Princess Rooney Stakes
{{Infobox horseraces
| class = Grade III
| horse race = Princess Rooney Stakes
| image =
| caption =
| location = Gulfstream Park
Hallandale Beach, Florida, United States
| inaugurated = 1985 (at Calder Race Course as Princess Rooney Handicap )
| race type = Thoroughbred - Flat racing
| website = [http://www.gulfstreampark.com/ Gulfstream Park]
| distance = 7 furlongs
| surface = Dirt
| track = left-handed
| qualification = Fillies & Mares, three-years-old and older
| weight = Base weights with allowances:
Older: 126 lbs
3YOs: 122 lbs
| purse = $220,000 (2024)
| bonuses = Winner receives automatic entry to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
}}
The Princess Rooney Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares aged three and older over a distance of seven furlongs on the dirt run annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
History
The inaugural running of the event was on 10 August 1985 at Calder Race Course as the Princess Rooney Handicap.
The event is named in honor for the U.S. Hall of Fame filly Princess Rooney, who won her first four starts at the Calder racetrack.{{cite web |title=Princess Rooney (KY) |url=https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=813024®istry=T&rbt=TB |website=equibase |access-date=30 June 2021 |date=2021 |quote=Career: 21 Starts 17 wins 2 seconds 1 third – $1,343,339}}
The event was contested at a distance of seven furlongs until 1997. The event was run at six furlongs from 1998 to 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.pedigreequery.com/index.php?search_bar=stakes&query_type=stakes&field=view&id=3888 |date=2021 |accessdate=30 June 2021 |publisher=Thoroughbred Database |title=PRINCESS ROONEY HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS}}
In 1999, the event was upgraded to Grade III status by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and carried a $300,000 purse. Three years later the event was upgraded again to Grade II. The event was a Grade I event from 2006 to 2014. The race was not run in 2014 due to changes in the racing schedule resulting from Gulfstream announcing their lease of the Calder Race Course property.{{cite web |last1=Spencer |first1=Clark |title=Gulfstream Park set to host stakes races normally held at Calder |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/horse-racing/article2485311.html |publisher=Miami Herald |access-date=29 June 2021 |date=2 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708072012/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/horse-racing/article2485311.html|archive-date=8 July 2015}}
In 2015, the race was run at Gulfstream for the first time as the Princess Rooney Stakes, as the conditions were changed from handicap to allowance weights. The race had also been downgraded to Grade II status.{{cite web|title=Profile - Princess Rooney Stakes|url=http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Stakes&stkid=1451 |website=www.equibase.com |accessdate=30 June 2021}} The following year, the distance was increased back to the original 7 furlongs.
In 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Gulfstream Park did not schedule the event in their updated and shortened spring-summer meeting. The following year, the race became an invitational event.
In April 2023 Gulfstream announced that the Princess Rooney, usually run in early July, would be moved to a new date at the beginning of October. As a consequence of the change, the American Graded Stakes Committee downgraded the race to Grade III status.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/271018/date-change-sees-princess-rooney-downgraded-to-grade-3|title=Date Change Sees Princess Rooney Downgraded to Grade 3|last=Angst|first=Frank|date=14 August 2023|publisher=The Blood-Horse |access-date=15 August 2023}}
The race is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" series, with the winner receiving automatic entry to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.{{cite web |url=https://www.breederscup.com/races/challenge-series?tab=schedule|title=Breeders' Cup Challenge Series|accessdate=15 August 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815115406/https://www.breederscup.com/races/challenge-series?tab=schedule|archivedate=15 August 2023}}
Records
{{col-float}}
Speed record:
- 7 furlongs: 1:21.68 - Curlin's Approval (2017)
- 6 furlongs: 1:09.29 - Merry Meadow (2015)
Margins:
- {{frac|6|3|4}} lengths - Game Face (2009)
Most wins:
- 2 - Classy Tricks (1986, 1987)
- 2 - Magal (1991, 1992)
- 2 - Gold Mover (2002, 2003)
- 2 - Stormy Embrace (2018, 2019)
- 2 - Ce Ce (2021, 2022)
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Most wins by a jockey:
- 3 - Jerry Bailey (2002, 2003, 2005)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 5 - Martin D. Wolfson (1995, 1996, 2010, 2013, 2017)
Most wins by an owner:
- 2 - Harry Katz (1986, 1987)
- 2 - Dolares S. Tamargo (1991, 1992)
- 2 - Edward P. Evans (2002, 2003)
- 2 - Matalona Thoroughbreds (2018, 2019)
- 2 - Bo Hirsch (2021, 2022)
{{col-float-end}}
Winners
class="wikitable sortable" |
Year
! Winner ! Age ! Jockey ! Trainer ! Owner ! Distance ! Time ! Purse ! Grade ! Ref |
---|
