Mineshaft Stakes Explained

Class:Grade III
Horse Race:Mineshaft Stakes
Location:Fair Grounds Race Course
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Inaugurated:1973 (as Whirlaway Handicap)
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website:Fair Grounds
Distance: miles
Surface:Dirt
Track:left-handed
Qualification:Four-years-old and older
Weight:124 lbs with allowances
Purse:$250,000 (2022)

The Mineshaft Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older run over a distance of miles on the dirt in mid-February at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $250,000.

History

The event was inaugurated on 18 February 1973 as the Whirlaway Handicap, a handicap event for three-year-olds and older over a distance of one mile and forty years and was won by the five-year-old Guitar Player who was ridden by Leroy Moyers in a time of 1:41. The event was named in honor of Whirlaway, the fifth Triple Crown of Horse Racing winner in 1941.

The event became a preparatory race for the Louisiana Handicap and New Orleans Handicap which were held later in the Fair Ground meeting.The first four winners of the event went on and won the Louisiana Handicap. Most notable of these winners was the 1975 Preakness Stakes winner Master Derby who won the event as a short 2/5 odds-on favorite scoring by eight lengths. Master Derby went on to sweep the Louisiana Handicap and New Orleans Handicap.

The event was run in two divisions in 1975 and the winners were both trained and owned in part by Louie J. Roussel III. In 1985 the distance of the event was increased to miles.[1]

The event was not held between 1986 and 1991.[2]

The event was upgraded to Grade III status in 2003.[3]

In 2005 the event was renamed for Hall of Fame inductee Mineshaft, who finished second in the 2003 running to Balto Star.[4] Although Mineshaft was defeated in this event his record of wins that year including the New Orleans Handicap earned him the title American Horse of the Year and U.S. Champion Older Male Horse. His son Nates Mineshaft won this event in 2012.[2]

The event continues to be a major prep for the New Orleans Handicap.[5]

In 2020 the conditions of the event were changed from a handicap, to a stakes race with allowance weight conditions.

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Whirlaway/Mineshaft  - Louisiana Stakes double:

