The Secretariat Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds over a distance of one mile on the turf. The event was originally raced at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois as a supporting stakes race on the Arlington Million racing program.

Secretariat Stakes
Grade II race
LocationColonial Downs
New Kent County, Virginia
Inaugurated1974 at Arlington Park
Race typeThoroughbredFlat racing
WebsiteColonial Downs
Race information
DistanceOne mile
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
Weight123 lbs. with allowances
Purse$500,000 (2023)

Churchill Downs, whose parent company owns the land of the defunct Arlington Park racetrack, originally planned to run the Secretariat Stakes in 2022,[1] but the race was not run due to issues with the Churchill Downs turf course.[2] The 2023 race was re-scheduled to be run at Churchill-owned Colonial Downs in Virginia.[3]

History

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Precursor — Arlington Invitational

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In 1973, after Secretariat became the first U.S. Triple Crown winner in twenty five years, many race tracks wanted to have him race at their tracks. Arlington racetrack management offered to run him in the American Derby but it was too soon after his Belmont Stakes victory.[4] Instead, management established an event that would enhance Secretariat's connections. This event was called the Arlington Invitational with $125,000 stakes offered in order to showcase Secretariat to Chicago racing fans and it was held 29 June 1973. A crowd of 41,223 witnessed seeing the three challengers grouped as a single betting entry at 6–1 and Secretariat was 1–20 odds-on which created a minus pool of $17,941. Secretariat won the 1 18 miles race by nine lengths in 1:47 flat, just 15 off the track record set by Damascus with My Gallant and Our Native running second and third respectively. Both of these horses had lost to the champion in the Triple Crown series.[5] The performance produced a lasting impression on Arlington Park management.

Event

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One year and one day after Secretariat's performance at Arlington Park, track management scheduled a race to honor him. The inaugural event was held 30 June 1974 over a distance of 1 116 miles on the turf. The race was won in an upset with the 39-1 longshot Glossary winning.[6] The event was set with Grade II status.

It was run over 1 18 miles (1.8 km) in 1975/76 and extended to 1 12 miles (2.4 km) from 1978 to 1984, before settling at 1 14 miles from 1985 to 2018.

In 1984 the event was upgraded to Grade I status.[7]

In 1985 the event was held at Hawthorne Race Course over a shorter distance of 1 14 miles.[8]

There was no race run in 1988, 1998 and 1999.[8]

In 2005 it was included in the Grand Slam of Grass, which offered a substantial bonus to the winner of this race, the Colonial Turf Cup, the Virginia Derby and the Breeders' Cup Turf.

In 2019 the race was shortened to one mile.[8]

In 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Arlington Park did not schedule the event in its abbreviated season.[9]

During the last year of racing at Arlington Park in 2021, the race was renamed the Bruce D. Stakes in honor of the late Bruce Duchossois, the son of track owner Richard L. Duchossois.[10]

In March 2022 Churchill Downs Incorporated (owner of the Arlington Park property) announced that it would move the Secretariat Stakes to Churchill Downs along with several of Arlington's traditional stakes races, including the Arlington Million.[1] A week and a half before the Secretariat was supposed to be run, Churchill announced that the Secretariat would not be contested due to issues with the Churchill Downs turf course, while the other major turf stakes formerly run at Arlington—the Arlington Million and the Beverly D. Stakes—would be run as scheduled.[2]

In December 2022 an agreement was reached between Churchill Downs and the American Graded Stakes Committee to move the 2023 Arlington Million and its supporting races, including the Secretariat Stakes, to Colonial Downs in Virginia.[3]

Records

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Race record:

  • 1 mile: 1:35.10 – Gigante (2023)
  • 1 14 miles: 1:59.65 – Kitten's Joy (2004)
  • 1 12 miles: 2:29.80 – Mac Diarmida (1978)

Margins:

  • 7 12 lengths – Stately Don (1987)

