Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Explained

Surface:Turf
Class:Grade I
Horse Race:Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes
Location:Belmont Park
Elmont, New York, United States
Inaugurated:1977 (as Turf Classic at Aqueduct Racetrack)
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website:NYRA
Distance: miles
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Three-years-old and older
Weight:Weight for Age
Purse:$500,000 (2021)

The Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes is a Grade I American Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race for three years old and older over a distance of miles on the turf track scheduled annually in late September or early October at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The event currently offers a purse of $500,000.

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 19 November 1977 as the Aqueduct Turf Classic Stakes and was won by Johnny D., ridden by 17-year-old Steve Cauthen by lengths in a time of 2:33. The event was scheduled two weeks after the Washington D.C. International, an event that Johnny D. won as well earning him US Champion Male Turf Horse honors for 1977. The following year the event was held at Belmont Park.[1] In 1979 the event was classified Grade I and was returned to Aqueduct and was held there until 1983.[1]

In 1983 the name of the event was shortened to being called just the Turf Classic. The event drew the top Thoroughbreds from the U.S. and Europe when it was part of a million dollar bonus for any horse who won it plus the Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and the Washington D.C. International at Laurel Park Racecourse in Laurel, Maryland. That year the champion French bred filly All Along was able to win the treble, winning the million dollar bonus[2] and being crowned US Champion Female Turf Horse and US Horse of the Year.

Other notable champions to win the event in the pre-Breeders' Cup era include the French bred mare, winner in 1978, Waya, who was crowned the US Champion Older Female Horse the following year. The Irish bred filly April Run won the event twice in 1981 and 1982. In 1982 she also won the Washington D.C. International and was voted as US Champion Female Turf Horse. John Henry remarkably won this event in 1984 as a nine year old and what would be his second last start. He was crowned the US Horse of the Year that year.

Early in the Breeders' Cup era the event immediately become one of the major preparatory races for the Breeders' Cup Turf. The 1986 winner the three-year-old Manila and 1987 winner the Irish bred Theatrical, both won the Breeders' Cup Turf and were voted US Champion Male Turf Horse. In 1994 Tikkanen also won the Turf Classic-Breeders' Cup Turf double enroute to US Champion Male Turf Horse.

In 2004 the event was renamed is named in honor of Joe Hirsch, the award-winning racing columnist and founding president of the National Turf Writers Association. Joe Hirsch, aged 80, died on January 9, 2009.[3]

Dual winner English Channel was a Breeders' Cup Turf winner in 2007 and also the sire of Channel Maker, a dual winner (2018, 2020) and second placed finisher in 2019 of this event.

In 2022 the event was moved to Aqueduct Racetrack due to infield tunnel and redevelopment work at Belmont Park.[4] The 2022 & 2023 winner was English Channel's daughter War Like Goddess, with his offspring successful in the event for the fourth time.[5]