Whirlaway/Mineshaft  - New Orleans Handicap double:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
Mineshaft Stakes
2024Money Supplyalign=center 5Tyler GaffalioneJoe SharpJordan V. Wycoff align=center milesalign=center 1:44.04align=center $247,500align=center III[6]
align=center 2023Pioneer of Medina align=center 4Luis SaezTodd A. PletcherSumaya U.S. Stablealign=center milesalign=center 1:43.59align=center $250,000align=center III[7]
align=center 2022align=center 4Junior AlvaradoWilliam I. MottGrandview Equine, Cheyenne Stable & LNJ Foxwoodsalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.01align=center $247,500align=center III[8]
align=center 2021Maxfieldalign=center 4Florent GerouxBrendan WalshGodolphin Racingalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.67align=center $200,000align=center III[9]
align=center 2020Silver Dustalign=center 6Brian Hernandez Jr.W. Bret CalhounTom R. Durantalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.40align=center $200,000align=center III[10]
Mineshaft Handicap
align=center 2019Silver Dustalign=center 5Jack GilliganW. Bret CalhounTom R. Durantalign=center milesalign=center 1:45.46align=center $150,000align=center III[11]
align=center 2018The Playeralign=center 5Calvin H. BorelWilliam B. BradleyWilliam B. Bradley & Carl Hurstalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.29align=center $147,000align=center III[12]
align=center 2017Honorable Dutyalign=center 5Julien R. LeparouxBrendan P. WalshDARRSalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.03align=center $122,500align=center III[13]
align=center 2016Majestic Harboralign=center 8Corey J. LaneriePaul J. McGeeGallant Stablealign=center milesalign=center 1:42.86align=center $125,000align=center III[14]
align=center 2015Street Babealign=center 4Kerwin D. ClarkMichael DilgerAnstu Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.58align=center $125,000align=center III[15]
align=center 2014Bradesteralign=center 4Rosie NapravnikEddie KenneallyJoseph W. Suttonalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.80align=center $150,000align=center III[16]
align=center 2013Mark Valeskialign=center 4Rosie NapravnikJ. Larry JonesBrereton C. Jonesalign=center milesalign=center 1:44.82align=center $148,500align=center III[17]
align=center 2012Nates Mineshaftalign=center 5Jesse M. CampbellAustin K. SmithWindy Hill Farmalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.01align=center $120,000align=center III[18]
align=center 2011Demarcationalign=center 7Rosie NapravnikPaul J. McGeeAmerman Racingalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.45align=center $121,250align=center III[19]
align=center 2010Stonehousealign=center 6Miguel MenaJoseph E. BroussardRichard Rudolph & Michael Vranich align=center milesalign=center 1:44.09align=center $96,000align=center III[20]
align=center 2009Honest Manalign=center 5Gabriel SaezJ. Larry JonesFox Hill Farmsalign=center milesalign=center 1:44.16align=center $125,000align=center III[21]
align=center 2008Grasshopperalign=center 4Robby AlbaradoNeil J. HowardWilliam S. Farish III, Edward J. Hudson, Jr. & Estate of James A. Elkins align=center milesalign=center 1:43.46align=center $147,000align=center III[22]
align=center 2007Master Commandalign=center 5John R. VelazquezAaron U. & Marie D. Jonesalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.28align=center $194,000align=center III[23]
2006‡Race not held
align=center 2005Wanderin Boyalign=center 4Larry MelanconNicholas P. ZitoArthur B. Hancock IIIalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.08align=center $100,000align=center III[24]
Whirlaway Handicap
align=center 2004Olmodavoralign=center 5Corey J. LanerieRichard E. MandellaWertheimer et Frerealign=center milesalign=center 1:45.59align=center $100,000align=center III[25]
