Fleur de Lis Stakes explained

Class:Grade II
Horse Race:Fleur de Lis Stakes
Location:Churchill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Inaugurated:1975 (as Fleur de Lis Handicap)
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: miles (9 furlongs)
Surface:Dirt
Track:left-handed
Qualification:Fillies & Mares, three-years-old and older
Weight:124 lbs with allowances
Purse:US$500,000 (2024)
Bonuses:Winner automatic entry into Breeders' Cup Distaff

The Fleur de Lis Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age three and older over a distance of miles on the dirt run annually in late-June or early-July at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

History

The event was inaugurated on 31 May 1975 as the Fleur de Lis Handicap and was won by the favorite Bundler defeating four other runners on a sloppy track in the time of 1:39 over the mile distance. The event was held over the same distance for one more year before being extended to miles.[1]

The event is named after the English translation for the French "fleur-de-lis", a flower of the lily. The lily is the symbol of the Louisville flag, the location where the event is held. The lily has traditionally been used to represent French royalty and Louisville, named for the French king Louis XVI.[2]

In 1983 the distance for the event was increased to miles.[1]

The event's condition from 1983 - 85 and 1987 - 89 was for four-year-olds & older.[2]

The event was upgraded to Grade III in 1988 and again to Grade II in 2002.[3]

Since 2015 the event has been a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You’re In" for the Distaff Division.[2]

The event has gained status over the recent years and has attracted some fine horses including the 2009 US Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra who easily won the race as a short favorite by the near stakes record of lengths.

In 2023 the event was moved to Ellis Park after Churchill Downs closed their spring meeting earlier due to a spate of injuries. [4]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:
Most wins
Most wins by a jockey
Most wins by a trainer