Records

Time record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by an owner:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Aqueduct – Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes
align=center 2023 ƒ War Like Goddessalign=center 6Junior AlvaradoWilliam I. MottGeorge Krikorianalign=center milesalign=center 2:32.86align=center $500,000align=center I[6]
align=center 2022ƒ War Like Goddessalign=center 5Jose LezcanoWilliam I. MottGeorge Krikorianalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.29align=center $500,000align=center I[7]
At Belmont Park
align=center 2021Rockemperor (IRE)align=center 5Javier CastellanoChad C. BrownMichael Dubb, Michael E. Kisber, Wonder Stables, Bethlehem Stables & Madaket Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 2:25.61align=center $500,000align=center I[8]
align=center 2020Channel Makeralign=center 4Manuel FrancoWilliam I. MottWachtel Stable, Gary Barber, R. A. Hill Stable & Reeves Thoroughbred Racingalign=center milesalign=center 2:25.99align=center $250,000align=center I[9]
align=center 2019Arklowalign=center 5Junior AlvaradoBrad H. CoxDonegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Peter Conewayalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.34align=center $507,500align=center I[10]
align=center 2018Channel Makeralign=center 4Jose L. OrtizWilliam I. MottWachtel Stable & Gary Barberalign=center milesalign=center 2:30.73align=center $500,000align=center I[11]
align=center 2017Beach Patrolalign=center 4Joel RosarioChad C. BrownJames Covello, Sheep Pond Partners & Head of Plains Partners align=center milesalign=center 2:26.29align=center $500,000align=center I[12]
align=center 2016Ectot (GB)align=center 5Jose L. OrtizTodd A. PletcherAl Shaqab Racing & Gerard Augustin-Normand align=center milesalign=center 2:28.76align=center $475,000align=center I[13]
align=center 2015Big Blue Kittenalign=center 7Joe BravoChad C. BrownKenneth and Sarah Ramseyalign=center milesalign=center 2:23.39align=center $600,000align=center I[14]
align=center 2014Main Sequencealign=center 5Rajiv MaraghH. Graham MotionFlaxman Holdingsalign=center milesalign=center 2:26.32align=center $600,000align=center I[15]
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes
align=center 2013Little Mikealign=center 6Mike E. SmithDale L. RomansPriscilla Vaccarezza align=center milesalign=center 2:25.00align=center $600,000align=center I[16]
align=center 2012Point of Entryalign=center 4John R. VelazquezPhipps Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:33.73align=center $600,000align=center I[17]
align=center 2011Cape Blanco (IRE)align=center 4Jamie P. SpencerAidan P. O'BrienDerrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Mrs. Fitriani Hayalign=center milesalign=center 2:36.61align=center $500,000align=center I[18]
align=center 2010Winchesteralign=center 5Christophe ClementBertram and Diana Firestonealign=center milesalign=center 2:36.09align=center $500,000align=center I[19]
align=center 2009Interpatationalign=center 7Robby AlbaradoRobert BarbaraElliot Mavorahalign=center milesalign=center 2:41.22align=center $600,000align=center I[20]
align=center 2008align=center 5Alan GarciaRobert RibaudoMarc Kelleralign=center milesalign=center 2:34.84align=center $600,000align=center I[21]
align=center 2007English Channelalign=center 5John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherJames T. Scatuorchio align=center milesalign=center 2:25.73align=center $600,000align=center I[22]
align=center 2006§ English Channelalign=center 4John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherJames T. Scatuorchioalign=center milesalign=center 2:28.69align=center $600,000align=center I[23]
align=center 2005Shakespearealign=center 4Jerry D. BaileyWilliam I. MottDell Ridge Farm & William Schettinealign=center milesalign=center 2:27.22align=center $750,000align=center I[24]
align=center 2004Kitten's Joyalign=center 3John R. VelazquezDale L. RomansKenneth and Sarah Ramseyalign=center milesalign=center 2:29.97align=center $750,000align=center I[25]
Turf Classic Invitational Stakes
align=center 2003Sulamani (IRE)align=center 4Jerry D. BaileySaeed bin SuroorGodolphin Racingalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.51align=center $750,000align=center I[26]