Most wins by an owner:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners

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Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
At Colonial Downs – Secretariat Stakes
2024 Trikari John R. Velazquez H. Graham Motion Amerman Racing 1 mile 1:34.92 $500,000 II [11]
2023 Gigante Javier Castellano Steve Asmussen Iapetus Racing & Diamond T Racing 1 mile 1:35.10 $500,000 II [12]
2022 Race not held
At Arlington Park – Bruce D. Stakes
2021 Point Me By Luis Saez Eddie Kenneally Homewrecker Racing 1 mile 1.37.70 $300,000 I [13]
Secretariat Stakes
2020 Race not held
2019 Valid Point Javier Castellano Chad C. Brown e Five Racing Thoroughbreds & Michael J. Ryan 1 mile 1:35.50 $500,000 I [14]
2018 Carrick John R. Velazquez Thomas Morley Donegal Racing 1 14 miles 2:01.04 $400,000 I [15]
2017 Oscar Performance Jose L. Ortiz Brian A. Lynch Amerman Racing (John & Jerry Amerman) 1 14 miles 2:01.79 $400,000 I [16]
2016 Beach Patrol Florent Geroux Chad C. Brown James Covello, Sheep Pond & Head of Plains Partners 1 14 miles 2:01.95 $450,000 I [17]
2015 Highland Reel (IRE) Seamie Heffernan Aidan P. O'Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor 1 14 miles 2:02.26 $450,000 I [18]
2014 Adelaide (IRE) Ryan L. Moore Aidan P. O'Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, B. Webb, J. Murray & J. Ingham 1 14 miles 2:02.13 $500,000 I [19]
2013 Admiral Kitten Rosie Napravnik Michael J. Maker Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey 1 14 miles 2:02.17 $500,000 I [20]
2012 Bayrir (FR) Christophe Lemaire Alain de Royer-Dupré HH Aga Khan IV 1 14 miles 2:02.92 $500,000 I [21]
2011 Treasure Beach (GB) Colm O'Donoghue Aidan P. O'Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor 1 14 miles 2:03.91 $400,000 I [22]
2010 Paddy O'Prado Kent J. Desormeaux Dale L. Romans Donegal Racing 1 14 miles 2:04.71 $400,000 I [23]
2009 Take the Points Kent J. Desormeaux Todd A. Pletcher Starlight Partners 1 14 miles 2:05.41 $400,000 I [24]
2008 Winchester Rene R. Douglas Dermot K. Weld Bertram & Diana Firestone 1 14 miles 2:01.76 $400,000 I [25]
2007 Shamdinan (FR) Julien R. Leparoux Doug F. O'Neill Triple B Farms 1 14 miles 2:04.02 $424,000 I [26]
2006 Showing Up Cornelio Velasquez Barclay Tagg Lael Stables (H. Roy & Gretchen Jackson) 1 14 miles 2:00.09 $400,000 I [27]
2005 Gun Salute Cornelio Velasquez William I. Mott Brant Laue 1 14 miles 2:03.79 $400,000 I [28]
2004 Kitten's Joy Jerry D. Bailey Dale L. Romans Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey 1 14 miles 1:59.65 $400,000 I [29]
2003 Kicken Kris Javier Castellano Michael R. Matz Brushwood Stable 1 14 miles 2:02.53 $400,000 I [30]
2002 Chiselling Kent J. Desormeaux Robert J. Frankel Juddmonte Farms 1 14 miles 2:04.16 $400,000 I [31]
