Kentucky Turf Cup Explained

Surface:Turf
Class:Grade II
Horse Race:Kentucky Turf Cup
Location:Kentucky Downs
Franklin, Kentucky, United States
Inaugurated:1990 (as Sam Houston Stakes)
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website:Kentucky Downs
Distance: miles
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Three-year-olds and older
Weight:Base weights with allowances:
4-year-olds and up: 126 lbs.
3-year-olds: 122 lbs.
Purse:US$1,700,000 (since 2023)
Sponsor:FanDuel Racing (since 2023)
Bonuses:Winner automatic entry into Breeders' Cup Turf

The Kentucky Turf Cup is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds and older, over a distance of miles on the turf, held annually in September at Kentucky Downs racetrack in Franklin, Kentucky, during their short turf meeting. The event currently carries a purse of $1,7000,000, which includes $400,000 from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.

History

The event was inaugurated on 22 April 1990 as the Sam Houston Stakes on the first ever meeting at the new track, then the Duelling Grounds Racecourse. The race was in honor of Sam Houston, who took part in a duel on the site of where the racetrack is located near the border of Kentucky and Tennessee.[1] The following year, the event was renamed the Sam Houston Handicap, and conditions were changed to a handicap.[2]

In 1996 and 1997, the event was not held because the track was shut down and in bankruptcy proceedings.[3]

When the track reopened in 1998, the race was renamed the Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap as part of the Kentucky Cup Turf Festival. In 2001, the event was classified as a Grade III.[4]

In 2019, the purse was increased to $1,000,000.[5]

In 2021, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association upgraded the event to a Grade II.[6] For the 2021 running, Kentucky Downs renamed the event The Calumet Turf Cup, which Calumet Farm sponsors.[7] The event winner, Imperador, set a new track record for the distance of 2:25.70.

Records

Speed record
Margins
Most wins
Most wins by an owner
Most wins by a jockey
Most wins by a trainer

