Woodward Stakes

Horseraces infobox
class = Grade I
horse race = Woodward Stakes


caption =
location = Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Springs, New York flagicon|USA
inaugurated = 1954
race type = Thoroughbred - Flat racing
website = [http://www.nyra.com/index_saratoga.html 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
bonuses = The Woodward Stakes is an American 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:
* 1:45.80 for 1⅛ miles - Forego (1976) and Dispersal (1990)
* 1:59.40 for 1¼ miles - Alysheba (1988)
* 2:25.80 for 1½ miles - Prove Out (1973)

Most wins:
* 4 - Forego (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)
* 3 - Kelso (1961, 1962, 1963)

Most wins by an owner:
* 4 - Lazy F Ranch
* 3 - Bohemia Stable

Most wins by a jockey:
* 6 - Angel Cordero, Jr., Jerry D. Bailey
* 5 - Bill Shoemaker

Most wins by a trainer:
* 4 - Robert J. Frankel, J. Elliott Burch
* 3 - Carl Hanford, Frank Y. Whiteley, Jr.

Winners of the Woodward Stakes

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

External links

* [http://www.ntra.com/races.aspx?id=19342&section=races Woodward Stakes Race Page] , NTRA