align=center 2003Balto Staralign=center 5Eddie Martin Jr.Todd A. PletcherAnstu Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.74align=center $125,000align=center III[26]
align=center 2002Valholalign=center 6Robby AlbaradoDallas E. KeenJames D. Jacksonalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.94align=center $125,000align=center Listed [27]
align=center 2001Includealign=center 4Lonnie MecheBud DelpRobert Meyerhoffalign=center milesalign=center 1:44.01align=center $125,000align=center Listed [28]
align=center 2000Take Note of Mealign=center 6Robby AlbaradoGene A. CilioSteve Holland & Estate of Barry Shippalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.94align=center $125,000align=center Listed [29]
align=center 1999Precocityalign=center 5Eddie Martin Jr.Bobby C. BarnettJohn A. Franksalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.42align=center $125,000align=center Listed [30]
align=center 1998Moonlight Danceralign=center 6Curt C. BourqueAlbert Stall Jr.Columbine Stablealign=center milesalign=center 1:44.34align=center $125,000align=center Listed [31]
align=center 1997Byarsalign=center 6Curt C. BourqueBobby C. BarnettJohn A. Franksalign=center milesalign=center 1:44.47align=center $100,000align=center Listed [32]
align=center 1996Bucks Nephewalign=center 6Craig PerretP. Noel HickeyIrish Acres Farmalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.40align=center $63,375align=center Listed [33]
align=center 1995Adhocracyalign=center 5Larry MelanconCentaur Farmsalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.10align=center $52,550align=center Listed [34]
align=center 1994Cool Quakeralign=center 5Eddie Martin Jr.Louie J. Roussel IIILouie J. Roussel IIIalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.55align=center $51,674align=center Listed [35]
align=center 1993West by Westalign=center 4Jean-Luc SamynGeorge R. Arnold IIJohn H. Peacealign=center milesalign=center 1:43.80align=center $31,475align=center [36]
align=center 1992Irish Swapalign=center 5Joseph E. BroussardRandall Hendricksalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.00align=center $31,625align=center [37]
1986 - 1991Race not held
align=center 1985Rapid Grayalign=center 6Randy RomeroWilliam I. MottWilliam F. Lucasalign=center milesalign=center 1:43.00align=center $25,000align=center [38]
1982 - 1984Race not held
align=center 1981align=center 4Angelo TrosclairJose A. MartinRandolph Weinsieralign=center align=center 1:40.40align=center $25,000align=center [39]
align=center 1980Weather Tameralign=center 4Pat DayClifford ScottAvers Wexleralign=center align=center 1:42.60align=center $25,000align=center [40]
align=center 1979Prince Majesticalign=center 4Eddie DelahoussayeDewey P. Smith Dorothy Dorset Brown align=center align=center 1:40.20align=center $25,000align=center [41]
1978†Race not held
align=center 1977Cylinderalign=center 4Ray SibilleLarry Robideaux Jr. Greenbrier Stablealign=center align=center 1:39.60align=center $25,000align=center [42]
align=center 1976Master Derbyalign=center 4Darrel McHargueWilliam E. AdamsGolden Chance Farmalign=center align=center 1:38.80align=center $25,000align=center [43]
align=center rowspan=21975Burglar Alarmalign=center 5Phil RubbiccoLouie J. Roussel IIILouie J. Roussel III & Wilson Abrahamalign=center rowspan=2align=center 1:39.20align=center $17,500align=center rowspan=2[44]
Hearts of Lettuce align=center 5Allen LeBlancLouie J. Roussel IIIRobert Azar align=center 1:38.80align=center $17,500[45]
align=center 1974Tom Tullealign=center 4Craig PerretJere R. Smith W. Arthur Loftonalign=center align=center 1:38.80align=center $20,000[46]
align=center 1973Guitar Player align=center 5A. Leroy Moyers Jr.Jack Van BergM. H. Van Berg Stable align=center align=center 1:41.40align=center $20,000[47]

