Kona Gold Stakes Explained

Class:Listed
Horse Race:Kona Gold Stakes
Location:Santa Anita Park
Arcadia, California, United States
Inaugurated:1983 (as Potrero Grande Handicap)
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Distance: furlongs
Surface:Dirt
Track:left-handed
Qualification:Three-years-old and older
Weight:Base weights with allowances:
4-year-olds and up: 126 lbs.
3-year-olds: 118 lbs.
Purse:US$100,000 (since 2021)

The Kona Gold Stakes is a Listed American Thoroughbred horse race for horses that are three years old or older with allowance conditions, over a distance of six and one half furlongs on the dirt held annually in April at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. The event currently carries a purse of $100,000.

History

The event was inaugurated on Wednesday, 2 March 1983 as the Potrero Grande Handicap for horses four year old and older and was won by Hi-Yu Stable's Washington State bred Chinook Pass who was ridden by US Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. in a time of 1:14. Chinook Pass would continue on a superb season with several more wins on the Southern California circuit culminating him being crowned as U.S. Champion Sprint Horse for that year.

The event was named after Rancho Potrero Grande, a Mexican land grant in present-day Los Angeles County, California today located nearby in Rosemead and South El Monte, about 6 miles from Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia.

The event was upgraded to a Grade III in 1988.[1] That year the event only attracted three starters with Gulch winning in an upset victory over the 1987 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner and 1/2 odds favorite Very Subtle by a length margin. Gulch won go on that year and win the Breeders' Cup Sprint and be crowned the U.S. Champion Sprint Horse.

With the seen quality of winners that were winning the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association upgraded the event to a Grade II in 1997.[2]

Between 1996 and 2007, the Breeders' Cup sponsored the event which reflected in the name of the event.[1]

The event was held on the All Weather synthetic track between 2008 and 2010.[1] On return to holding the event on the dirt track in 2011 the conditions of the event were modified from handicap to an allowance.[1]

In 2015 the administration of the Los Angeles Turf Club rename the event to the Kona Gold Stakes in honor of the dual winner of the event (2000 and 2001) Kona Gold[1] and third placegetter of the 2003 race. Kona Gold had an outstanding record at Santa Anita Park with many wins on the Southern California circuit. His most important win was in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Sprint which was vital in him being awarded the U.S. Champion Sprint Horse.

In 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Santa Anita closed their track and the event was cancelled.[3] In 2021 Cezanne defeated three other starters by a new record margin of lengths breaking a 31 year record that was set by Olympic Prospect in 1990 of seven lengths.

Other fine horses that have won this event and have gone on to win the Breeders' Cup Sprint later in their career include Cardmania, Lit de Justice and Amazombie. The 2002 winner Kalookan Queen is the only mare to have won the event.[2]