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
Kentucky Turf Cup
align=center 2023Get Smokin align=center 6Fernando De La CruzMark E. CasseIronhorse Racing Stable, BlackRidge Stables, T-N-T Equine Holdings & Saratoga Seven Racing Partnersalign=center milesalign=center 2:28.66align=center $1,675,429align=center II[8]
align=center 2022Red Knightalign=center 8Gerardo CorralesMichael J. MakerTrinity Farmalign=center milesalign=center 2:26.96align=center $694,180align=center II[9]
Calumet Turf Cup
align=center 2021Imperador (ARG)align=center 5Joseph TalamoPaulo LoboBonne Chance Farm and Stud R D Ialign=center milesalign=center 2:25.10align=center $715,105align=center II[10]
Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes
align=center 2020Arklowalign=center 6Florent GerouxBrad H. CoxDonegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Peter Conewayalign=center milesalign=center 2:28.66align=center $910,000align=center III[11]
align=center 2019Zulu Alphaalign=center 6Jose L. OrtizMichael J. MakerMichael M. Huialign=center milesalign=center 2:28.62align=center $986,500align=center III[12]
align=center 2018Arklowalign=center 4Florent GerouxBrad H. CoxDonegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Peter Conewayalign=center milesalign=center 2:30.56align=center $746,500align=center III[13]
align=center 2017Oscar Nominatedalign=center 4Julien R. LeparouxMichael J. MakerKen & Sarah Ramseyalign=center milesalign=center 2:31.37align=center $594,000align=center III[14]
align=center 2016Da Big Hossalign=center 5Florent GerouxMichael J. MakerSkychai Racing (Harvey Diamond & Jim Shircliff)align=center milesalign=center 2:35.08align=center $594,180align=center III[15]
align=center 2015Da Big Hossalign=center 4Joseph Rocco Jr.Michael J. MakerSkychai Racing (Harvey Diamond & Jim Shircliff)align=center milesalign=center 2:33.40align=center $600,000align=center III[16]
align=center 2014Suntraceralign=center 6Florent GerouxChris M. BlockTeam Blockalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.12align=center $347,400align=center III[17]
align=center 2013Temerainealign=center 4Gary L. StevensThomas F. ProctorNiall Racing (Timothy B. & Patrick F. Turney)align=center milesalign=center 2:29.18align=center $399,000align=center III[18]
align=center 2012Ioya Bigtimealign=center 8Jeffrey SanchezChris M. BlockRobert E. Courtney Jr.align=center milesalign=center 2:30.06align=center $200,000align=center III[19]
align=center 2011Rahystradaalign=center 7Greta KuntzweilerByron G. HughesRobert E. Courtney Jr.align=center milesalign=center 2:32.40align=center $150,000align=center III[20]
align=center 2010Rezifalign=center 5Greta KuntzweilerMatthew JacobsonDonald Sexton, Matthew Jacobson & Thomas Baughmanalign=center milesalign=center 2:44.74align=center $150,000align=center III[21]
align=center 2009Cloudy's Knightalign=center 9Jonathan E. SheppardS J Stables (Shirley & Jerrold Schwartz)align=center milesalign=center 2:33.96align=center $150,000align=center III[22]
align=center 2008Rumor Has Italign=center 7Eduardo E. PerezDavid H. HinsleyWilliam S. Patterson & James F. Glennalign=center milesalign=center 2:28.27align=center $200,000align=center III[23]
align=center 2007align=center 5Jeremy RoseH. Graham MotionThomas Conwayalign=center milesalign=center 2:26.98align=center $200,000align=center III[24]
align=center 2006Embossed (IRE)align=center 4Larry MelanconNiall M. O'CallaghanGary A. Tanakaalign=center milesalign=center 2:36.92align=center $200,000align=center III[25]
align=center 2005Silverfootalign=center 5Rafael BejaranoDallas StewartChrysalis Stables (Stephanie S. Clark)align=center milesalign=center 2:30.30align=center $200,000align=center III[26]
Kentucky Turf Cup Handicap
align=center 2004Sabiango (GER)align=center 6Brice BlancTim YakteenMonty Robertsalign=center milesalign=center 2:33.70align=center $200,000align=center III[27]
align=center 2003† Rochesteralign=center 7Eddie Martin Jr.Jonathan E. SheppardAugustin Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:31.39align=center $200,000align=center III[28]
align=center 2002Rochesteralign=center 6Eddie Martin Jr.Jonathan E. SheppardAugustin Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:38.28align=center $300,000align=center III[29]
align=center 2001Chorwonalign=center 8Jon CourtHal R. WigginsPhoebe Ann Muelleralign=center milesalign=center 2:28.68align=center $300,000align=center III[30]
align=center 2000Down the Aislealign=center 7Robby AlbaradoWilliam I. MottCharles H. Detersalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.70align=center $300,000align=center Listed[31]
align=center 1999Fahris (IRE)align=center 5Shane SellersKiaran P. McLaughlinShadwell Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:29.60align=center $300,000align=center Listed[32]
align=center 1998Yaqthan (IRE)align=center 8Brian Dale PeckMerdonmar Stable (Sheikh Abdullah Majid Al Qasin)align=center milesalign=center 2:27.60align=center $300,000align=center Listed[33]
1996–1997Race not held
Sam Houston Handicap
align=center 1995Lassignyalign=center 4Pat DayWilliam I. MottSultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeeralign=center align=center 2:30.60align=center $250,000align=center Listed[34]
align=center 1994Lindon Limealign=center 4Shane SellersW. Elliott WaldenFrank ManseIIalign=center align=center 2:31.40align=center $300,000align=center Listed[35]
align=center 1993Know Heights (IRE)align=center 4Kent DesormeauxRobert B. Hess Jr.Mike H. Sloan, et al.align=center align=center 2:25.60align=center $300,000align=center Listed [36]
align=center 1992Drummer Boyalign=center 4Garrett GomezDennis W. EbertElise M. Ebert & Eleanore Cohenalign=center align=center 2:28.40align=center $300,000align=center Listed[37]
align=center 1991Silver Medallionalign=center 5Craig PerretPhilip M. HauswaldJohn A. Franksalign=center align=center 2:31.30align=center $200,000align=center Listed[38]
align=center 1990Slow Fusealign=center 6Randy P. RomeroJ. Bert SonnierSaron Stablealign=center align=center 2:33.60align=center $250,000align=center [39]

Notes:
† In the 2003 running, Art Variety was first past the post but was disqualified for interference in the straight and placed third. Rochester was declared the winner.

