Ruffian Stakes Explained

Class:Grade II
Horse Race:Ruffian Stakes
Location:Belmont Park
New York, United States
Inaugurated:1976
Race Type:Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website:NYRA
Distance:1 mile
Surface:Dirt
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Fillies & Mares, four-years-old and older
Weight:124 lbs with allowances
Purse:$200,000 (2021)

The Ruffian Stakes is a Grade II American thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares ages four-years-old and older run over a distance of one mile on a dirt track scheduled annually in early May at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

Race history

The race is named in honor of the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame filly, Ruffian who broke down in a match race with the 1975 Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure on 6 July 1975 at Belmont Park and was humanely destroyed the following day.[1]

The following year the New York Racing Association scheduled the inaugural running of the Ruffian Stakes on 9 October 1976 as a miles race for fillies and mares, three-year-old and older. The event was won by Revidere who defeated the Argentine bred Bastonera II by 14 lengths on a sloppy track in a time of 2:01 flat. Revidere was sired by Reviewer the same sire of the ill-fated Ruffian. After the first running the event was classified as Grade I.

In 1977 the distance of the event was decreased to miles and the conditions of the event were changed to a handicap thus the name of the event became the Ruffian Handicap. In 1990 the distance was reduced once again to miles.

The 2001 running of the Ruffian Handicap was cancelled due to the September 11th terrorist attacks.

In 2010 and 2011 the event was moved to the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York during the regular summer meeting and was run as the Ruffian Invitational Handicap over a distance of miles.[2]

In late 2011 the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association downgraded the event to Grade II for 2012[3] however, NYRA did not schedule the event.

The event was moved to Aqueduct Racecourse in 2013 and held in April over a distance of one mile and then returned to Belmont Park in 2014 and scheduled in May where it was run on the undercard of the Man o' War Stakes on Mother's Day. That year the event became the Ruffian Stakes again in 2014 and the conditions were changed to the current format of fillies and mares ages four-years-old and older allowed to enter.[4] Fiftyshadesofhay won the race, giving John Velazquez his sixth win in the race, currently the leading jockey to have won this event.

Outstanding mares to have won this event include Sky Beauty who won this race in 1994 with 130 pounds, Bayakoa who won the event in 1989, and Lady's Secret who won it twice, in 1985 and 1986, after which she was awarded the Eclipse Award for U.S. Horse of the Year. Genuine Risk, the second filly to win the Kentucky Derby, won it in 1980.

The 2020 winner Monomoy Girl would go on and win the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Keeneland and would be crowned U.S. Champion Older Female Horse.