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Churchill Downs – Fleur de Lis Stakes
align=center 2024Scylla align=center 4Javier CastellanoWilliam I. MottJuddmonte Farmsalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.45align=center $499,000align=center II[5]
At Ellis Park
align=center 2023Pauline's Pearl align=center 5Joel RosarioSteven M. AsmussenStonestreet Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.59align=center $367,000align=center II[6]
At Churchill Downs
align=center 2022Shedaresthedevilalign=center 5Florent GerouxBrad H. CoxWhisper Hill Farm, Qatar Racing & Flurry Racing Stables align=center milesalign=center 1:49.17align=center $345,000align=center II[7]
align=center 2021align=center 5Jose L. OrtizFausto GutierrezSt George Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.57align=center $300,000align=center II[8]
align=center 2020Midnight Bisoualign=center 5Mike E. SmithSteven M. AsmussenBloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables & Allen Racingalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.99align=center $200,000align=center II[9]
Fleur de Lis Handicap
align=center 2019Elatealign=center 5José L. OrtizWilliam I. MottClaiborne Farm & Adele B. Dilschneideralign=center milesalign=center 1:50:33align=center $250,000align=center II[10]
align=center 2018Blue Prize (ARG)align=center 5José L. OrtizIgnacio Correas IVMerriebelle Stablealign=center milesalign=center 1:50:02align=center $200,000align=center II[11]
align=center 2017Forever Unbridledalign=center 5Joel RosarioDallas StewartCharles E. Fipkealign=center milesalign=center 1:49.94align=center $200,000align=center II[12]
align=center 2016align=center 4Albert Stall Jr.Klaravitch Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.44align=center $200,000align=center II[13]
align=center 2015Frivolousalign=center 5Jon CourtVictoria H. OliverG. Watts Humphrey Jr.align=center milesalign=center 1:49.22align=center $200,000align=center II[14]
align=center 2014Molly Morganalign=center 5Corey J. LanerieDale L. RomansWilliam D. Cubbedgealign=center milesalign=center 1:50.11align=center $216,200align=center II[15]
align=center 2013Funny Propositionalign=center 4Joel RosarioMark E. CasseJohn C. Oxleyalign=center milesalign=center 1:50.22align=center $186,375align=center II[16]
align=center 2012Royal Deltaalign=center 4Mike E. SmithWilliam I. MottBesilu Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.49align=center $161,700align=center II[17]
2011Race not held
align=center 2010Rachel Alexandraalign=center 4Calvin H. BorelSteven M. AsmussenJess Jacksonalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.87align=center $214,000align=center II[18]
align=center 2009Miss Isellaalign=center 4Calvin H. BorelIan R. WilkesDomino Studalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.59align=center $221,600align=center II[19]
align=center 2008Hystericaladyalign=center 5Garrett K. GomezJerry HollendorferRancho San Miguel, Tom Clark, George Todaro & Jerry Hollendorferalign=center milesalign=center 1:50.88align=center $321,900align=center II[20]
align=center 2007Indian Valealign=center 5John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherMelnyk Racingalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.12align=center $327,600align=center II[21]
align=center 2006Happy Ticketalign=center 5Julien R. LeparouxAndrew Leggio Jr.Stewart Madisonalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.23align=center $321,900align=center II[22]
align=center 2005Two Trail Siouxalign=center 4Pat DayDon Winton & John D. Gunther align=center milesalign=center 1:48.53align=center $330,000align=center II[23]
align=center 2004Adorationalign=center 5Victor EspinozaDavid E. HofmansAmerman Racingalign=center milesalign=center 1:52.15align=center $439,200align=center II[24]
align=center 2003Youalign=center 4Jerry D. BaileyRobert J. FrankelEdmund A. Gannalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.12align=center $327,900align=center II[25]
align=center 2002Spainalign=center 5Jorge F. ChavezD. Wayne LukasThe Thoroughbred Corp.align=center milesalign=center 1:49.64align=center $329,400align=center II[26]
align=center 2001Saudi Poetryalign=center 4Victor EspinozaBob BaffertThe Thoroughbred Corp.align=center milesalign=center 1:49.27align=center $333,000align=center III[27]
