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Information About

Woodward Stakes




  horse Race Woodward Stakes
  location Saratoga Race Course <br> Saratoga Springs, New York
  inaugurated 1954
  race Type Thoroughbred - Flat Racing
  website Saratoga Race Course
  distance 1⅛ miles (9 furlongs)
  track Dirt, left-handed
  qualification Four-year-olds and up
  weight Weight-For-Age
  purse $500,000


The Woodward Stakes is a 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 $500,000.

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.

Since its inception, the Woodward Stakes has been run at a variety of distances:
  • 1 mile - 1954

  • 1⅛ miles - 1955, 1976-1977, 1981-1987, 1990 to present

  • 1¼ miles - 1956-1971, 1978-1980, 1988-1989

  • 1½ miles - 1972-1975



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


Cougar II finished first, but was disqualified and placed third.


EXTERNAL LINKS