In 2024 the event was moved to Aqueduct Racetrack due to infield tunnel and redevelopment work at Belmont Park.[5]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Aquaduct  - Ruffian Stakes
align=center 2024Soul of an Angelalign=center 5Trevor McCarthySaffie Joseph Jr.C Two Racing Stable & Agave Racing Stablealign=center 1 milealign=center 1:35.40align=center $200,000align=center II[6]
At Belmont Park
align=center 2023align=center 5Feargal LynchGeorge WeaverR.A. Hill Stable, Black Type Thor., Rock Ridge Racing, BlackRidge Stables & James F. Brownalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:36.13align=center $200,000align=center II[7]
align=center 2022Search Resultsalign=center 4Irad Ortiz Jr.Chad C. BrownKlaravich Stablesalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.88align=center $200,000align=center II[8]
align=center 2021Vaultalign=center 5Joel RosarioBrad H. CoxKueber Racing, Barlar, Madaket Stables & Little Red Feather Racingalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:35.81align=center $200,000align=center II[9]
align=center 2020Monomoy Girlalign=center 5Florent GerouxBrad H. CoxMichael Dubb, Monomoy Stables, The Elkstone Group and Bethlehem Stablesalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.13align=center $145,500align=center II[10]
align=center 2019Come Dancingalign=center 5Manuel FrancoCarlos F. MartinBlue Devil Racing Stable align=center 1 milealign=center 1:36.54align=center $242,500align=center II[11]
align=center 2018Pacific Windalign=center 4Irad Ortiz Jr.Chad C. BrownSharon Alesia, Ciaglia Racing, Peter M. Brant & Dominic Savidesalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:39.05align=center $245,000align=center II[12]
align=center 2017Highway Staralign=center 4Angel S. ArroyoRodrigo A. UbilloChester & Mary Bromanalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:39.05align=center $245,000align=center II[13]
align=center 2016Cavortingalign=center 4Javier CastellanoKiaran P. McLaughlinStonestreet Stablesalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:34.05align=center $250,000align=center II[14]
align=center 2015§ Wedding Toastalign=center 5Jose LezcanoKiaran P. McLaughlinGodolphin Racingalign=center 1 milealign=center 1.35.57align=center $250,000align=center II[15]
align=center 2014Fiftyshadesofhayalign=center 4John R. VelazquezBob BaffertKarl Watson, Michael E. Pegram & Paul Weitman align=center 1 milealign=center 1:35.70align=center $250,000align=center II[16]
At Aqueduct  - Ruffian Handicap
align=center 2013Withgreatpleasurealign=center 5John R. VelazquezDavid NunnDavid Blethenalign=center 1 milealign=center 1:36.52align=center $250,000align=center II[17]
2012Race not held
At Saratoga  - Ruffian Invitational Handicap
align=center 2011Ask the Moonalign=center 6Javier CastellanoMartin D. WolfsonFarnsworth Stablealign=center milesalign=center 1:50.46align=center $250,000align=center I[18]
align=center 2010Malibu Prayeralign=center 4Todd A. PletcherEdward P. Evansalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.14align=center $250,000align=center I[19]
At Belmont Park  - Ruffian Handicap
align=center 2009Swift Temperalign=center 5Alan GarciaDale L. RomansRichard Nip & Omar Trevinoalign=center milesalign=center 1:40.59align=center $300,000align=center I[20]
align=center 2008Tough Tiz's Sisalign=center 4Edgar S. PradoBob BaffertKarl Watson & Weitman Performance align=center milesalign=center 1:40.16align=center $300,000align=center I[21]
align=center 2007Ginger Punchalign=center 4Rafael BejaranoRobert J. FrankelStronach Stablesalign=center milesalign=center 1:40.25align=center $285,000align=center I[22]
align=center 2006Pool Landalign=center 4John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherMelnyk Racing Stablealign=center milesalign=center 1:41.81align=center $294,000align=center I[23]
align=center 2005Stellar Jaynealign=center 4Jerry D. BaileySaeed bin SuroorGodolphin Racingalign=center milesalign=center 1:41.87align=center $300,000align=center I[24]
align=center 2004Sightseekalign=center 5John R. VelazquezRobert J. FrankelJuddmonte Farmsalign=center milesalign=center 1:41.51align=center $294,000align=center I[25]
align=center 2003Wild Spirit (CHI)align=center 4Jerry D. BaileyRobert J. FrankelSumaya Us Stable align=center milesalign=center 1:41.23align=center $300,000align=center I[26]
align=center 2002Mandy's Goldalign=center 4Jose A. SantosMichael E. GorhamSteeplechase Farm align=center milesalign=center 1:42.57align=center $300,000align=center I[27]
2001Race not held
align=center 2000Riboletta (BRZ)align=center 5Chris McCarronEduardo IndaAaron U. & Marie D. Jones align=center milesalign=center 1:40.35align=center $250,000align=center I[28]
align=center 1999Catincaalign=center 4Jerry D. BaileyJohn C. KimmelRobert K. Waxmanalign=center milesalign=center 1:41.94align=center $250,000align=center I[29]
align=center 1998Sharp Catalign=center 4Corey NakataniWallace DollaseThe Thoroughbred Corporationalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.40align=center $250,000align=center I[30]
align=center 1997Tomisue's Delightalign=center 3Jerry D. BaileyNeil J. HowardStephen C. Hilbertalign=center milesalign=center 1:44.43align=center $250,000align=center I[31]