align=center 2000Heritage of Goldalign=center 5Shane SellersThomas M. AmossJack Gareyalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.26align=center $324,600align=center III[28]
align=center 1999Banshee Breezealign=center 4Robby AlbaradoCarl A. NafzgerJayeff B. Stable & James B. Tafel align=center milesalign=center 1:50.02align=center $309,333align=center III[29]
align=center 1998Escenaalign=center 5Shane SellersWilliam I. MottAllen E. Paulsonalign=center milesalign=center 1:50.19align=center $321,000align=center III[30]
align=center 1997Gold n Deliciousalign=center 4Calvin H. BorelBobby C. BarnettJohn A. Franksalign=center milesalign=center 1:52.87align=center $168,900align=center III[31]
align=center 1996Serena's Songalign=center 4Gary L. StevensD. Wayne LukasRobert & Beverly Lewisalign=center milesalign=center 1:50.30align=center $168,450align=center III[32]
align=center 1995Fit to Leadalign=center 5Shane SellersRichard E. MandellaJim Colbert, Randall D. Hubbard, Connie Sczesneyalign=center milesalign=center 1:51.59align=center $164,700align=center III[33]
align=center 1994Trishydealign=center 5Chris McCarronJules Vogelalign=center milesalign=center 1:51.34align=center $165,100align=center III[34]
align=center 1993Quilma (CHI)align=center 6Randy RomeroTri-Honors Stable align=center milesalign=center 1:50.80align=center $109,600align=center III[35]
align=center 1992Bungalowalign=center 5Francisco C. TorresHarvey L. Vanieralign=center milesalign=center 1:50.87align=center $115,100align=center III[36]
align=center 1991Maskra's Ladyalign=center 4Joe M. JohnsonGary G. HartlageMax Wilson, Freireich & Greenealign=center milesalign=center 1:50.46align=center $113,100align=center III[37]
align=center 1990align=center 5Aaron GryderSteven L. MorguelanDavid Levitch align=center milesalign=center 1:51.20align=center $109,200align=center III[38]
align=center 1989Stoneleigh's Hopealign=center 4Joseph DeeganMichael H. BellLockhart Spearsalign=center milesalign=center 1:52.60align=center $109,900align=center III[39]
align=center 1988Lt. Laoalign=center 4Don BrumfieldJames M. EakinsRobert Kelleralign=center milesalign=center 1:49.60align=center $115,150align=center III [40]
align=center 1987Infinidad (CHI)align=center 5Mickey SolomoneDewey Smithalign=center milesalign=center 1:50.60align=center $103,100 align=center [41]
align=center 1986Queen Alexandraalign=center 4Don BrumfieldGeorge M. BakerMrs. Morton Rosenthal align=center milesalign=center 1:49.20align=center $101,250align=center [42]
align=center 1985Straight Editionalign=center 5Michael B. BallDonamire Farm (Don & Mira Ball)align=center milesalign=center 1:50.80align=center $55,550align=center [43]
align=center 1984Heathertenalign=center 5Sam MapleWilliam I. MottJohn A. Franksalign=center milesalign=center 1:51.40align=center $54,205 align=center [44]
align=center 1983Try Something Newalign=center 4Pat DayClaude R. McGaughey IIIJohn A. Bell IIIalign=center milesalign=center 1:51.60align=center $54,350align=center [45]
align=center 1982Classic Ambitionalign=center 4William GavidiaClaude R. McGaughey IIILatour Farms align=center milesalign=center 1:44.80align=center $57,950 align=center [46]
align=center 1981Forever Cordialalign=center 4Darrell HaireJohn T. Ward Jr.John C. Oxleyalign=center milesalign=center 1:45.40align=center $35,700align=center [47]
align=center 1980Likely Exchangealign=center 6Mark S. SellersThomas H. Stevens Sr.G. Watts Humphrey Jr. & Pamela Firman align=center milesalign=center 1:45.00align=center $35,425align=center [48]
align=center 1979Table the Rumoralign=center 5David E. WhitedFrank L. BrothersAlbert M. Stall Sr.align=center milesalign=center 1:45.20align=center $35,175align=center [49]
align=center 1978Likely Exchangealign=center 4James McKnightThomas H. Stevens Sr.Mrs. George Humphrey align=center milesalign=center 1:45.40align=center $21,375align=center [50]
align=center 1977Go On Dreamingalign=center 5Paul NicoloJames E. MorganG. A. Zimmerman & E. J. Zweisleralign=center milesalign=center 1:43.80align=center $22,125align=center [51]
align=center 1976Pago Hopalign=center 4Eddie ArroyoJohn OxleyRaymond Salmen align=center 1 milealign=center 1:38.40align=center $21,625align=center [52]
align=center 1975Bundler align=center 4Jimmy NicholsAnthony L. Basilealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:39.40align=center $22,325align=center [53]