align=center 2002§ Denonalign=center 4Edgar S. PradoRobert J. FrankelEdmund A. Gann & Flaxman Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:28.47align=center $750,000align=center I[27]
align=center 2001Timboroa (GB)align=center 5Edgar S. PradoRobert J. FrankelEdmund A. Gannalign=center milesalign=center 2:29.43align=center $750,000align=center I[28]
align=center 2000John's Callalign=center 9Jean-Luc SamynThomas H. VossTrillium Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:28.58align=center $750,000align=center I[29]
align=center 1999Val's Princealign=center 7Jorge F. ChavezH. James BondRobin Martin & Steve Weiner align=center milesalign=center 2:28.63align=center $600,000align=center I[30]
align=center 1998Buck's Boyalign=center 5Shane SellersP. Noel HickeyQuarter B Farm align=center milesalign=center 2:33.25align=center $500,000align=center I[31]
align=center 1997Val's Princealign=center 5Mike E. SmithJames E. PicouRobin Martin & Steve Weiner align=center milesalign=center 2:28.92align=center $500,000align=center I[32]
align=center 1996Diplomatic Jetalign=center 4Jorge F. ChavezJames E. PicouFred W. Hooperalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.51align=center $500,000align=center I[33]
align=center 1995Turk Passeralign=center 5John R. VelazquezFlint S. SchulhoferMichael Shanleyalign=center milesalign=center 2:36.63align=center $500,000align=center I[34]
align=center 1994Tikkanenalign=center 3Cash AsmussenJonathan E. PeaseAugustin Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:25.88align=center $500,000align=center I[35]
align=center 1993Apple Tree (FR)align=center 4Mike E. SmithAndré FabreMohammed Al Kabeeralign=center milesalign=center 2:28.31align=center $500,000align=center I[36]
align=center 1992Sky Classicalign=center 5Pat DayJames E. DaySam-Son Farmalign=center milesalign=center 2:24.50align=center $500,000align=center I[37]
align=center 1991Solar Splendoralign=center 4Herb McCauleyPatrick J. KellyLive Oak Plantationalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.89align=center $500,000align=center I[38]
At Belmont Park  - Turf Classic
align=center 1990Cacoethesalign=center 4Ray CochraneGuy HarwoodLady Jane Harrisonalign=center milesalign=center 2:25.00align=center $600,000align=center I[39]
align=center 1989Yankee Affairalign=center 7Jose A. SantosHenry L. CarrollJujugen Stable align=center milesalign=center 2:27.20align=center $654,200align=center I[40]
align=center 1988Sunshine Foreveralign=center 3Angel Cordero Jr.John M. VeitchDarby Dan Farmalign=center milesalign=center 2:33.80align=center $600,000align=center I [41]
align=center 1987Theatrical (IRE)align=center 5Pat DayWilliam I. MottBertram R. Firestonealign=center milesalign=center 2:29.20align=center $600,000align=center I [42]
align=center 1986Manilaalign=center 3Jose A. SantosLeRoy JolleyBradley M. Shannonalign=center milesalign=center 2:27.80align=center $705,250align=center I [43]
align=center 1985Noble Fighteralign=center 3Alain LequeuxMitri SalibaBuckram Oak Farm align=center milesalign=center 2:25.40align=center $718,500align=center I [44]
align=center 1984John Henryalign=center 9Chris McCarronRon McAnallyDotsam Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:25.20align=center $626,250align=center I[45]
At Aqueduct
align=center 1983ƒ All Along (FR)align=center 4Patrick L. BianconeDaniel Wildensteinalign=center milesalign=center 2:34.00align=center $585,700align=center I[46]
align=center 1982ƒ April Run (IRE)align=center 4Cash AsmussenFrançois BoutinDiana M. Firestonealign=center milesalign=center 2:29.80align=center $476,800align=center I[47]
align=center 1981ƒ April Run (IRE)align=center 3Philippe PaquetFrançois BoutinDiana M. Firestonealign=center milesalign=center 2:31.20align=center $300,000align=center I [48]
align=center 1980ƒ Anifaalign=center 4Alfred GibertMitri SalibaBuckram Oak Farm align=center milesalign=center 2:39.60align=center $300,000align=center I [49]
align=center 1979Bowl Gamealign=center 5Jorge VelasquezJohn M. Gaver Jr.Greentree Stablealign=center milesalign=center 2:28.20align=center $250,000align=center I[50]
At Belmont
align=center 1978ƒ Waya (FR)align=center 4Angel Cordero Jr.Angel Penna Sr.Daniel Wildensteinalign=center milesalign=center 2:26.80align=center $200,000align=center [51]
At Aqueduct
align=center 1977Johnny D.align=center 3Steve CauthenMichael KayDana S. Bray Jr.align=center milesalign=center 2:33.20align=center $200,000align=center [52]

