124 lbs. with allowances
PurseUS$500,000 (2024)

The Woody Stephens Stakes is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds run over a distance of seven furlongs on dirt held annually in early June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

Contents

History

Inaugurated in 1985 as the Riva Ridge Stakes, it was named in honor of the Hall of Fame inductee and Kentucky Derby winner, Riva Ridge. [1] In 2006, it was renamed in memory of Hall of Fame trainer Woody Stephens, who won eight U.S. Triple Crown races including a record five consecutive editions of the Belmont Stakes. [1]

The event was classified as a Grade III in 1988, upgraded to a Grade II event in 1998, and in 2019 it was upgraded to Grade I. [2]

The race is part of the undercard for the Belmont Stakes and often includes horses that are cutting back in distance after attempting to qualify on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. [3]

The event has been won by champions including Lost in the Fog in 2005 who that year was the American Champion Sprint Horse, and the 1990 Champion 2YO Fly So Free. Also the 2014 winner Bayern would later that year win the Breeders' Cup Classic.

In 2024 the event was moved to Saratoga Racetrack due to infield tunnel and redevelopment work at Belmont Park. [4]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

YearWinnerJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Saratoga – Woody Stephens Stakes
2024Book'em Danno Irad Ortiz Jr. Derek RyanAtlantic Six Racing7 furlongs1:21.30$500,000I [5]
At Belmont Park
2023Arabian Lion John R. Velazquez Bob Baffert Zedan Racing Stables7 furlongs1:21.70$400,000I [6]
2022 Jack Christopher José Ortiz Chad C. Brown Peter M. Brant, Gerry Isbister, Jim Bakke, & Coolmore Stud 7 furlongs1:21.18$392,000I [7]
2021Drain the Clock Jose Ortiz Saffie Joseph JrSlam Dunk Racing, Madaket Stables, Wonder Stables & Michael Nentwig7 furlongs1:22.27$392,000I [8]
2020No Parole Luis Saez Thomas AmossMaggi Moss & Greg Tramontin7 furlongs1:21.41$242,500I [9]
2019Hog Creek Hustle Corey J. Lanerie Vickie L. FoleySomething Special Racing7 furlongs1:21.12$400,000I [10]
2018Still Having Fun Joel Rosario Timothy L. Keefe Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Terp Racing LLC7 furlongs1:21.45$400,000II [11]
2017American Anthem Mike E. Smith Bob Baffert WinStar Farm, Head of Plains Partners, China Horse Club, SF Racing7 furlongs1:22.14$500,000II [12]
2016Tom's Ready Joel Rosario Dallas Stewart G M B Racing7 furlongs1:21.38$500,000II [13]
2015March Irad Ortiz Jr. Chad C. Brown Robert V. LaPenta7 furlongs1:21.37$490,000II [14]
2014 Bayern Gary L. Stevens Bob Baffert Kaleem Shah7 furlongs1:20.75$500,000II [15]
2013Forty Tales Joel Rosario Todd A. Pletcher Perretti Racing Stable7 furlongs1:22.47$400,000II [16]
2012Trinniberg Willie Martinez Bisnath ParbooShivananda Racing7 furlongs1:22.26$400,000II [17]
2011Justin Phillip Ramon A. Dominguez Steven M. Asmussen Zayat Stables 7 furlongs1:23.56$245,000II [18]
2010 D' Funnybone Edgar S. Prado Richard E. Dutrow Jr. Paul Pompa Jr.7 furlongs1:22.64$245,000II [19]
2009Munnings John R. Velazquez Todd A. Pletcher Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith7 furlongs1:20.63$250,000II [20]
2008J Be K Garrett K. Gomez Steven M. Asmussen Zayat Stables 7 furlongs1:21.85$250,000II [21]
2007 Teuflesberg Robby Albarado Jamie SandersJeff Singer, Jamie Sanders, Donnie Kelly & Gary Logsdon7 furlongs1:21.49$247,166II [22]
2006Songster Edgar S. Prado Thomas Albertrani Darley Stable 7 furlongs1:21.45$250,000II [23]
Riva Ridge Stakes
2005 Lost in the Fog Edgar S. Prado Greg Gilchrist Harry J. Aleo 7 furlongs1:21.54$170,000II [24]
2004Fire Slam Pat Day David M. CarrollStan Fulton7 furlongs1:20.94$200,000II [25]
2003Posse Corey J. Lanerie Steven M. Asmussen Heiligbrodt Racing Stable7 furlongs1:22.03$200,000II [26]
2002Gygistar Pat Day Mark A. Hennig Edward P. Evans 7 furlongs1:22.61$190,000II [27]
2001Put It BackNoel A. Wynter H. Allen Jerkens Hobeau Farm 7 furlongs1:21.76$150,000II [28]
2000Trippi Jerry D. Bailey Todd A. Pletcher Dogwood Stable 7 furlongs1:23.68$150,000II [29]
1999Yes It's True Jerry D. Bailey D. Wayne Lukas Padua Stable7 furlongs1:22.35$150,000II [30]
1998 Coronado's Quest Mike E. Smith Claude R. McGaughey III Stuart S. Janney III7 furlongs1:22.50$136,750II [31]
1997 Smoke Glacken Craig Perret Henry L. Carroll William B. Roberts7 furlongs1:20.98$110,100III [32]
1996Gold Fever Mike E. Smith Claude R. McGaughey III Cynthia Phipps7 furlongs1:23.30$112,700III [33]
1995Western Larla Gary L. Stevens D. Wayne Lukas Fares Farm Inc.7 furlongs1:24.24$111,600III [34]
1994You and I Chris McCarron Robert J. Frankel Edmund A. Gann 7 furlongs1:20.33$111,800III [35]
1993MontbrookClarence Joseph Ladner IIIDean GaudetIsrael Cohen7 furlongs1:23.34$123,600III [36]
1992Superstrike (GB) José A. Santos Bruce L. JacksonDavid R. Kruse7 furlongs1:22.41$117,600III [37]
1991 Fly So Free Jerry D. Bailey Flint S. Schulhofer Thomas F. Valando 7 furlongs1:23.13$123,400III [38]
1990Adjudicating Jacinto Vásquez Claude R. McGaughey III Ogden Phipps 7 furlongs1:23.90$113,400III [39]
1989 Is It True Chris Antley D. Wayne Lukas Eugene V. Klein 7 furlongs1:22.29$117,000III [40]
1988Evening Kris Laffit Pincay Jr. Philip A. Gleaves Robert E. Brennan 7 furlongs1:22.80$115,000III [41]
1987Jazzing Around José A. Santos D. Wayne Lukas D. Wayne Lukas 7 furlongs1:22.40$80,400Listed [42]
1986 Ogygian Walter Guerra Jan H. Nerud Tartan Farms 7 furlongs1:23.40$81,500 [43]