See also

List of American and Canadian Graded races

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Noted Dueling Ground/Sanford Duncan Inn . Kentucky Historical Society . 2020 . 12 September 2020 . Tim . Talbott.
  2. Web site: KENTUCKY TURF CUP STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS . Thoroughbred Pedigree Online . 2020 . 12 September 2020.
  3. Web site: From 'Ant Hills' To Upping The Ante: The History Of Kentucky Downs . Paullick Report . 2 September 2016 . 12 September 2020 .
  4. Web site: Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes profile . www.equibase.com . 13 May 2020 . en.
  5. Web site: Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes profile . www.equibase.com . 13 May 2020 . en.
  6. Web site: TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2021 . 2021 . 4 February 2021 . . Andrew . Schweigardt.
  7. Web site: 2021 Kentucky Downs Condition Book . equibase . Kentucky Downs . 11 August 2021 . 12 . 2021 . FIFTH DAY -- Saturday, September 11, 2021 Eighth Race The 30th Running of The Calumet Turf Cup "Win and You're In Breeders' Cup Turf" $1,000,000 Grade II.
  8. Web site: 2023 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 2 - (race 12) . Equibase . 9 September 2023 . 11 September 2023.
  9. Web site: 2022 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 10 September 2022 . 11 September 2022.
  10. Web site: 2021 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 11 September 2021.
  11. Web site: 2020 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 13 September 2020.
  12. Web site: 2019 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 7 September 2019 . 12 September 2020.
  13. Web site: 2018 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2020.
  14. Web site: 2017 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 9 September 2017 . 12 September 2020.
  15. Web site: 2016 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 10 September 2016 . 12 September 2020.
  16. Web site: 2015 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 14 September 2015 . 12 September 2020.
  17. Web site: 2014 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 13 September 2014 . 12 September 2020.
  18. Web site: 2013 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 14 September 2013 . 12 September 2020.
  19. Web site: 2012 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 15 September 2012 . 12 September 2020.
  20. Web site: 2011 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 6) . Equibase . 10 September 2011 . 12 September 2020.
  21. Web site: 2010 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 13) . Equibase . 11 September 2010 . 12 September 2020.
  22. Web site: 2009 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 13) . Equibase . 19 September 2009 . 12 September 2020.
  23. Web site: 2008 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 15) . Equibase . 13 September 2008 . 12 September 2020.
  24. Web site: 2007 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 14) . Equibase . 22 September 2007 . 12 September 2020.
  25. Web site: 2006 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 4) . Equibase . 26 September 2006 . 12 September 2020.
  26. Web site: 2005 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 14) . Equibase . 24 September 2005 . 12 September 2020.
  27. Web site: 2004 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14) . Equibase . 25 September 2004 . 12 September 2020.
  28. Web site: 2003 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14) . Equibase . 20 September 2003 . 12 September 2020.
  29. Web site: 2002 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14) . Equibase . 21 September 2002 . 12 September 2020.
  30. Web site: 2001 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14) . Equibase . 23 September 2001 . 12 September 2020.
  31. Web site: 2000 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Listed - (race 14) . Equibase . 23 September 2000 . 12 September 2020.
  32. Web site: 1999 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Listed - (race 11) . Equibase . 26 September 1999 . 12 September 2020.
  33. Web site: 1998 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Listed - (race 11) . Equibase . 19 September 1998 . 12 September 2020.
  34. Web site: 1995 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 5) . Equibase . 24 September 1995 . 12 September 2020.
  35. Web site: 1994 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 3) . Equibase . 25 September 1994 . 12 September 2020.
  36. Web site: 1993 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 10) . Equibase . 26 September 1993 . 12 September 2020.
  37. Web site: 1992 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 6) . Equibase . 11 October 1992 . 12 September 2020.
  38. Web site: 1991 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 6) . Equibase . 21 April 1991 . 12 September 2020.
  39. News: Romero stands up early, but Slow Fuse recovers for Sam Houston victory (1990 Sam Houston Stakes – race 4: held 22 April 1990) . . . 23 April 1990 . 12 September 2020 . 6, 10 .

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