The Yellow Ribbon Stakes is an
American Grade 1 flat horse race for thoroughbred fillies and mares
three-years-old and older on turf. With a purse of $400,000, the Yellow
Ribbon Stakes is run annually as part of the Oak Tree Racing
Association, usually in late September at Santa Anita Park in
California.
Run over 1 1/4 miles, the Yellow Ribbon Stakes is
considered a major preliminary race for the coveted Breeders' Cup Filly
& Mare Turf. As part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge 'Win and You're In'
series, the winner of the Yellow Ribbon Stakes automatically qualifies
for that year's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Inaugurated in
1977, the Yellow Ribbon Stakes was named after the popular World War II
song 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree' supposedly by Oak Tree
Founding Director, Louis R. Rowan. Regarding records, the fastest time
ever recorded in the Yellow Ribbon Stakes was 1:57.60 set in 1989 by
Brown Bess ridden by Jack L. Kaenel.
Top-rated jockey Kent
Desormeaux has won the Yellow Ribbon Stakes a record four times - in
1991, 1992, 1994 and 1998, while trainer Robert J. Frankel has enjoyed
five victories by horses in his care? - in 1993, 1999, 2003, 2004 and
2005.
In terms of the most Yellow Ribbon Stakes won by an owner,
Juddmonte Farms holds that distinction with winners in 1992, 1997, 1999,
2003 and 2004. Since its inception, however, no horse has ever won the
Yellow Ribbon Stakes more than once. |