In 2024 the event was downgraded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to Listed status.[4]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
Kona Gold Stakes
align=center 2024The Chosen Vronalign=center 6Hector BerriosJ. Eric KruljacJ. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, Sondereker Racing & Richard Thornburghalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.82align=center $101,000align=center Listed[5]
align=center 2023Brickyard Ridealign=center 6Juan HernandezCraig LewisAlfred A. Paisalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.84align=center $100,000align=center III[6]
align=center 2022Brickyard Ridealign=center 5Juan HernandezCraig LewisAlfred A. Paisalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.07align=center $98,000align=center III[7]
align=center 2021Cezannealign=center 4Flavien PratBob BaffertDerrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & St. Elias Stablealign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.71align=center $98,000align=center III[8]
2020Race not held
align=center 2019Cistronalign=center 5Victor EspinozaJohn W. SadlerHronis Racingalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:16.33align=center $200,000align=center II[9]
align=center 2018Bobby Abu Dhabialign=center 4Victor EspinozaPeter L. MillerRockingham Ranch & David A Bernsen align=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.40align=center $196,345align=center II[10]
align=center 2017Ransom the Moonalign=center 5Flavien PratPhilip D'AmatoAgave Racing Stable & Jeffrey Wilke align=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.10align=center $201,035align=center II[11]
align=center 2016Wild Dudealign=center 6Rafael BejaranoJerry HollendorferGreen Smith Jr & Jerry Hollendorferalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.10align=center $201,035align=center II[12]
align=center 2015Masochisticalign=center 5Tyler BazeRonald W. EllisLos Pollos Hermanos Racing & Jay Em Ess Stablealign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.69align=center $200,250align=center II[13]
Potrero Grande Stakes
align=center 2014Big Macheralign=center 4Tyler BazeRichard BaltasThomas Mansor & Tachycardia Stablesalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.97align=center $200,750align=center II[14]
align=center 2013Jimmy Creedalign=center 4Garrett K. GomezRichard E. Mandellaalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.03align=center $150,250align=center II[15]
align=center 2012Amazombiealign=center 6Mike E. SmithWilliam SpawrThomas C. Sanford & William Spawr align=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.16align=center $150,000align=center II[16]
align=center 2011Amazombiealign=center 5Mike E. SmithWilliam SpawrThomas C. Sanford & William Spawr align=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.26align=center $150,000align=center II[17]
Potrero Grande Handicap
align=center 2010Ventanaalign=center 4Garrett K. GomezBob BaffertKarl Watson, Michael E. Pegram & Paul Weitman align=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.03align=center $150,000align=center II[18]
align=center 2009Soul City Slewalign=center 6Michael C. BazeJack CaravaLa Canada Stables align=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.79align=center $126,000align=center II[19]
align=center 2008Greg's Goldalign=center 7Victor EspinozaDavid E. HofmansWilliam R. Boswellalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.62align=center $200,000align=center II[20]
align=center 2007Smokey Stoveralign=center 4Aaron GryderGreg GilchristHarry J. Aleoalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.83align=center $192,000align=center II[21]
align=center 2006Surf Catalign=center 4Alex O. SolisBruce HeadleyAase Headley & Marsha Naifyalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.00align=center $128,000align=center II[22]
align=center 2005Harvard Avenuealign=center 4Garrett K. GomezDoug F. O'NeillRon Crockettalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:16.12align=center $194,000align=center II[23]
align=center 2004McCann's Mojavealign=center 4Jose Valdivia Jr.Leonard DorfmanMike Willmanalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.60align=center $122,488align=center II[24]
align=center 2003Bluesthestandardalign=center 6Mike E. SmithTed H. WestJeffrey Sengaraalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.86align=center $134,000align=center II[25]
align=center 2002§ Kalookan Queenalign=center 6Alex O. SolisBruce HeadleyLouis Asistioalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.31align=center $197,700align=center II[26]
align=center 2001Kona Goldalign=center 7Alex O. SolisBruce HeadleyBruce Headley, Irwin & Andrew Molasky, et al.align=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.03align=center $200,900align=center II[27]
align=center 2000Kona Goldalign=center 6Alex O. SolisBruce HeadleyBruce Headley, Irwin & Andrew Molasky, et al.align=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.75align=center $200,998align=center II[28]
align=center 1999Big Jagalign=center 6Jose Valdivia Jr.Tim PinfieldJulius H. Zolezzialign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.09align=center $194,200align=center II[29]
align=center 1998Son of a Pistolalign=center 6Garrett K. GomezBruce HeadleyLuis Asistio, B.B.C. Stables & Jeff Davenport align=center furlongsalign=center 1:13.71align=center $130,700align=center II[30]
align=center 1997First Intentalign=center 8Rene R. DouglasJack CaravaLima Family Trustalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.75align=center $144,250align=center II[31]
align=center 1996Abaginonealign=center 5Gary L. StevensSanford ShulmanRonald L. Charles & Clear Valley Stablesalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.59align=center $202,400align=center III[32]
align=center 1995Lit de Justicealign=center 5Corey NakataniJenine SahadiEvergreen Farm align=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.65align=center $100,000align=center III[33]
align=center 1994Sir Hutchalign=center 4Pat ValenzuelaBob BaffertRobert & Beverly Lewisalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.48align=center $106,100align=center III[34]
align=center 1993Gray Slewpyalign=center 5Kent J. DesormeauxDan L. HendricksEd Friendlyalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.91align=center $109,700align=center III[35]
align=center 1992Cardmaniaalign=center 6Eddie DelahoussayeMyriam BollackJean Couvercellealign=center furlongsalign=center 1:17.16align=center $102,700align=center III[36]
align=center 1991Jacodraalign=center 4Corey NakataniHector O. PalmaPaul & Andrena Van Dorenalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.00align=center $107,300align=center III[37]
align=center 1990Olympic Prospectalign=center 6Pat ValenzuelaJohn W. SadlerGregg Alsdorf, Lawrence Opas & Frank Sinatraalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.20align=center $102,900align=center III[38]
align=center 1989On the Linealign=center 5Gary L. StevensD. Wayne LukasEugene V. Kleinalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.00align=center $111,500align=center III[39]
align=center 1988Gulchalign=center 4D. Wayne LukasPeter M. Brantalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.00align=center $70,300align=center III[40]
align=center 1987Zabaletaalign=center 4Laffit Pincay Jr.John GosdenMichael D. Riordan (Lessee)align=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.00align=center $78,975align=center [41]
align=center 1986Halo Folksalign=center 5Chris McCarronBruce HeadleyBetty, E.W. & Judy Johnston family & Kjell Qvalealign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.60align=center $74,550align=center [42]
align=center 1985Fifty Six Ina Rowalign=center 4Laffit Pincay Jr.Irv GuineyJohn Valpredoalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.40align=center $76,150align=center [43]
align=center 1984Honeylandalign=center 5Bill ShoemakerSumma Stable & Sidney L. Portalign=center furlongsalign=center 1:15.40align=center $67,450align=center [44]
align=center 1983Chinook Passalign=center 4Laffit Pincay Jr.Laurie N. AndersonHi-Yu Stablealign=center furlongsalign=center 1:14.60align=center $64,050align=center [45]
Legend:

