The
Woodward Stakes is an American
Grade I stakes race and is one of the premier races for older
thoroughbred horses in the
United States. Named for prominent racehorse owner,
William Woodward, Sr., it is run at 1⅛ miles (1811 m) on the dirt for a purse of $750,000.
The Woodward was run as a handicap in 1954, 1955, and in 1976 and 1977. From 1957 through 1975 it was a weight-for-age event, and was run as an allowance stakes from 1977 through 1987. The race returned to being a handicap event in 1988, 1989, and 1990 then reverted to a weight-for-age race in 1991.
Originally run at
Aqueduct Racetrack and most recently at
Belmont Park, the Woodward was moved to
Saratoga Race Course for its 53rd running in 2006. All three racetracks are operated by the
New York Racing Association.
This race is to honor the memory of
Belair Stud's
William Woodward, Sr., a dedicated horseman, who was chairman of the
Jockey Club from 1930 to 1950.
In 2009
Rachel Alexandra became the first female to win the Woodward facing older males for the first time. Only one other 3-year-old filly had ever run in the Woodward:
Summer Guest in 1972. She finished second to
Key to the Mint before being disqualified and placed third.
Since its inception, the Woodward Stakes has been run at a variety of distances:
- 1⅛ miles - 1955, 1976-1977, 1981-1987, 1990 to present
- 1¼ miles - 1956-1971, 1978-1980, 1988-1989
Records
Speed record:Most wins:- 4 - Forego (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)
- 3 - Kelso (1961, 1962, 1963)
Most wins by an owner:Most wins by a jockey:Most wins by a trainer:Winners of the Woodward Stakes
- A ‡ designates that this is a filly or mare that won the race.
† Cougar II finished first, but was disqualified and placed third. See also
