Alabama Stakes

Horseraces infobox
class = Grade I
horse race = Alabama Stakes


caption =
location = Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Springs, New York flagicon|USA
inaugurated = 1872
race type = Thoroughbred - Flat racing
website = [http://www.nyra.com/Saratoga/Stakes/Alabama.html Saratoga Race Course]
distance = 1¼ miles (10 furlongs)
track = Dirt, left-handed
qualification = Three-year-old fillies
weight = 121 lbs. (54.9 kg)
purse = $600,000
bonuses = The Alabama Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race open to three-year-old fillies. Inaugurated in 1872, the Grade I race is run over a distance of one and one-quarter miles on the dirt track at Saratoga Race Course. Held in mid August, it currently offers a purse of $600,000.

The Alabama Stakes is named in honor of William Cottrell of Mobile, Alabama. "Alabama" was the name settled on because Cottrell was too modest to have a race named for him personally.

The race was not run from 1893 to 1896 and 1898 to 1900. Due to the New York State ban on parimutuel betting there was no racing in the state in 1911 and 1912. During World War II, from 1943 through 1945 the Alabama Stakes was run at Belmont Park.

The race has been contested at various distances:
*1 mile and 1 furlong - 1872-1901, 1904, 1906-1916
*1 1/16 miles - 1901, 1902, and on the turf in 1903
*1 5/16 miles - 1905
*1¼ miles - 1917 to present

Records

Speed record at current distance:
* 2:00.80 - 1¼ miles set by Go For Wand in 1990.

Most wins by an owner:
* 5 - Belair Stud (1924, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1953)
* 4 - Walter M. Jeffords (1937, 1949, 1951, 1952)

Most wins by a jockey:
* 5 - Jorge Velasquez (1972, 1973, 1977, 1984, 1987), Jerry D. Bailey (1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005)
* 4 - Mike E. Smith (1993, 1994, 1995, 2000)

Most wins by a trainer:
* 8 - Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons (1924, 1928, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1950, 1953, 1959)

Winners of the Alabama Stakes since 1969

Earlier winners

*1872 - Woodbine
*1873 - Minnie
*1874 - Regardless
*1875 - Olitipa
*1876 - Merciless
*1877 - Susquehanna
*1878 - Belle
*1879 - Ferida
*1880 - Glidelia
*1881 - Thora
*1882 - Belle of Runnymede
*1883 - Miss Woodford
*1884 - Tolu
*1885 - Ida Hope
*1886 - Millie
*1887 - Grisette
*1888 - Bella B.
*1889 - Princess Bowling
*1890 - Sinaloa II
*1891 - Sallie McClelland
*1892 - Ignite
*1897 - Poetess
*1901 - Morningside
*1902 - Par Excellence
*1903 - Stamping Ground
*1904 - Beldame
*1905 - Tradition
*1906 - Running Water
*1907 - Kennyetto
*1908 - Mayfield +

*1909 - Maskette
*1910 - Ocean Bound
*1913 - Flying Fairy
*1914 - Addie M.
*1915 - Waterblossom
*1916 - Malachite
*1917 - Sunbonnet
*1918 - Eyelid
*1919 - Vexatious
*1920 - Cleopatra
*1921 - Prudery
*1922 - Nedna
*1923 - Untidy
*1924 - Priscilla Ruley
*1925 - Maid At Arms
*1926 - Rapture
*1927 - Nimba
*1928 - Nixie
*1929 - Aquastella
*1930 - Escutcheon
*1931 - Risque
*1932 - Top Flight
*1933 - Barn Swallow
*1934 - Hindu Queen
*1935 - Alberta
*1936 - Floradora
*1937 - Regal Lily
*1938 - Handcuff
*1939 - War Plumage

*1940 - Salaminia
*1941 - War Wizard
*1942 - Vagrancy +
*1943 - Stefanita
*1944 - Vienna
*1945 - Sicily
*1946 - Hypnotic
*1947 – But Why Not
*1948 - Compliance
*1949 - Adile
*1950 - Busanda
*1951 - Kiss Me Kate
*1952 - Lily White
*1953 - Sabette
*1954 - Parlo
*1955 - Rico Reto
*1956 - Tournure
*1957 - Here and There
*1958 - Tempted
*1959 - High Bid
*1960 - Make Sail
*1961 - Primonetta
*1962 - Firm Policy
*1963 - Tona
*1964 - Miss Cavandish
*1965 - What A Treat
*1966 - Natashka +
*1967 - Gamely
*1968 - Gay Matelda +

+ In 1908 Stamina finished first but was disqualified and placed last.
+ In 1942 Bonnet Ann finished first but was disqualified and placed last.
+ In 1966 Lady Pitt finished first but was disqualified and placed second.
+ In 1968 Heartland finished first but was disqualified and placed second.