1985Ziggy's Boy Ángel Cordero Jr. Walter Kelley John B. Singer7 furlongs1:22.20$81,600 [44]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "Woody Stephens Stakes (Gr. 1)". www.equibase.com. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  2. ↑ "Graded and Listed Races for 2019 Released". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  3. ↑ "Trinniberg Cuts Back in Woody Stephens Stakes". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  4. ↑ "NYRA sets 2024 calendar, with Belmont Stakes at Saratoga". nyra.com. New York Racing Association. January 24, 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  5. ↑ "Woody Stephens Stakes Presented by Mohegan Sun (Grade 1 - race 8)". equibase.com. 8 June 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  6. ↑ "Woody Stephens Stakes Presented by Mohegan Sun (Grade 1 - race 8)". equibase.com. 10 June 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  7. ↑ "Woody Stephens Stakes Presented by Mohegan Sun (Grade 1 - race 6)". equibase.com. 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "2021 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 1 – (race 3)". Equibase. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  9. ↑ "2020 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 1 – (race 2)" (PDF). Equibase. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  10. ↑ "2019 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. 8 June 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  11. ↑ "2018 Woody Stephens S. Presented by Mohegan Sun Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  12. ↑ "2017 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  13. ↑ "2016 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  14. ↑ "2015 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 3)". Equibase. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  15. ↑ "2014 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 5)". Equibase. 7 June 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  16. ↑ "2013 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 8 June 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  17. ↑ "2012 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 9 June 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  18. ↑ "2011 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 11 June 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  19. ↑ "2010 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. 5 June 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  20. ↑ "2009 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 6 June 2009. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  21. ↑ "2008 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 7 June 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  22. ↑ "2007 Woody Stephens Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 9 June 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  23. ↑ "2006 Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 10 June 2006. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  24. ↑ "2005 Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 11 June 2005. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  25. ↑ "2004 Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 5 June 2004. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  26. ↑ "2003 Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 7 June 2003. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  27. ↑ "2002 Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 8 June 2002. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  28. ↑ "2001 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 9 June 2001. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  29. ↑ "2000 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. 10 June 2000. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  30. ↑ "1999 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. 5 June 1999. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  31. ↑ "1998 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 6 June 1998. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  32. ↑ "1997 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 7 June 1997. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  33. ↑ "1996 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase. 8 June 1996. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  34. ↑ "1995 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 10 June 1995. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  35. ↑ "1994 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase. 11 June 1994. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  36. ↑ "1993 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 5 June 1993. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  37. ↑ "1992 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase. 6 June 1992. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  38. ↑ "1991 Riva Ridge Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase. 8 June 1991. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  39. ↑ "Three-win day for McGaughey at Belmont(1990 Riva Ridge Stakes – race 6: held 9 June 1990)". The Courier-Journal . 10 June 1990. p. 20. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  40. ↑ "Racing Chart from Belmont Park (1989 Riva Ridge Stakes – race 7: held 10 June 1989)". New York Daily News . 11 June 1989. p. 20. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  41. ↑ "Racing Round Up (1988 Riva Ridge Stakes – race 5: held 11 June 1988)". The Courier-Journal . Associated Press. 14 June 1988. p. 48. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  42. ↑ "Racing Round Up (1987 Riva Ridge Stakes – race 5: held 6 June 1987)". New York Daily News . 7 June 1987. p. 91. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  43. ↑ "Ogygian Takes Riva Ridge Stakes (1986 Riva Ridge Stakes – race 5: held 7 June 1986)". Arizona Daily Sun . 8 June 1986. p. 12. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
  44. ↑ "Racing Round Up (1985 Riva Ridge Stakes – race 5: held 8 June 1985)". The Courier-Journal . 9 June 1985. p. 59. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
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