style="font-size:90%; background-color:white"
|align="left" colspan=11|At Gulfstream Park – Princess Rooney Stakes |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2024 |Soul of an Angel |align=center |5 |Saffie Joseph Jr. |C2 Racing Stable & Agave Racing Stable |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:23.23 |align=center |$210,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2023 |Three Witches |align=center |4 |Leonel Reyes |Saffie Joseph Jr. |e Five Racing Thoroughbreds |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:22.89 |align=center |$200,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2022 |Ce Ce |align=center |6 |Bo Hirsch |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:22.20 |align=center |$300,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2021 |Ce Ce |align=center |5 |Bo Hirsch |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:21.94 |align=center |$350,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:white"
|align="center" |2020 |align="center" colspan=10|Race not held |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2019 |Stormy Embrace |align=center |5 |Wilmer A. Garcia |Kathleen O'Connell |Matalona Thoroughbreds |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:22.99 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2018 |Stormy Embrace |align=center |4 |Wilmer A. Garcia |Kathleen O'Connell |Matalona Thoroughbreds |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:21.81 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2017 |Curlin's Approval |align=center |4 |Alter's Racing Stable & Bridlewood Farm |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:21.68 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2016 |Spelling Again |align=center |5 |Seajay Racing |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:22.09 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2015 |Merry Meadow |align=center |5 |William Parsons Jr. & David S. Howe |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:09.29 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:white"
|align="center" |2014 |align="center" colspan=10|Race not held |
style="font-size:90%; background-color:white"
|align="left" colspan=11|At Calder Racetrack – Princess Rooney Handicap |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2013 |Starship Truffles |align=center |4 |Edgard J. Zayas |Chasing Tails Stables |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.57 |align=center |$350,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2012 |align=center |5 |William A. Kaplan & Pinnacle Racing Stable (Adam Lazarus, managing partner) |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.92 |align=center |$400,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2011 |Sassy Image |align=center |4 | Jerry Romans |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:11.61 |align=center |$350,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2010 |Jessica Is Back |align=center |6 | Farnsworth Stables |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:11.48 |align=center |$350,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2009 |Game Face |align=center |4 |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.74 |align=center |$350,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2008 |Mistical Plan |align=center |4 |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.76 |align=center |$400,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2007 |River's Prayer |align=center |4 |Clinton L. Potts |Paula S. Capestro |Paula S. Capestro, Bantry Farms & Martin Racing Stable |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.66 |align=center |$500,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2006 |Malibu Mint |align=center |4 |Josue Arce |James R. Chapman |John & Martha Mulholland |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.02 |align=center |$500,000 |align=center |I |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2005 |Madcap Escapade |align=center |4 |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:09.93 |align=center |$500,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2004 |Ema Bovary (CHI) |align=center |5 |Roberto M. Gonzalez |Larry D. Ross |Richard T. Beal Jr. & Lana Ramsey-Borg |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.81 |align=center |$500,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2003 |Gold Mover |align=center |5 |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:11.31 |align=center |$500,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2002 |Gold Mover |align=center |4 |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.21 |align=center |$400,000 |align=center |II |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2001 |Dream Supreme |align=center |4 |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.48 |align=center |$400,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |2000 |Hurricane Bertie |align=center |5 |Bernard S. Flint |Richard, Bertram & Elaine Klein |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:11.43 |align=center |$400,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1999 |Princess Pietrina |align=center |5 |{{nowrap|Rosemary Homeister Jr.