Notes:
§ Ran as part of an entry

See also

List of American and Canadian Graded races

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kona Gold Stakes (Gr. 2) . Equibase . 7 April 2021.
  2. Web site: KONA GOLD STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS . Thoroughbred Pedigree Online . 2021 . 7 April 2021.
  3. Web site: Health Department Order Suspends Racing at Santa Anita . 27 March 2020 . 21 May 2020 . BloodHorse.com . Claire . Crosby . Byron . King.
  4. Web site: TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2024 . 16 December 2023 . 12 April 2024 . Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.
  5. Web site: 2024 Kona Gold Stakes Listed - (race 4) . Equibase . 27 April 2024 . 29 April 2024.
  6. Web site: 2023 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5) . Equibase . 22 April 2023. 22 April 2023.
  7. Web site: 2022 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 3 - (race 4) . Equibase . 30 April 2022. 5 May 2022.
  8. Web site: 2021 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 18 April 2021. 19 April 2021.
  9. Web site: 2019 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 2 - (race 5) . Equibase . 20 April 2019 . 6 April 2021.
  10. Web site: 2018 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 2 - (race 5) . Equibase . 21 April 2018 . 6 April 2021.
  11. Web site: 2017 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 20 May 2017 . 6 April 2021.
  12. Web site: 2016 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 21 May 2016 . 6 April 2021.
  13. Web site: 2015 Kona Gold Stakes Grade 2 - (race 5) . Equibase . 11 April 2015 . 6 April 2021.
  14. Web site: 2014 Potrero Grande Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 12 April 2014 . 6 April 2021.
  15. Web site: 2013 Potrero Grande Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 6 April 2013 . 6 April 2021.
  16. Web site: 2012 Potrero Grande Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 7 April 2012 . 6 April 2021.
  17. Web site: 2011 Potrero Grande Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 3 April 2011 . 6 April 2021.
  18. Web site: 2010 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 3 April 2010 . 6 April 2021.
  19. Web site: 2009 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 4 April 2009 . 6 April 2021.
  20. Web site: 2008 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 2 - (race 4) . Equibase . 5 April 2008 . 6 April 2021.
  21. Web site: 2007 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 5) . Equibase . 7 April 2007 . 6 April 2021.
  22. Web site: 2006 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 4) . Equibase . 2 April 2006 . 6 April 2021.
  23. Web site: 2005 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 3 April 2005 . 6 April 2021.
  24. Web site: 2004 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 28 March 2004 . 6 April 2021.
  25. Web site: 2003 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 29 March 2003 . 6 April 2021.
  26. Web site: 2002 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 30 March 2002 . 6 April 2021.
  27. Web site: 2001 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 1 April 2001 . 6 April 2021.
  28. Web site: 2000 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 3) . Equibase . 8 April 2000 . 6 April 2021.
  29. Web site: 1999 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 3 April 1999 . 6 April 2021.
  30. Web site: 1998 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 3) . Equibase . 4 April 1998 . 6 April 2021.
  31. Web site: 1997 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 - (race 3) . Equibase . 5 April 1997 . 6 April 2021.
  32. Web site: 1996 Potrero Grande Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 6 April 1996 . 6 April 2021.
  33. Web site: 1995 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 11 March 1995 . 6 April 2021.
  34. Web site: 1994 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 12 March 1994 . 6 April 2021.
  35. Web site: 1993 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 27 March 1993 . 6 April 2021.
  36. Web site: 1992 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 22 March 1992 . 6 April 2021.
  37. Web site: 1991 Potrero Grande Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 3 April 1991 . 6 April 2021.
  38. Web site: Olympic Prospect wins stakes race – (race 8: held 4 April 1990) . . . 20 . 5 April 1990 . 7 April 2021.
  39. Web site: On The Line equals record in winning Potrero Grande – (race 8: held 5 April 1989) . . . 33 . 6 April 1989 . 7 April 2021.
  40. Web site: Gulch Beats Very Subtle in Field of 3 – (race 8: held 30 March 1988) . . 52 . 31 March 1988 . 7 April 2021.
  41. Web site: Zabaleta Overtakes Zany Tactics To Win Potrero Grande Handicap – (race 8: held 11 February 1987) . . 60 . 12 February 1987 . 7 April 2021.
  42. Web site: Thoroughbred Roundup; Santa Anita – (race 8: held 15 March 1986) . . 61, 62 . 16 March 1986 . 7 April 2021.
  43. Web site: Fifty Six Ina Row wins; Precisionist last – (race 8: held 9 March 1985) . . 56 . 10 March 1985 . 7 April 2021.
  44. Web site: Honeyland wins at 'Anita – (race 8: held 29 February 1984) . . . 70 . 1 March 1984 . 7 April 2021.
  45. Web site: Chinook Pass Romps to Win – (race 8: held 2 March 1983) . . . 66 . 3 March 1983 . 7 April 2021.

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