Elkhorn Stakes
{{Infobox horseraces
| surface = Turf
| class = Grade II
| horse race = Elkhorn Stakes
| image =
| caption =
| location = Keeneland
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| inaugurated = 1986
| race type = Thoroughbred – Flat racing
| website = [http://www.keeneland.com/default.aspx Keeneland]
| distance = {{frac|1|1|2}} miles (12 furlongs)
| track = Left-handed
| qualification = Four-year-olds and older
| weight = 123 lbs with allowances
| purse = $350,000 (since 2022)
| sponsor = [https://www.visitlex.com/ VisitLex] (2024)
| bonuses =
}}
The Elkhorn Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older over a distance of {{frac|1|1|2}} miles on the turf held annually in early April at Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, Kentucky during the spring meeting. It currently offers a purse of $350,000.
History
The event is named for Elkhorn and area which it is believed that Daniel Boone took his first steps in what is now Kentucky near present-day Elkhorn City on a hunting expedition.Historical Marker Society of America. {{cite web |url=http://www.veteransday.ernesthall.com/VetDaypdf/Chapter%204%20Revolutionary%20War.pdf |title=Veterans Day –A Tribute to the Military Service of our Ancestors RESEARCH DRAFT 2013| quote="Boone first reached Kentucky in the fall of 1767 while on a long hunt with his brother Squire Boone. Boone's first steps in Kentucky were near present day Elkhorn City" |date=2013 |access-date=12 July 2020 |page=34 }} Also the name is synonymous with Elkhorn Creek, a stream running through several counties in Central Kentucky.
The event was inaugurated on 20 April 1986 and was won by Lieutenant's Lark, starting 10-1 went wire-to-wire with Frank Lovato Jr. aboard in a time of 1:54{{frac|3|5}} over the {{frac|1|1|8}} miles distance. The event was increased to the current distance of a mile and one half in 1996.{{cite web|title=Dixiana Elkhorn Stakes (Gr. 2) |url=https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Stakes&stkid=827 |website=Equibase|access-date=12 July 2020}}
A Grade III event from 1988 to 1989 and from 1996 to 2007, it was a Grade II event from 1990 to 1995 and in 2008 was returned to its Grade II status.{{cite web|url=https://www.pedigreequery.com/index.php?query_type=stakes&search_bar=stakes&field=view&id=3653 |title=ELKHORN STAKES - KEENELAND, KY |work=Thoroughbred Pedigree Online |date=2020 |access-date=12 July 2020}}
Several champions have won this event including the 1986 US Champion Male Turf Horse Manila in his season debut of 1987 and the dual Breeders' Cup Mile winner Lure who won this event in 1994 easily by four lengths as a short priced favorite. Both these champions won the event when it was {{frac|1|1|8}} miles. Chief Bearhart won this event at the {{frac|1|1|2}} miles distance in 1997 en route to becoming Canadian Horse of the Year and also US Champion Male Turf Horse.
Records
Speed record
- {{frac|1|1|2}} miles: 2:27.10 – Channel Maker (2022)
- {{frac|1|1|8}} miles: 1:47.00 – Marvin's Faith (IRE) (1995)
Margins
- {{frac|4|3|4}} lengths – Epicentre (2004)
Most wins
- 2 – African Dancer (1998, 1999)
- 2 – Kim Loves Bucky (2002, 2003)
- 2 – Musketier (GER) (2010, 2011)
Most wins by an owner
- 2 – Pin Oak Stable (1998, 1999)
- 2 – Kim Glenney (2002, 2003)
- 2 – Phipps Stable (2008, 2012)
- 2 – Sam-Son Farm (1997, 2021)
Most wins by a jockey
- 5 – Jerry Bailey (1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004)
Most wins by a trainer
- 4 – Roger Attfield (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011)
- 4 – Michael J. Maker (2013, 2016, 2019, 2020)
Winners
class="wikitable sortable" |
Year
! Winner ! Age ! Jockey ! Trainer ! Owner ! Distance ! Time ! Purse ! Grade ! Ref |
---|
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2025 |Utah Beach |align=center |5 | Vincent Cheminaud | Ignacio Correas IV | Jeffrey S. Amling & Merriebelle Stable |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.78 |align=center |$394,188 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2024 |Silver Knott (GB) |align=center |4 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:27.37 |align=center |$313,750 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2023 |Verstappen |align=center |4 |Declan Cannon |Brendan P. Walsh |Andrew Farm, For the People Racing Stable, & Windmill Manor Farm |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.28 |align=center |$333,157 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan" |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2022 |Channel Maker |align=center |8 |Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, R.A. Hill Stable, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:27.10 |align=center |$310,538 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2021 |Say the Word |align=center |6 |Luis Saez |Philip D'Amato |Agave Racing Stable & Sam-Son Farm |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:28.26 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2020 |align=center |7 |Michael M Hui |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:30.82 |align=center |$175,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2019 |Bigger Picture |align=center |6 |Three Diamonds Farm |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:32.00 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2018 |One Go All Go |align=center |6 |Chris Landeros |Charles L. Dickey |Rodney Paden |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:30.76 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2017 |Itsinthepost (FR) |align=center |5 |Red Baron's Barn |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:31.22 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2016 |Da Big Hoss |align=center |5 |Skychai Racing |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:31.29 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2015 |Dramedy |align=center |6 |Gerald Russel Aschinger |John James Revocable Trust |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:31.17 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2014 |Unitarian |align=center |4 |Robert S. Evans |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:32.60 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2013 |Dark Cove |align=center |6 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:30.84 |align=center |$150,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2012 |Point of Entry |align=center |4 |{{nowrap|Claude R. McGaughey III}} |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.45 |align=center |$150,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2011 |Musketier (GER) |align=center |9 |Stella Perdomo |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:32.04 |align=center |$150,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2010 |Musketier (GER) |align=center |8 |Johanna Louise Glen-Teven |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:31.32 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2009 |Spice Route (GB) |align=center |5 |Attfield, Harlequin & Ralph Johnson |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.23 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2008 |Dancing Forever |align=center |5 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.79 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2007 |Ascertain (IRE) |align=center |6 |Niall M. O'Callaghan |Mrs. S. K. Johnston Jr., Paul J. Dixon & Dr. Gene Voss |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:30.40 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2006 |Pellegrino (BRZ) |align=center |7 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.84 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2005 |Macaw (IRE) |align=center |6 |Angel A. Penna Jr. |George Melillo |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:32.62 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2004 |Epicentre |align=center |5 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:31.96 |align=center |$150,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2003 |Kim Loves Bucky |align=center |6 |{{nowrap|Kent J. Desormeaux}} |John Glenney |Kim Glenney |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.39 |align=center |$150,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2002 |Kim Loves Bucky |align=center |5 |John Glenney |Kim Glenney |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:32.49 |align=center |$150,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2001 |Williams News |align=center |6 |On Target Racing Stable |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:29.13 |align=center |$113,400 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |2000 |Drama Critic |align=center |4 |Amerman Racing Stables |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:28.00 |align=center |$112,500 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1999 |African Dancer |align=center |7 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:27.80 |align=center |$109,900 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1998 |African Dancer |align=center |6 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:31.60 |align=center |$107,600 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1997 |align=center |4 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:28.40 |align=center |$110,200 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1996 |Vladivostok |align=center |6 | Bayard Sharp |align=center |{{frac|1|1|2}} miles |align=center |2:30.80 |align=center |$110,100 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1995 |{{nowrap|Marvin's Faith (IRE)}} |align=center |4 |Ian P. D. Jory |Marvin Malmouth |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:47.00 |align=center |$114,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1994 |Lure |align=center |5 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:53.60 |align=center |$107,300 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1993 |Coaxing Matt |align=center |4 |Neil L. Pessin |Elmer E. Miller |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:47.60 |align=center |$110,650 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1992 |align=center |4 |Leo O'Brien |Richard M. Bomze |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:47.60 |align=center |$112,300 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1991 |align=center |4 |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:51.20 |align=center |$109,450 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1990 |Ten Keys |align=center |6 |Michael V. Pino |Charles Linhoss |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:51.80 |align=center |$109,950 |align=center |II |{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=Elkhorn+Ten+Keys+Yankee&ymd=1990-04-15 |title=Ten Keys outduels Yankee Affair in Elkhorn battle of oldtimers (1990 Elkhorn Stakes – race 6: held 14 April 1990) |work=The Courier-Journal |date=15 April 1990 |access-date=12 July 2020 |page=45 |first=Jennie |last=Rees}} |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1989 |Exclusive Partner |align=center |7 |Fernando Toro | R. Dee Hubbard |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:50.40 |align=center |$84,450 |align=center |III |{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=Elkhorn+Exclusive+Partner&ymd=1989-04-28&offset=3 |title=Toro boots Exclusive Partner to Elkhorn victory (1989 Elkhorn Stakes – race 8: held 27 April 1989) |work=The Courier-Journal |date=28 April 1989 |access-date=12 July 2020 |page=51 |first=Dave |last=Koerner}} |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1988 |align=center |6 |Ju Ju Jen Stable |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:49.60 |align=center |$86,900 |align=center |III |{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=Elkhorn+Yankee+Affair+Day&ymd=1988-04-21&offset=4 |title=Yankee Affair gets message from Day and wins Elkhorn (1988 Elkhorn Stakes – race 8: held 20 April 1988) |work=The Courier-Journal |date=21 April 1988 |access-date=12 July 2020 |pages=11, 31 |first=Jim |last=Terhume}} |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1987 |align=center |4 |Bradley M. Shannon |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:48.40 |align=center |$53,875 |align=center | |{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=Elkhorn+Manila+cookie&ymd=1987-04-15 |title=Manila, one turf cookie at Keeneland, shows how great ones make it look easy (1987 Elkhorn Stakes – race 8: held 20 April 1987) |work=The Courier-Journal |date=21 April 1987 |access-date=12 July 2020 |pages=11, 13 |first=Jennie |last=Rees}} |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:lightcyan"
|align=center |1986 |Lieutenant's Lark |align=center |4 |Lowell T. Stevens |align=center |{{frac|1|1|8}} miles |align=center |1:54.60 |align=center |$55,925 |align=center | |{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/#lnd=1&query=Elkhorn++%09Lieutenant%27s+Lark&ymd=1986-04-16&offset=4 |title=Lieutenant's Lark, wins wire to wire in Elkhorn (1986 Elkhorn Stakes – race 7: held 20 April 1986) |work=The Courier-Journal |date=21 April 1986 |access-date=12 July 2020 |page=43 |first=Jennie |last=Rees}} |
See also
External links
- [https://issuu.com/keeneland/docs/media_guide-s2015 2015 Keeneland Media Guide]