Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Explained

Surface:Turf
Class:Grade II
Horse Race:Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes
Location:Fair Grounds Race Course
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Inaugurated:1992 (as Explosive Bid Handicap)
Race Type:Thoroughbred - Flat racing
Website:www.fairgroundsracecourse.com
Distance: miles (9 furlongs)
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Four-years-old and older
Weight:124 lbs with allowances
Purse:$300,000 (since 2014)

Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for horses aged four and older at a distance of one and one-eighth miles on the turf run annually in early March at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $300,000.

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 28 March 1992 as the Explosive Bid Handicap named after the 1984 winner of the Louisiana Handicap, Explosive Bid.[1]

In 1994 the event was run in two split divisions.[2]

In 1996 the American Graded Stakes Committee upgraded the event to Grade III[3] and once more to Grade II in 2001.[3]

In December 2003 the Louisiana Racing Commission agreed to honor Mervyn R. Muniz, Jr., a longtime racing secretary at Fair Grounds Race Course who died in 2003 by renaming the event to the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap[4]

There was no race in 2006 due to after effects of Hurricane Katrina which had damaged the Fair Grounds race track and moved the shortened meeting that season to Louisiana Downs.

The 2019 winner of the event Bricks and Mortar continued his successful undefeated season enroute to being crowned US Champion Male Turf Horse and US Horse of the Year.

