The Vosburgh Stakes is an
American Grade 1 flat horse race for thoroughbred racehorses
three-years-old and older. The $400,000 Vosburgh Stakes is run over six
furlongs annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, normally at the
end of September and is considered a prep race for the Breeders' Cup
Sprint.
Inaugurated in 1940, the Vosburgh Stakes was named after
Walter S. Vosburgh, a well-known and respected turf historian who
between 1894 and 1934 was the Jockey Club's official handicapper. In
1940 and 1941 the Vosburgh Stakes was won by Joe Schenck (named after
Vaudeville star Joseph Thuma Schenck).
Up to 2002 the Vosburgh
Stakes was run over a distance of seven furlongs. In 2003 it was run
over a distance of 6 1/2 furlongs and since 2004 it has been run over
its current six furlongs. In l959, l961 though to l974, l976, l977,
1979, 1983, 1985, and 1986 the Vosburgh Stakes was held at the Aquaduct
in New York.
The race's fastest seven furlong time was recorded
at 1:20.20 in 1968 by Dr Fager, while its fastest six furlong time of
1:08.13 was set in 2006 by Henny Hughes. Top jockey Angel Cordero Jr
currently holds the record for the most wins in the Vosburgh Stakes with
six - in 1973, 1978, 1983, 1984, 1987 and 1990.
In terms of most
wins by a horse in the Vosburgh Stakes, three horses share the honors -
Joe Schenck in 1940 and 1941, Dr. Fager in 1967 and 1968 and Sewickley
in 1989 and 1990. Tartan Stable still holds the record for the most wins
with four - in 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1978. |