2001 Startac Alex O. Solis Simon Bray Allen Paulson Living Trust 1 14 miles 2:04.91 $400,000 I [32]
2000 Ciro Michael J. Kinane Aidan P. O'Brien Jayeff B Stables 1 14 miles 2:01.64 $400,000 I [33]
1998–1999 Race not held
1997 Honor Glide Garrett K. Gomez James E. Day Robert G. Schaedle III 1 14 miles 2:02.74 $400,000 I [34]
1996 Marlin Shane Sellers D. Wayne Lukas Michael Tabor 1 14 miles 2:01.09 $500,000 I [35]
1995 Hawk Attack Pat Day W. Elliott Walden Cavalier Stable 1 14 miles 2:00.17 $400,000 I [36]
1994 Vaudeville Gary L. Stevens Fordell Fierce Ron Crockett 1 14 miles 2:01.11 $400,000 I [37]
1993 Awad Jorge Velasquez David G. Donk Ryehill Farm Stable (Jim & Eleanor Ryan) 1 14 miles 2:08.74 $400,000 I [38]
1992 Ghazi Robbie Davis Del W. Carroll II Hassan Shoaib 1 14 miles 2:01.18 $300,000 I [39]
1991 Jackie Wackie Pat Day Dominic F. Imprescia Jr. Carol Rocca & Gus DeMarinis 1 14 miles 2:01.27 $300,000 I [40]
1990 § Super Abound Randy Romero Carl A. Nafzger Genter Stable 1 14 miles 2:01.60 $250,000 I [41]
1989 Hawkster Pat Valenzuela Ron McAnally Mr. & Mrs. J. Shelton Meredith 1 14 miles 2:04.00 $250,000 I [42]
1988 Race not held
1987 Stately Don Jacinto Vasquez LeRoy Jolley Bradley M. Shannon 1 14 miles 2:04.60 $172,650 I [43]
1986 Southjet Jose A. Santos Angel Penna Sr. Dogwood Stable 1 14 miles 2:02.00 $170,850 I [44]
At Hawthorne Race Course
1985 Derby Wish Randy Romero William I. Mott John A. Franks 1 14 miles 2:01.00 $269,800 I [45]
At Arlington Park
1984 Vision Gregg McCarron Woodford C. Stephens Cherry Valley Farm 1 12 miles 2:38.40 $195,400 I [46]
1983 Fortnightly Pat Day Anthony Basile Bwamazon Farm 1 12 miles 2:32.40 $170,600 II [47]
1982 Half Iced Donald MacBeth Stanley M. Hough Bertram R. Firestone 1 12 miles 2:31.00 $150,000 II [48]
1981 Sing Sing Michael Venezia Victor J. Nickerson Sugartown Stable (Fred Papert) 1 12 miles 2:53.20 $160,400 II [49]
1980 Spruce Needles Julio C. Espinoza William E. Adams Golden Chance Farm (Robert & Verna Lehmann) 1 12 miles 2:40.80 $166,600 II [50]
1979 Golden Act Sandy Hawley Loren Rettele William H. Oldknow & Robert W. Phipps 1 12 miles 2:32.80 $151,800 II [51]
1978 Mac Diarmida Jean Cruguet Flint S. Schulhofer Jerome M. Torsney 1 12 miles 2:29.80 $166,000 II [52]
1977 Text Marco Castaneda Vincent Clyne Elmendorf Farm 1 116 miles 1:42.00 $121,900 II Off turf[53]
1976 Joachim Sam Maple Jack Van Berg Pratt-Van Berg 1 18 miles 1:50.80 $128,400 II [54]
1975 Intrepid Hero Ángel Cordero Jr. John W. Russell Ogden Mills Phipps 1 18 miles 1:49.80 $134,000 II [55]
1974 Glossary Angel L. Santiago Victor J. Nickerson Elmendorf Farm 1 116 miles 1:42.80 $136,400 II [6]
Arlington Invitational
1973 Secretariat Ron Turcotte Lucien Laurin Meadow Stable 1 18 miles 1:47.00 $125,000 [56]