align=center 1996Yanks Musicalign=center 3John R. VelazquezLeo O'BrienMichael Fennessyalign=center milesalign=center 1:41.84align=center $250,000align=center I[32]
align=center 1995Inside Informationalign=center 4Mike E. SmithOgden Mills Phippsalign=center milesalign=center 1:40.98align=center $200,000align=center I[33]
align=center 1994Sky Beautyalign=center 4Mike E. SmithH. Allen JerkensGeorgia E. Hofmann align=center milesalign=center 1:41.79align=center $200,000align=center I[34]
align=center 1993Shared Interestalign=center 5Robbie DavisFlint S. SchulhoferRobert S. Evans align=center milesalign=center 1:41.92align=center $200,000align=center I[35]
align=center 1992Versailles Treatyalign=center 5Mike E. SmithClaude R. McGaughey IIICynthia Phippsalign=center milesalign=center 1:41.41align=center $200,000align=center I[36]
align=center 1991Queenaalign=center 5Angel Cordero Jr.Claude R. McGaughey IIIEmory A. Hamiltonalign=center milesalign=center 1:41.65align=center $200,000align=center I[37]
align=center 1990Quick Mischiefalign=center 4Raul I. RojasCharles J. Carlesimo Jr.Gregory Mordasalign=center milesalign=center 1:42.80align=center $240,840align=center I[38]
align=center 1989Bayakoa (ARG)align=center 5Laffit Pincay Jr.Ron McAnallyJanis & Frank Whithamalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.40align=center $226,400align=center I[39]
align=center 1988Sham Sayalign=center 3Jacinto VasquezWilliam B. CoxEvergreen Farmalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.00align=center $244,000align=center I[40]
align=center 1987†§ Coup de Fusilalign=center 5Angel Cordero Jr.Jan H. NerudTartan Farms align=center milesalign=center 1:48.60align=center $249,600align=center I[41]
align=center 1986Lady's Secretalign=center 4Pat DayD. Wayne LukasEugene V. Kleinalign=center milesalign=center 1:46.80align=center $230,400align=center I[42]
align=center 1985§ Lady's Secretalign=center 3Jorge VelasquezD. Wayne LukasEugene V. Kleinalign=center milesalign=center 1:47.40align=center $169,800align=center I[43]
align=center 1984Heathertenalign=center 5Randy RomeroWilliam I. MottJohn A. Franksalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.20align=center $172,200align=center I[44]
align=center 1983align=center 3Laffit Pincay Jr.Pedro MartiBurt Bacharachalign=center milesalign=center 1:47.20align=center $171,925align=center I[45]
align=center 1982Christmas Pastalign=center 3Jacinto VasquezAngel A. Penna Jr.Cynthia Phippsalign=center milesalign=center 1:48.60align=center $166,800align=center I[46]
align=center 1981align=center 5Angel Cordero Jr.Angel Penna Sr.Ogden Phippsalign=center milesalign=center 1:47.60align=center $161,700align=center I[47]
align=center 1980Genuine Riskalign=center 3Jacinto VasquezLeRoy JolleyDiana M. Firestonealign=center milesalign=center 1:49.20align=center $136,500align=center I[48]
align=center 1979It's in the Airalign=center 3Laffit Pincay Jr.Laz BarreraHarbor View Farmalign=center milesalign=center 1:47.40align=center $133,125align=center I[49]
align=center 1978Late Bloomeralign=center 4Jorge VelasquezJohn M. Gaver Jr.Greentree Stablealign=center milesalign=center 1:47.00align=center $108,100align=center I[50]
align=center 1977Cum Laude Lauriealign=center 3Angel Cordero Jr.Thomas L. RondinelloDaniel W. Galbreath align=center milesalign=center 1:52.20align=center $110,300align=center I[51]
Ruffian Stakes
align=center 1976Reviderealign=center 3Jacinto VasquezDavid A. WhiteleyWilliam Haggin Perryalign=center milesalign=center 2:01.00align=center $132,375align=center I[52]
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
† In the 1987 running Sacahuista finished first, but was disqualified for interfering with other runners in the straight. Coup De Fusil was declared the winner and Sacahuista was placed third. However, since all three placegetters were part of an entry Coup De Fusil, Clabber Girl and Sacahuista the payout for first place was $2.80 as the entry's odds were 2/5.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Avalyn Hunter . Ruffian (horse) . American Classic Pedigrees . 31 August 2016.
  2. Web site: RUFFIAN HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS. 2021 . 20 April 2021 . Thoroughbred Database .
  3. Web site: TOBA American Graded Stakes Committee Summary of Decisions Made at November 30 and December 1, 2011 Grading Session . BloodHorse . Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association . 20 April 2021 . December 2011.
  4. Web site: Ruffian Stakes profile . Equibase.com . www.equibase.com . en . 2017-07-02.
  5. Web site: NYRA sets 2024 calendar, with Belmont Stakes at Saratoga . nyra.com . . 5 May 2024 . January 24, 2024.
  6. Web site: 2024 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 4 May 2024 . 5 May 2024.
  7. Web site: 2023 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 6 May 2023 . 15 May 2023.
  8. Web site: 2022 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 8 May 2022 . 9 May 2022.
  9. Web site: 2021 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 2 May 2021 . 4 May 2021.
  10. Web site: 2020 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 4) . Equibase . 11 July 2020 . 19 April 2021.
