Whitney Handicap

Horseraces infobox
class = Grade I
horse race = Whitney Handicap


caption =
location = Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Springs, New York flagicon|USA
inaugurated = 1928
race type = Thoroughbred, Flat racing
website = [http://www.nyra.com/index_saratoga.html Saratoga Race Course]
distance = 1⅛ miles (9 furlongs)
track = Dirt, Right-handed
qualification = Three-year-olds and Up
weight = Handicap
purse = US$750,000
bonuses = The Whitney Handicap (often referred to as the "Whitney Stakes") is an American Grade 1 handicap race for Thoroughbred racehorses three years of age and older run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles. In 2007, the Breeders' Cup Ltd. introduced the "Win and You're In" qualification format that means the winner of the 2007 Whitney Handicap will automatically qualify for the fall running of the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Held annually in late July/early August at the Saratoga Race Course near Saratoga Springs, New York, the race is named for the Whitney family, whose members have and remain prominent participants and supporters of the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing.

Part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series, the winner of the 2008 Whitney Handicap automatically qualifies for the Breeders' Cup Classic. [http://www.breederscup.com/challenge.aspx]

Raced at a distance of 1¼ miles from inception in 1928 until 1940, it was closed to geldings. The inaugural running was won by William R. Coe's two-time Champion Filly, Black Maria. During World War II, the race was run at Belmont Park from 1943 through 1945, and again once in 1961. Between 1957 and 1969 the race was restricted to horses four years and older.

Some of the greatest horses in American racing history have won the Whitney Handicap including the Kelso who won it for the third time in 1965 at the age of eight. At the same time, the legendary Secretariat finished second in the 1973 Whitney to Allen "Giant Killer" Jerken's colt, Onion. Three fillies have won the race: Gallorette (1948), Lady's Secret (1986), and Personal Ensign (1988).

The Whitney will be in its 81st running in 2008.

Records

Speed record: (at the current 1⅛ miles distance)
* 1:46.64 - Lawyer Ron (2007)

Most wins:
* 3 - Discovery (1934, 1935, 1936), Kelso (1961, 1963, 1965)

Most wins by an owner:
* 6 - Greentree Stable (1931, 1942, 1944, 1951, 1953, 1958)
* 4 - C. V. Whitney (1932, 1952, 1980, 1982)

Most wins by a jockey:
* 5 - Pat Day (1986, 1987, 1989, 1995, 1998), Jerry Bailey (1992, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003),
* 3 - Gary L. Stevens (1990, 1991, 2005)

Most wins by a trainer:
* 5 - John M. Gaver, Sr. (1942, 1944, 1951, 1953, 1958)
* 4 - J. Elliott Burch (1955, 1972, 1980, 1982)

Winners of the Whitney Handicap

* 1961 - Our Hope won the race but was disqualified from 1st to 2nd.