Notes:
† The 1978 renewal of the Whirlaway Handicap was cancelled after several trainers removed their horses from the entry list and there were insufficient runners to hold the event.[48]
† The 2006 renewal of the Mineshaft Handicap was not scheduled due to the shortened Fair Grounds meeting being transferred to Louisiana Downs with continuing after effects of Hurricane Katrina which damaged the racetrack.[49]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: MINESHAFT HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS. 2021 . 11 February 2021 . Thoroughbred Database .
  2. Web site: Stakes profile . www.equibase.com . 22 May 2020 . en.
  3. Web site: Graded Stakes for 2003 . www.horse-races.net . 22 May 2020.
  4. Web site: No Denying Grasshopper in Mineshaft . BloodHorse.com . 22 May 2020 . en.
  5. Web site: Pants on Fire, Nehro back on LA Derby Preview undercard . Brisnet . 22 May 2020 . 20 February 2012.
  6. Web site: 2024 Mineshaft Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11) . Equibase . 17 February 2023 . 19 February 2023.
  7. Web site: 2023 Mineshaft Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 18 February 2023 . 19 February 2023.
  8. Web site: 2022 Mineshaft Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 19 February 2022 . 20 February 2022.
  9. Web site: 2021 Mineshaft Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10) . Equibase . 13 February 2021 . 11 February 2021.
  10. Web site: 2020 Mineshaft Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 15 February 2020 . 11 February 2021.
  11. Web site: 2019 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 16 February 2019 . 11 February 2021.
  12. Web site: 2018 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 5) . Equibase . 17 February 2018 . 11 February 2021.
  13. Web site: 2017 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 25 February 2017 . 11 February 2021.
  14. Web site: 2016 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 5) . Equibase . 20 February 2016 . 11 February 2021.
  15. Web site: 2015 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 21 February 2015 . 11 February 2021.
  16. Web site: 2014 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 12) . Equibase . 22 February 2014 . 11 February 2021.
  17. Web site: 2013 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 23 February 2013 . 11 February 2021.
  18. Web site: 2012 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 25 February 2012 . 11 February 2021.
  19. Web site: 2011 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 19 February 2011 . 11 February 2021.
  20. Web site: 2010 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 11) . Equibase . 20 February 2010 . 11 February 2021.
  21. Web site: 2009 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 6) . Equibase . 7 February 2009 . 11 February 2021.
  22. Web site: 2008 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 6) . Equibase . 9 February 2008 . 11 February 2021.
  23. Web site: 2007 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 6) . Equibase . 10 February 2007 . 11 February 2021.
  24. Web site: 2005 Mineshaft Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 12 February 2005 . 11 February 2021.
  25. Web site: 2004 Whirlaway Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8) . Equibase . 1 February 2004 . 11 February 2021.
  26. Web site: 2003 Whirlaway Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9) . Equibase . 9 February 2003 . 11 February 2021.
  27. Web site: 2002 Whirlaway Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 10 February 2002 . 11 February 2021.
  28. Web site: 2001 Whirlaway Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 11 February 2001 . 11 February 2021.
  29. Web site: 2000 Whirlaway Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 13 February 2000 . 11 February 2021.
  30. Web site: 1999 Whirlaway Stakes Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 14 February 1999 . 11 February 2021.
  31. Web site: 1998 Whirlaway Stakes Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 15 February 1998 . 11 February 2021.
  32. Web site: 1997 Whirlaway Stakes Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 16 February 1997 . 11 February 2021.
  33. Web site: 1996 Whirlaway Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 17 February 1996 . 11 February 2021.
  34. Web site: 1995 Whirlaway Handicap Listed - (race 9) . Equibase . 25 February 1995 . 11 February 2021.
  35. Web site: 1994 Whirlaway Handicap Listed - (race 10) . Equibase . 27 February 1994 . 11 February 2021.
  36. Web site: 1993 Whirlaway Handicap Black Type - (race 10) . Equibase . 28 February 1993 . 11 February 2021.
  37. Web site: 1992 Whirlaway Stakes Black Type - (race 10) . Equibase . 29 February 1992 . 11 February 2021.
  38. Web site: At Fair Grounds – (race 10: held 27 January 1985) . . . 13 . 28 January 1985 . 11 February 2021.
  39. Web site: Fair Grounds Results – (race 8: held 8 February 1981) . . . 98 . 9 February 1981 . 11 February 2021.
  40. Web site: Weather Tamer stops rain – (race 8: held 9 February 1980) . . . 57 . 10 February 1980 . 11 February 2021.
  41. Web site: Plane Sets Down At Fair Grounds; Pictureesque Wins – (race 9: held 10 February 1977) . . . 60 . 11 February 1977 . 11 February 2021.
  42. Web site: FAIRGROUNDS – (race 9: held 6 February 1977) . . . 57 . 7 February 1977 . 11 February 2021.
  43. Web site: Master Derby Romps to Win – (race 9: held 7 February 1976) . . . 61 . 8 February 1976 . 11 February 2021.
  44. Web site: Close Finishes at Orleans – (race 8: held 22 February 1975) . . . 50 . 23 February 1975 . 11 February 2021.
  45. Web site: At Fair Grounds – (race 9: held 22 February 1975) . . . 24 . 23 February 1975 . 11 February 2021.
  46. Web site: Tom Tulle wins Fair Grounds – (race 9: held 17 February 1974) . . . 8 . 18 February 1974 . 11 February 2021.
  47. Web site: Fair Grounds Results – (race 9: held 18 February 1973) . . . 29 . 19 February 1973 . 11 February 2021.
  48. Web site: Fair Grounds . . . 50 . 12 February 1978 . 11 February 2021.
  49. Web site: Churchill, Horsemen Agree on 37-Day Meet in Louisiana . BloodHorse.com . Churchill Downs Inc. . 13 September 2005 . 10 February 2021.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Mineshaft Stakes".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.