Legend:
  Dirt   Turf
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry with stablemate Unbridled

See also

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List of American and Canadian Graded races

References

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  1. ^ a b Placek, Christopher (15 March 2022). "The Arlington Million will live on this year ... at Churchill Downs in Kentucky". Daily Herald. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  2. ^ a b Crosby, Claire; King, Byron (4 August 2022). "Secretariat, Pucker Up on Hiatus to Preserve CD Turf". The Blood-Horse. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  3. ^ a b Finley, Bill (22 December 2022). "It's Official: Arlington Million Moved To Colonial Downs". thoroughbreddailynews.com. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Don't hold your breathe; Secretariat to visit?". Wheeling Herald. The Associated Press. 13 June 1973. p. 9. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  5. ^ "June 30, 1973 ~ $125,000 Arlington Invitational ~ 1 1/8 mile ~ Arlington Park". Secretariat.com. 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  6. ^ a b "39-1 Glossary takes Secretariat Stakes (1974 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 29 June 1974)". Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 30 June 1974. p. 39. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  7. ^ "SECRETARIAT STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  8. ^ a b c "Secretariat Stakes (Gr. 1)". www.equibase.com. 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  9. ^ Michaels, Noel (22 July 2020). "Arlington Set to Start Shortened Season". US Racing. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  10. ^ Kieckhefer, Bob; King, Byron (15 March 2022). "Arlington Million Moves This Summer to Churchill Downs". The Blood-Horse. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  11. ^ "2024 Secretariat Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 11 August 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  12. ^ "2023 Secretariat Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)" (PDF). Equibase. 12 August 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  13. ^ "2021 Bruce D. Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  14. ^ "2019 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  15. ^ "2018 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 11 August 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  16. ^ "2017 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7)". Equibase. 12 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  17. ^ "2016 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7)". Equibase. 13 August 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  18. ^ "2015 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  19. ^ "2014 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  20. ^ "2013 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  21. ^ "2012 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  22. ^ "2011 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  23. ^ "2010 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 21 August 2010. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  24. ^ "2009 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7)". Equibase. 8 August 2009. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  25. ^ "2008 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 9 August 2008. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  26. ^ "2007 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7)". Equibase. 11 August 2007. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  27. ^ "2006 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 12 August 2006. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  28. ^ "2005 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 13 August 2005. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  29. ^ "2004 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 14 August 2004. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  30. ^ "2003 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 16 August 2003. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  31. ^ "2002 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 17 August 2002. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  32. ^ "2001 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 18 August 2001. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  33. ^ "2000 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 19 August 2000. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  34. ^ "1997 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 24 August 1997. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  35. ^ "1996 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 25 August 1996. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  36. ^ "1995 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 27 August 1995. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  37. ^ "1994 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 28 August 1994. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  38. ^ "1993 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 29 August 1993. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  39. ^ "1992 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 7 September 1992. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  40. ^ "1991 Secretariat Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 2 September 1991. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  41. ^ "Super Abound beats Unbridled in Secretariat (1990 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 3 September 1990)". Courier-Journal. 4 September 1990. p. 24. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  42. ^ Christine, Bill (5 September 1989). "Hawkster remains Undefeated in Three Grass Races (1989 Secretariat Stakes – race 7: held 4 September 1989 )". Los Angeles Times. p. 29. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  43. ^ Milbert, Neil (8 September 1987). "It's the kid brothers turn; Stately Don rolls to 7 1/2-length victory (1987 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 7 September 1987)". Chicago Tribune. p. 43. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  44. ^ "Bet Twice, Southjet win at Arlington (1986 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 1 September 1986)". Baltimore Sun. The Associated Press. 2 September 1986. p. 16. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  45. ^ Milbert, Neil (3 September 1985). "Derby Wish rallies to win Secretariat (1985 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 2 September 1985)". Chicago Tribune. p. 43. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  46. ^ Milbert, Neil (4 September 1984). "Vision sees spot, wins Secretariat (1984 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 3 September 1984)". Chicago Tribune. p. 39. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  47. ^ Milbert, Neil (6 September 1983). "Invader finds grass green at Arlington (1983 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 5 September 1983)". Chicago Tribune. p. 39. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  48. ^ Milbert, Neil (7 September 1982). "Around the Tracks; Monday Afternoon ... (1982 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 6 September 1982)". Chicago Tribune. p. 40. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  49. ^ "Sing Sing triumphs;... (1981 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 7 September 1981)". Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 8 September 1981. p. 28. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  50. ^ Milbert, Neil (2 September 1980). "Local Talent outruns Eastern import in Secretariat Stakes (1980 Secretariat Stakes race 8: held 1 September 1980)". Chicago Tribune. pp. 30, 31. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  51. ^ Kiley, Mike (4 September 1979). "Running of Secretariat Stakes turns into Golden Act (1979 Secretariat Stakes race 8: held 3 September 1979)". Chicago Tribune. p. 45. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  52. ^ Polzin, Elmer (5 September 1978). "Mac Diarmida sizzles on the turf (1978 Secretariat Stakes race 8: held 4 September 1978)". Chicago Tribune. p. 101. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  53. ^ "'Dusty' 2d again as Text triumphs (1977 Secretariat Stakes race 8: held 17 September 1977)". Hackensack Record. The Associated Press. 18 September 1977. p. 35. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  54. ^ "Joachim takes $128,400 Secretariat (1976 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 11 September 1976)". Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 12 September 1976. p. 51. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  55. ^ "Intrepid Hero Wins 2nd Secretariat Stakes (1975 Secretariat Stakes – race 8: held 20 September 1975)". Lexington Leader. The Associated Press. 21 September 1975. p. 26. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  56. ^ "39-1 Glossary takes Secretariat Stakes (1973 Arlington Invitational – race 8: held 30 June 1973)". Baltimore Sun. The Associated Press. 1 July 1973. p. 39. Retrieved 5 August 2021.