Legend:

Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
ƒ Filly or Mare

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (Gr. 1) . Equibase . 2020 . 18 September 2020.
  2. Web site: All Along wins International and $1 million bonus (1983 Washington DC International – race 8: held 12 November 1989) . . 13 November 1983 . 17 September 2020 . 51 . Gordon . Beard .
  3. Stakes Histories, The Original Racing Almanac 2009, page 360 on June 26, 2008.
  4. Web site: Ehalt . Bob . NYRA Shifts Belmont Fall Meet to Aqueduct Change will allow construction of infield tunnel, redevelopment plan to begin. . 28 July 2022 . 22 August 2022.
  5. Web site: Mitchell . Eric . War Like Goddess Beats Boys in Joe Hirsch Turf Classic; The English Channel mare defeated six male challengers Oct. 8 at Aqueduct. . bloodhorse.com . 11 October 2022 . en . 8 October 2022.
  6. Web site: 2023 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) . Equibase . October 7, 2023. October 7, 2023.
  7. Web site: 2022 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 8 October 2022 . 9 October 2022.
  8. Web site: 2021 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7) . Equibase . 10 October 2021.
  9. Web site: 2020 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7) . Equibase . 3 October 2020 . 5 October 2020.
  10. Web site: 2019 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 5 October 2019 . 16 September 2020.
  11. Web site: 2018 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 29 September 2018 . 16 September 2020.
  12. Web site: 2017 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10) . Equibase . 30 September 2017 . 16 September 2020.
  13. Web site: 2016 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 6) . Equibase . 1 October 2016 . 16 September 2020.
  14. Web site: 2015 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10) . Equibase . 26 September 2015 . 16 September 2020.
  15. Web site: 2014 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 27 September 2014 . 16 September 2020.
  16. Web site: 2013 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 28 September 2013 . 16 September 2020.
  17. Web site: 2012 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 29 September 2012 . 16 September 2020.
  18. Web site: 2011 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 6) . Equibase . 1 October 2011 . 16 September 2020.
  19. Web site: 2010 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 2 October 2010 . 16 September 2020.
  20. Web site: 2009 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 3 October 2009 . 16 September 2020.
  21. Web site: 2008 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 27 September 2008 . 16 September 2020.
  22. Web site: 2007 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 30 September 2007 . 16 September 2020.
  23. Web site: 2006 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 7 October 2006 . 16 September 2020.
  24. Web site: 2005 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 1 October 2005 . 16 September 2020.
  25. Web site: 2004 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 2 October 2004 . 16 September 2020.
  26. Web site: 2003 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 27 September 2003 . 16 September 2020.
  27. Web site: 2002 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 29 September 2002 . 16 September 2020.
  28. Web site: 2001 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 29 September 2001 . 16 September 2020.
  29. Web site: 2000 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 7 October 2000 . 16 September 2020.
  30. Web site: 1999 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 9 October 1999 . 16 September 2020.
  31. Web site: 1998 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 10 October 1998 . 16 September 2020.
  32. Web site: 1997 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 18 October 1997 . 16 September 2020.
  33. Web site: 1996 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 5 October 1996 . 16 September 2020.
  34. Web site: 1995 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 7 October 1995 . 16 September 2020.
  35. Web site: 1994 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7) . Equibase . 8 October 1994 . 16 September 2020.
  36. Web site: 1993 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7) . Equibase . 9 October 1993 . 16 September 2020.
  37. Web site: 1992 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 7) . Equibase . 3 October 1992 . 16 September 2020.
  38. Web site: 1991 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 6 October 1991 . 16 September 2020.
  39. News: Cacoethes captures Turf Classic with continental flair (1990 Turf Classic – race 6: held 7 October 1990) . Boston Globe. 8 October 1990 . 17 September 2020 . 57 . Ron . Indrisano.
  40. News: Yankee Affair nabs Turf Classic (1989 Turf Classic – race 8: held 8 October 1989) . . . 9 October 1989 . 17 September 2020 . 29 .
  41. News: Sunshine Forever stars in $600,000 Turf Classic (1988 Turf Classic – race 8: held 9 October 1988) . . . 10 October 1988 . 17 September 2020 . 35 .
  42. News: Relaxed Theatrical romps in Turf Classic (1987 Turf Classic – race 8: held 26 September 1987) . . . 27 September 1987 . 17 September 2020 . 24 .
  43. News: Manila edges longshot in Turf Classic at Belmont (1986 Turf Classic – race 8: held 22 September 1986) . . 21 September 1986 . 17 September 2020 . 40 . Jim . Cornelius.
  44. News: 55-1 longshot Noble Fighter captures Turf Classic (1985 Turf Classic – race 8: held 21 September 1985) . . . 22 September 1985 . 17 September 2020 . 40 .
  45. News: John Henry wins Turf Classic (1984 Turf Classic – race 8: held 22 September 1984) . . 23 September 1984 . 17 September 2020 . 7 . Jim . Cornelius.
  46. News: All Along tops Turf Classic (1983 Turf Classic – race 9: held 29 October 1983) . . 30 October 1983 . 17 September 2020 . 187 .
  47. News: April Run wins Turf Classic (1982 Turf Classic – race 8: held 23 October 1982) . . 24 October 1982 . 17 September 2020 . 50 . Tom . Whelan.
  48. News: Firestone's April Run captures rich Turf Classic (1981 Turf Classic – race 8: held 24 October 1981) . . . 25 October 1981 . 17 September 2020 . 18 .
  49. News: Anifa, 44-1, wins soggy Turf Classic (1980 Invitational Turf Classic – race 8: held 23 October 1980) . . 24 October 1980 . 17 September 2020 . 50 . Tom . Whelan.
  50. News: Bowl Game captures 'Classic' (1979 Invitational Turf Classic – race 8: held 27 October 1979) . . . 28 October 1979 . 17 September 2020 . 50 .
  51. News: French filly wins Turf Classic at Belmont (1978 Turf Classic – race 8: held 21 October 1978) . . . 22 October 1978 . 17 September 2020 . 588 .
  52. News: Cauthen is aboard as Johnny D. wins (1977 Turf Classic – race 8: held 19 November 1977) . . . 20 November 1977 . 17 September 2020 . 77 .

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