See also

List of American and Canadian Graded races

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FLEUR DE LIS HANDICAP - CHURCHILL DOWNS, KY. Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. 24 June 2020.
  2. Web site: $250,000 Fleur de Lis Presented by Budweiser (Grade II) . Churchill Downs. 2019. KentuckyDerby.com. 24 June 2020.
  3. Web site: Fleur de Lis Stakes (Gr. 2) . Equibase.com . www.equibase.com . en . 2020 . 29 June 2020.
  4. Web site: King . Byron . Churchill Downs Suspends Meet; Dates to Shift to Ellis The ongoing meet at Churchill Downs had been scheduled to run through July 3. . Bloodhorse.com . 12 June 2023 . 2 June 2023.
  5. Web site: Fleur de Lis Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8) . Equibase . 29 June 2024 . 30 June 2024.
  6. Web site: Fleur de Lis Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8) . Equibase . 1 July 2023 . 2 July 2023.
  7. Web site: 2022 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8) . Equibase . 26 June 2021 . 26 June 2021.
  8. Web site: 2021 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 5) . Equibase . 26 June 2021 . 26 June 2021.
  9. Web site: 2020 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9) . Equibase . 27 June 2019 . 29 June 2020.
  10. Web site: 2019 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) . Equibase . 15 June 2019 . 23 June 2020.
  11. Web site: 2018 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) . Equibase . 16 June 2018 . 23 June 2020.
  12. Web site: 2017 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) . Equibase . 17 June 2017 . 23 June 2020.
  13. Web site: 2016 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 6) . Equibase . 18 June 2016 . 23 June 2020.
  14. Web site: 2015 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) . Equibase . 13 June 2015 . 23 June 2020.
  15. Web site: 2014 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) . Equibase . 14 June 2014 . 23 June 2020.
  16. Web site: 2013 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 6) . Equibase . 15 June 2013 . 23 June 2020.
  17. Web site: 2012 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) . Equibase . 16 June 2012 . 23 June 2020.
  18. Web site: 2010 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 6) . Equibase . 12 June 2010 . 23 June 2020.
  19. Web site: 2009 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9) . Equibase . 13 June 2009 . 23 June 2020.
  20. Web site: 2008 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 6) . Equibase . 14 June 2008 . 23 June 2020.
  21. Web site: 2007 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9) . Equibase . 16 June 2007 . 23 June 2020.
  22. Web site: 2006 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9) . Equibase . 17 June 2006 . 23 June 2020.
  23. Web site: 2005 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9) . Equibase . 18 June 2005 . 23 June 2020.
  24. Web site: 2004 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8) . Equibase . 12 June 2004 . 23 June 2020.
  25. Web site: 2003 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9) . Equibase . 14 June 2003 . 23 June 2020.
  26. Web site: 2002 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9) . Equibase . 15 June 2002 . 23 June 2020.
  27. Web site: 2001 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 16 June 2001 . 23 June 2020.
  28. Web site: 2000 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 3 June 2000 . 23 June 2020.
  29. Web site: 1999 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 10) . Equibase . 5 June 1999 . 23 June 2020.
  30. Web site: 1998 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 10) . Equibase . 6 June 1998 . 23 June 2020.
  31. Web site: 1997 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 7 June 1997 . 23 June 2020.
  32. Web site: 1996 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 10) . Equibase . 1 June 1996 . 23 June 2020.
  33. Web site: 1995 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 3 June 1995 . 23 June 2020.
  34. Web site: 1994 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 4 June 1994 . 23 June 2020.
  35. Web site: 1993 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) . Equibase . 5 June 1993 . 23 June 2020.
  36. Web site: 1992 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 11) . Equibase . 6 June 1992 . 23 June 2020.
  37. Web site: 1991 Fleur de Lis Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9) . Equibase . 8 June 1991 . 23 June 2020.
  38. 1990 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 10: held 9 June 1990
  39. 1989 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 9: held 3 June 1989
  40. News: Lt. Lao shows only her tail to rivals in winning Fleur de Lis 'Cap by 11 (1988 Fleur de Lis Handicap – race 10: held 4 June 1988) . . 5 June 1988 . 23 June 2020 . 46 . Rees . Jennie .
  41. 1987 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 9: held 14 June 1987
  42. 1986 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 9: held 21 June 1986
  43. 1985 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 9: held 8 June 1985
  44. News: Heatherten makes Fleur de Lis Race forever (1984 Fleur de Lis Handicap – race 8: held 30 June 1984) . . 1 July 1984 . 23 June 2020 . 12 . Rees . Jennie .
  45. 1983 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 9: held 2 July 1983
  46. 1982 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 26 June 1982
  47. 1981 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 13 June 1981
  48. 1980 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 14 June 1980
  49. 1979 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 16 June 1979
  50. 1978 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 17 June 1978
  51. 1977 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 18 June 1977
  52. 1976 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 29 May 1977
  53. Inaugural 1975 Fleur de Lis Handicap – Race 8: held 31 May 1975
    News: Bundler Takes Down Feature . . . 1 June 1975. 23 June 2020 . 11 . Gay Jr.. Marvin N..