}} |Frank Carlisi |Gemini Stables |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.49 |align=center |$300,000 |align=center |III |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1998 |U Can Do It |align=center |5 |Larry Pilotti |Carina & Frank Marano |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.12 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center | Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1997 |Vivace |align=center |4 |Post Oak Farm |align=center |6 furlongs |align=center |1:10.94 |align=center |$250,000 |align=center | Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1996 |Chaposa Springs |align=center |4 |Suresh Chintamaneni |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:23.40 |align=center |$100,000 |align=center | Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1995 |{{nowrap|Miss Gibson County}} |align=center |4 |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:23.18 |align=center |$100,000 |align=center |Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1994 |Roamin Rachel |align=center |4 |Wigberto S. Ramos |{{nowrap|Claude R. McGaughey III}} |Tri Honors Stable |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:24.01 |align=center |$100,000 |align=center |Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1993 |Lady Sonata |align=center |4 |Michael Andre Lee |Oliver E. Edwards |V E J Stables |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:23.00 |align=center |$50,000 |align=center | Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1992 |Magal |align=center |5 |Raymond Tamargo |Dolares S. Tamargo |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:23.60 |align=center |$50,000 |align=center | Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1991 |Magal |align=center |4 |Raymond Tamargo |Dolares S. Tamargo |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:24.62 |align=center |$54,250 |align=center | Listed |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1990 |Sweet Proud Polly |align=center |3 |Pedro A. Rodriguez |Ronald J. Sarazin |Mrs. Eric H. Cocks |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:25.00 |align=center |$53,400 |align=center | |{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/?#query=Sweet+Proud+Polly+Princess+Rooney+Calder&ymd=1990-08-27 |title=Sweet Proud Polly wins Princess Rooney race – (race 9: held 26 August 1990) |agency=The Associated Press |work=Palm Beach Post |page=43 |date=27 August 1990 |accessdate=30 June 2021}} |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1989 |Ana T. |align=center |4 |Robert Neal Lester |George Julian |Holly Rincon |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:24.80 |align=center |$81,650 |align=center | |{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/?#query=Ana+Spirit+Fighter+Evans+Princess+Rooney+Calder&ymd=1989-08-14 |title=Ana T. surprises Spirit of Fighter – (race 10: held 13 August 1989) |first=Dick |last=Evans |work=Miami Herald |page=34 |date=14 August 1989 |accessdate=30 June 2021}} |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1988 |Spirit of Fighter |align=center |5 |Odin J. Londono |Daniel C. Hurtak |Dennis Punches & Dan Hurtak |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:24.60 |align=center |$54,250 |align=center | |{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/?#query=Spirit+Fighter+Princess+Rooney+Calder&ymd=1988-07-11 |title= Spirit of Fighter wins Princess Rooney – (race 9: held 10 July 1988) |work=Miami Herald |page=34 |date=11 July 1988 |accessdate=30 June 2021}} |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1987 |Classy Tricks |align=center |4 |Marland C. Suckie |Ron A. Felix |Harry Katz & Sidney L. Port |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:25.00 |align=center |$53,400 |align=center | |{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/?#query=Classy+Tricks++Princess+Rooney+brother+winners+Calder&ymd=1987-07-19 |title=Like Brothers, like sisters for winners at Calder – (race 9: held 13 July 1987) |first=Dick |last=Evans |work=Miami Herald |page=482 |date=14 July 1987 |accessdate=30 June 2021}} |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1986 |Classy Tricks |align=center |3 |Robert Neal Lester |Ron A. Felix |Harry Katz |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:25.00 |align=center |$45,550 |align=center | |{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/?#query=Classy+Tricks++Princess+Rooney++Calder&ymd=1986-07-20 |title=Patience pays off for Classy Tricks in Princess Rooney – (race 9: held 19 July 1986) |first=Ken |last=Plutnicki |work=Miami Herald |page=46 |date=20 July 1986 |accessdate=30 June 2021}} |
style="font-size:90%;"
|align=center |1985 |Birdie Belle |align=center |4 |J. A. Santiago |Leo Sierra |Cuardra Santa Rita |align=center |7 furlongs |align=center |1:24.40 |align=center |$55,400 |align=center | |{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/search/?#query=Birdie+Belle+Princess+Rooney++Calder&ymd=1985-08-11 |title='Belle' outruns 'Secretary' in Rooney – (race 9: held 10 August 1985) |first=Dave |last=Joseph |work=Fort Lauderdale News |page=49 |date=11 August 1985 |accessdate=30 June 2021}} |