  11. Web site: 2019 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 5 May 2019 . 19 April 2021.
  12. Web site: 2018 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 6 May 2018 . 19 April 2021.
  13. Web site: 2017 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10) . Equibase . 13 May 2017 . 19 April 2021.
  14. Web site: 2016 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7) . Equibase . 14 May 2016 . 19 April 2021.
  15. Web site: 2015 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 4) . Equibase . 9 May 2015 . 19 April 2021.
  16. Web site: 2014 Ruffian Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8) . Equibase . 11 May 2014 . 19 April 2021.
  17. Web site: 2013 Ruffian Handicap Grade 2 - (race 4) . Equibase . 6 April 2013 . 19 April 2021.
  18. Web site: 2011 Ruffian Invitational Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 31 July 2011 . 19 April 2021.
  19. Web site: 2010 Ruffian Invitational Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 1 August 2010 . 19 April 2021.
  20. Web site: 2009 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 4) . Equibase . 12 September 2009 . 19 April 2021.
  21. Web site: 2008 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 6 September 2008 . 19 April 2021.
  22. Web site: 2007 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 8 September 2007 . 19 April 2021.
  23. Web site: 2006 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 10 September 2006 . 19 April 2021.
  24. Web site: 2005 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 11 September 2005 . 19 April 2021.
  25. Web site: 2004 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 19 September 2004 . 19 April 2021.
  26. Web site: 2003 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 13 September 2003 . 19 April 2021.
  27. Web site: 2002 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 14 September 2002 . 19 April 2021.
  28. Web site: 2000 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 16 September 2000 . 19 April 2021.
  29. Web site: 1999 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 18 September 1999 . 19 April 2021.
  30. Web site: 1998 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 19 September 1998 . 19 April 2021.
  31. Web site: 1997 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 20 September 1997 . 19 April 2021.
  32. Web site: 1996 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9) . Equibase . 14 September 1996 . 19 April 2021.
  33. Web site: 1995 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 6) . Equibase . 16 September 1995 . 19 April 2021.
  34. Web site: 1994 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 6) . Equibase . 17 September 1994 . 19 April 2021.
  35. Web site: 1993 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 19 September 1993 . 19 April 2021.
  36. Web site: 1992 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 20 September 1992 . 19 April 2021.
  37. Web site: 1991 Ruffian Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8) . Equibase . 21 September 1991 . 19 April 2021.
  38. Web site: Quick Mischief takes Ruffian by 3;... – (race 9: held 22 September 1990) . . . 17 . 23 September 1990 . 19 April 2021.
  39. Web site: Bayakoa turns back Open Mind in Ruffian – (race 9: held 24 September 1989) . . . 33 . 25 September 1989 . 19 April 2021.
  40. Web site: Sham Say Open Mind in Ruffian – (race 9: held 25 September 1988) . . . 34 . 26 September 1988 . 19 April 2021.
  41. Web site: Coup de Fusil captures Ruffian – (race 8: held 27 September 1987) . . . 33 . 28 September 1987 . 19 April 2021.
  42. Web site: Lady's Secret captures Ruffian – (race 8: held 21 September 1986) . . . 28 . 22 September 1986 . 19 April 2021.
  43. Web site: Lady's Secret makes Ruffian 'Cap her seventh straight stakes victory – (race 8: held 22 September 1985) . . . 28 . 23 September 1985 . 19 April 2021.
  44. Web site: Heatherten surprises favorites in Ruffian – (race 8: held 30 September 1984) . . . 31 . 1 October 1984 . 19 April 2021.
  45. Web site: Heartlight No. One takes Ruffian 'Cap – (race 8: held 25 September 1983) . . . 10 . 26 September 1983 . 19 April 2021.
  46. Web site: Ghost of Christmas Past appears to win Ruffian – (race 8: held 26 September 1982) . Russ . Harris . . 91 . 27 September 1982 . 19 April 2021.
  47. Web site: Win in Ruffian puts Relaxing near away– (race 8: held 27 September 1981) . Jenny . Kellner . . 52 . 28 September 1981 . 19 April 2021.
  48. Web site: Risk nips Misty by nose in best race of season – (race 8: held 27 September 1980) . Wes . Gaffer . . 69 . 28 September 1980 . 20 April 2021.
  49. Web site: It's in the Air 1st; injured Pearl Necklace retired – (race 8: held 29 September 1979) . Wes . Gaffer . . 174 . 30 September 1979 . 20 April 2021.
  50. Web site: Bloomer Blossoms – (race 8: held 23 September 1978) . . . 16 . 24 September 1978 . 20 April 2021.
  51. Web site: Cum Laude Laurie Ruffed While Winning Ruffian – (race 8: held 24 September 1977) . Wes . Gaffer . . 11 . 25 September 1977 . 20 April 2021.
  52. Web site: Revidere captures Ruffian by 14 lengths over Bastonera II – (race 8: held 9 October 1976). . . 72 . 10 October 1976 . 20 April 2021.

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