In 2020 the conditions of the event were changed from handicap to stakes allowance with the name of the race modified to Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes.[2]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by an owner:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by a jockey:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes
align=center 2024I'm Very Busy align=center 4Irad Ortiz Jr.Chad C. BrownTeam Hanley, Richard Schermerhorn & Paul Braverman align=center milesalign=center 1:47.57align=center $300,000align=center II[5]
align=center 2023Spooky Channel align=center 8Joel RosarioJason BarkleyNBS Stablealign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:54.11align=center $300,000align=center II[6]
align=center 2022Two Emmys align=center 6James GrahamHugh H. RobertsonWolfe Racing & Hugh H. Robertsonalign=center milesalign=center 1:49.83align=center $300,000align=center II[7]
align=center 2021Colonel Liam align=center 4Irad Ortiz Jr.Todd A. PletcherLawana L. & Robert E. Lowalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.33align=center $300,000align=center II[8]
align=center 2020Factor Thisalign=center 5Shaun BridgmohanBrad H. CoxGaining Ground Racing align=center milesalign=center 1:47.21align=center $300,000align=center II[9]
Muniz Memorial Handicap
align=center 2019Bricks and Mortaralign=center 5Irad Ortiz Jr.Chad C. BrownKlaravich Stables Inc. & William Lawrencealign=center align=center 1:50.44align=center $291,000align=center II[10]
align=center 2018Synchronyalign=center 5Joe BravoMichael StidhamPin Oak Stable align=center abt. milesalign=center 1:49.59align=center $300,000align=center II[11]
align=center 2017Enterprisingalign=center 6Tyler GaffalioneMichael J. MakerMaxis Stablealign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:48.41align=center $300,000align=center II[12]
align=center 2016align=center 5Edgar S. PradoWilliam I. MottEarle I. Mack, Wachtel Stable & Brous Stable align=center abt. milesalign=center 1:47.80align=center $300,000align=center II[13]
Mervin H. Muniz Jr Memorial Handicap
align=center 2015Chocolate Ridealign=center 5Joseph TalamoBrad H. CoxJohn Wentworthalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:48.18align=center $291,000align=center II[14]
align=center 2014Skyringalign=center 5Joseph Rocco Jr.D. Wayne LukasCalumet Farmalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:52.01align=center $288,000align=center II[15]
align=center 2013Amira's Prince (IRE)align=center 4Junior AlvaradoWilliam I. MottWachtel Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Gary Barberalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:49.76align=center $400,000align=center II[16]
align=center 2012Casino Hostalign=center 4John R. VelazquezChad C. BrownMary & Gary Westalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.87align=center $400,000align=center II[17]
align=center 2011Smart Bidalign=center 5Edgar S. PradoH. Graham MotionAugustin Stablealign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:49.97align=center $400,000align=center II[18]
align=center 2010Blues Streetalign=center 6Javier CastellanoTodd A. PletcherAnstu Stablealign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.10align=center $300,000align=center II[19]
align=center 2009Proudinsky (GER)align=center 6Victor EspinozaRobert J. FrankelJohanna Louise Glen-Tevenalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.94align=center $500,000align=center II[20]
align=center 2008Proudinsky (GER)align=center 5Garrett K. GomezRobert J. FrankelGary A. Tanakaalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.44align=center $500,000align=center II[21]
align=center 2007Einstein (BRZ)align=center 5Robby AlbaradoHelen Pitts-BlasiMidnight Cry Stable align=center abt. milesalign=center 1:49.57align=center $500,000align=center II[22]
2006Race not held
align=center 2005† A to the Zalign=center 5Victor EspinozaPaula S. CapestroAndrew & Paula Capestroalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.99align=center $500,000align=center II[23]
align=center 2004Mystery Giveralign=center 6Robby AlbaradoRichard R. SchererTeam Blockalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:48.29align=center $500,000align=center II[24]
Explosive Bid Handicap
align=center 2003Candid Glenalign=center 6Andrew Leggio Jr.Glen C. Warrenalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:51.15align=center $650,000align=center II[25]
align=center 2002Sarafanalign=center 5Corey NakataniNeil D. DrysdaleGary A. Tanakaalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:48.88align=center $700,000align=center II[26]
align=center 2001Tijiyr (IRE)align=center 5Robby AlbaradoNiall M. O'CallaghanGary A. Tanakaalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.72align=center $600,000align=center II[27]
align=center 2000Brave Act (GB)align=center 6Cash AsmussenRon McAnallySidney Craigalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:48.98align=center $600,000align=center III[28]
align=center 1999Lord Smith (GB)align=center 4Garrett K. GomezBruce L. JacksonMichael Boich, David & Linda Krusealign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:51.27align=center $663,600align=center III[29]
align=center 1998Joyeux Danseuralign=center 5Robby AlbaradoAlbert Stall Jr.B. Wayne Hughesalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:49.30align=center $373,300align=center III[30]
align=center 1997Always a Classicalign=center 4Eddie Martin Jr.Mark R. FrostadSam-Son Farmalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:54.83align=center $219,950align=center III[31]
align=center 1996Kazabaiynalign=center 6Kent J. DesormeauxRobert B. Hess Jr.Jeremys Stable, et al align=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.80align=center $155,325align=center III[32]
align=center 1995Earl of Barking (IRE)align=center 5Goncalino AlmeidaRichard J. CrossHenry E. Pabstalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:52.01align=center $155,625align=center Listed [33]
align=center rowspan=21994Pride of Summeralign=center 6Robert King Jr.Anthony J. BizeliaTOC Stable, Patrick J. Purcell, et alalign=center rowspan=2abt. milesalign=center 1:49.59align=center $127,375align=center rowspan=2Listed [34]
Snake Eyesalign=center 4Brent E. BartramSteven L. MorguelanMelvin Isensteinalign=center 1:49.41align=center $127,170[35]
align=center 1993Coaxing Mattalign=center 4Eddie Martin Jr.Neil L. PessinElmer E. Milleralign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:50.80align=center $78,350align=center Listed [36]
align=center 1992‡ Slick Groomalign=center 4Kirk Paul LeBlancAlbert Puschalign=center abt. milesalign=center 1:52.60align=center $52,650align=center Listed [37]
Notes:
† In the 2005 running of the event longshot Rapid Proof was first past the post. However, after a positive test for dexamethasone Rapid Proof was disqualified, and A to the Z was declared the winner with all prizemoney redistributed according to the adjusted finishing order[38]
‡ In the 1992 inaugural running, City Ballet was first past the post but was disqualified and place sixth for interference in the straight and Slick Groom was declared the winner.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: EXPLOSIVE BID (USA) ch. H, 1978 - 59 Starts, 17 Wins, 14 Places, 6 Shows Career Earnings: $488,147 . 2021 . 9 March 2021.
  2. Web site: Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes (Gr. 2) . www.equibase.com . 2021 . 9 March 2021.
  3. Web site: MERVIN H. MUNIZ JR. MEMORIAL HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS. 2021 . 9 March 2021 . Thoroughbred Database .
  4. Web site: Meeting Notice - Louisiana Racing Commission (1 December 2003). 21 November 2003. 2.
  5. Web site: 2024 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 23 March 2024 . 29 March 2024.
  6. Web site: 2023 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 25 March 2023 . 25 March 2023.
  7. Web site: 2022 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 26 March 2022 . 25 March 2023.
  8. Web site: 2021 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Grade 2 - (race 12) . Equibase . 20 March 2021 . 21 March 2021.
  9. Web site: 2020 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 21 March 2020 . 9 March 2021.
  10. Web site: 2019 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 11) . Equibase . 23 March 2019 . 9 March 2021.
  11. Web site: 2018 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 24 March 2018 . 9 March 2021.
  12. Web site: 2017 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 1 April 2017 . 9 March 2021.
  13. Web site: 2016 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 26 March 2016 . 9 March 2021.
  14. Web site: 2015 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 28 March 2015 . 9 March 2021.
  15. Web site: 2014 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 29 March 2014 . 9 March 2021.
  16. Web site: 2013 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 30 March 2013 . 9 March 2021.
  17. Web site: 2012 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 1 April 2012 . 9 March 2021.
  18. Web site: 2011 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 26 March 2011 . 9 March 2021.
  19. Web site: 2010 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 27 March 2010 . 9 March 2021.
  20. Web site: 2009 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 14 March 2009 . 9 March 2021.
  21. Web site: 2008 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 8 March 2008 . 9 March 2021.
  22. Web site: 2007 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 10 March 2007 . 9 March 2021.
  23. Web site: 2005 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9) . Equibase . 19 March 2005 . 9 March 2021.
  24. Web site: 2004 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 21 March 2004 . 9 March 2021.
  25. Web site: 2003 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 23 March 2003 . 9 March 2021.
  26. Web site: 2002 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 24 March 2002 . 9 March 2021.
  27. Web site: 2001 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 25 March 2001 . 9 March 2021.
  28. Web site: 2000 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 26 March 2000 . 9 March 2021.
  29. Web site: 1999 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 28 March 1999 . 9 March 2021.
  30. Web site: 1998 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 29 March 1998 . 9 March 2021.
  31. Web site: 1997 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 29 March 1997 . 9 March 2021.
  32. Web site: 1996 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 24 March 1996 . 9 March 2021.
  33. Web site: 1995 Explosive Bid Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 26 March 1995 . 9 March 2021.
  34. Web site: 1994 (Mar) Explosive Bid Stakes Division 1 Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 27 March 1994 . 9 March 2021.
  35. Web site: 1994 (Mar) Explosive Bid Stakes Division 2 Listed - (race 10) . Equibase . 27 March 1994 . 9 March 2021.
  36. Web site: 1993 Explosive Bid Stakes Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 27 March 1993 . 9 March 2021.
  37. Web site: 1992 Explosive Bid Stakes Listed - (race 10) . Equibase . 28 March 1992 . 9 March 2021.
  38. Web site: Rapid Proof DQ'd from Mervin Muniz Win . 21 June 2005 . BloodHorse.com . BloodHorse Staff . 9 March 2021.

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