Hot_Springs_Stakes

Whitmore Stakes

Whitmore Stakes

Horse race in the United States

The Whitmore Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older at a distance of six furlongs on the dirt run annually in March at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently offers a purse of $250,000.

Quick Facts Location, Inaugurated ...

History

The February 28, 1944 inaugural running of the event as the Hot Springs Purse at six furlongs was run on a heavy track. The race was won by Momo Flag, owned and trained by Adelard Lamoureux and ridden by Cuban jockey Jorge Alfonso.[1][2] On November 15, 1944, Momo Flag showed he was far more than just a sprinter when he won the Exterminator Handicap at Pimlico Race Course over the marathon distance of two miles and 70 yards. Remarkably, after that grueling distance to the finish line, Momo Flag only beat Miss Ruth McClanaghan's Harford by a nose.[3] The following year the event was run in early December as the Hot Springs Handicap for two-year-olds over a distance of one mile and seventy yards.[4] The event was idle for the next two calendar years.[5]

For three-year-olds (1948–74)

In 1948, when the event was resumed the Oaklawn Park administration set the conditions of the event for three-year-olds only at a distance of six furlongs. The event was scheduled earlier in the Oaklawn Park season and it became a preparatory race for the Arkansas Derby. Enforcer who finished second to Cotton Joe in the 1948 renewal[6] also finished second in the Arkansas Derby.[7]

In 1951, the event was scheduled to be run on Saturday, March 3 but there were not enough entries to fill the event so the track administration scheduled an event that was called the Mountain Valley Allowance for a much lower purse of $1,500. Eleven three-year-olds entered for this event.[8]

The first horse to win the Hot Springs Handicap and then go on to win the Arkansas Derby was Mrs. Elizabeth Muckler's Johns Chic who won the double in 1956.[9] In 1965 Earl Allen's Swift Ruler would also win the Hot Springs Handicap,[10] the Rebel Stakes (introduced for three-year-olds in 1961) and the Arkansas Derby.[10]

In 1966 the event was run at a distance of 5+1⁄2 furlongs for the only time.[5] In 1967 Dr. Keith Knapp's Roman K. set a new track record for the six furlongs distance of 1:09 flat defeating seven other three-year-olds.[11]

As a Three-Year-Old handicap five fillies won the event. The most successful of the fillies was the 1957 winner Lori El. She was a gallant third in the Arkansas Derby[7] and later in May won the Kentucky Oaks.[12]

In 1974 the event was run for the last time as a Three-Year-Old only event and the winner, J. R.'s Pet won by a seven-length margin which continues to date to be the record winning margin.[13] J. R.'s Pet also went on to win the Arkansas Derby.[7]

Open era (1975 onwards)

With the creation of new events for three-year-olds, Rebel Stakes in 1961 and the Southwest Stakes in 1968 over six furlongs, Oaklawn Park administration changed the condition of the event in 1975 to three-year-olds and older.[5] Three years later in 1978 the event would omit three-year-olds all together as the conditions for the event became four-year-olds and older.[5]

In 1986 the distance of the event was increased to one mile, but this only lasted for three years.[5] In 1988 the conditions of the event were changed from a handicap to a stakes event with allowances and the name changed to the Hot Springs Stakes.[5]

Wilbur M. Giles' gelding E J Harley won the race in three consecutive years (1998, 1999, 2000).[7] The 2014 winner Work All Week went on to win that year's Breeders' Cup Sprint and would be voted American Champion Sprint Horse.[14][15]

The event encountered its third dead heat result in 2009, thirty years after the first dead heat which took place in 1979.[5]

With increased revenue from the racino the administration of the track in 2017 began increasing the purse offered for the event. In 2017 the event offered $125,000 and by 2021 an attractive purse of $200,000 was up for grabs. This increase in stakes started to attract much more accomplished sprinters such as Breeders' Cup Sprint winner and US Champion Sprint Horse, Whitmore. In September 2021, Oaklawn Park announced that the Hot Springs Stakes would be renamed to the Whitmore Stakes, after retired thoroughbred sprinter Whitmore.[16] Owned by the partnership group of Robert LaPenta, trainer Ron Moquett and Head of Plains Partners, Whitmore broke E J Harley's record with four consecutive Hot Springs Stakes wins between 2017 and 2020.[7]

In 2022 the American Graded Stakes Committee upgraded the classification of the event after 75 runnings to Grade III.[17]

Records

Speed record:

  • 6 furlongs: 1:08.40 – Double Ready (1984)

Margins:

  • 7 lengths – J. R.'s Pet (1974)

Most wins:

Most wins by an owner:

  • 4 – Robert V. LaPenta & Head of Plains Partners (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Most wins by a jockey:

  • 4 – Pat Day (1986, 1991, 1992, 1995)

Most wins by a trainer:

  • 5 – Robert E. Holthus (1989, 1991, 1992, 2002, 2004)
  • 5 – Ron Moquett (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Winners

More information Year, Winner ...

Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
ƒ Filly or Mare
† In the 1981 running Gallant Serenade was first past the post but later was disqualified from the winner's prize money after failing a post race drug test. J Burns was declared the winner and all placegetters were moved up, Convenient to second and Royal Vertex to third. Trainer of Gallant Serenade, James R. Garroutte was suspended for the remainder of the Oaklawn season.[62]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "Yar And Momo Flag Win At Hot Springs – (race 7: held 29 February 1944)". Joplin Globe. The Associated Press. 1 March 1944. p. 8. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  2. [2]
    "Race Entries and Results - Oaklawn Park". Troy Record. 1944-03-01. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
  3. [3]
    "Momo Flag Wins By Nose At Pimlico". The Courier-Journal, page 22. 1944-11-16. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
  4. [4]
    "Ariel Ace Wins Hot Springs 'Cap – (race 7: held 5 December 1945)". Okmulgee Daily Times. The Associated Press. 6 December 1945. p. 6. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  5. [5]
    "HOT SPRINGS STAKES - OAKLAWN PARK, AR". Thoroughbred Database. 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  6. [6]
    "Cotton Joe Annexes Oaklawn's Feature; Enforcer Second in Handicap - Reigh Belle Third – (race 7: held 28 February 1948)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 29 February 1948. p. 20. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  7. [7]
    "Oaklawn 2020 Media Guide". Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. 2020-08-10. Retrieved 2020-08-10.
  8. [8]
    "Three Year-Olds in Spa feature; Good Question, Cajac Coupled at Oaklawn; Warsick Runs First". Blytheville Courier News. The Associated Press. 3 March 1953. p. 13. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  9. [9]
    "John's Chic Winner In Oaklawn Race; Bay Colt Stamped As Arkansas Derby Threat – (race 6: held 3 March 1956)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 4 March 1956. p. 31. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  10. [10]
    "Swift Ruler Easily Best At Oaklawn – (race 8: held 20 February 1965)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 21 February 1965. p. 35. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  11. [11]
    "Roman K. Passes Oaklawn Test In Track Record Time Of 1:09 – (race 8: held 25 February 1967)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 26 February 1967. p. 31. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  12. [12]
    "LORI-EL (USA) dkb/br. M, 1954 {4-r} - 38 Starts, 14 Wins, 4 Places, 6 Shows Career Earnings: $91,417". Thoroughbred Database. 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  13. [13]
    "J. R.'s Pet Captures Easy Win at Oaklawn – (race 8: held 16 February 1974)". Springfield Leader and Press. The Associated Press. 17 February 1974. p. 86. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  14. [14]
    "Event By Year". Breederscup.com. Retrieved June 2, 2012.
  15. [15]
    "Eclipse Awards". NTRA. 2021-01-03. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  16. [16]
    Rampellini, Mary (8 September 2021). "Champion Whitmore to be honored by Oaklawn". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  17. [17]
    Angst, Frank (28 January 2022). "Blue Grass Stakes to Return to Grade 1 Status Keeneland's top Kentucky Derby prep among three races upgraded to grade 1 for 2022". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  18. [18]
    "2024 Whitmore Stakes Grade III - (race 9)". Equibase. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  19. [19]
    "2023 Whitmore Stakes Grade III - (race 8)". Equibase. 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  20. [20]
    "2022 Whitmore Stakes Grade III - (race 7)". Equibase. 19 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  21. [21]
    "2021 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 13 March 2021. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  22. [22]
    "2020 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 7 March 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  23. [23]
    "2019 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 9 March 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  24. [24]
    "2018 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 6)". Equibase. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  25. [25]
    "2017 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 6)". Equibase. 11 March 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  26. [26]
    "2016 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 5 March 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  27. [27]
    "2015 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 6)". Equibase. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  28. [28]
    "2014 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 8 March 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  29. [29]
    "2013 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 March 2013. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  30. [30]
    "2012 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 24 March 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  31. [31]
    "2011 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 9)". Equibase. 20 March 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  32. [32]
    "2010 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 8)". Equibase. 20 March 2010. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  33. [33]
    "2009 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 10)". Equibase. 21 March 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  34. [34]
    "2008 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 10)". Equibase. 22 March 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  35. [35]
    "2007 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 10)". Equibase. 24 March 2007. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  36. [36]
    "2006 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 9)". Equibase. 19 March 2006. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  37. [37]
    "2005 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 10)". Equibase. 26 March 2005. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  38. [38]
    "2004 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 10)". Equibase. 21 March 2004. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  39. [39]
    "2003 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 9)". Equibase. 23 March 2003. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  40. [40]
    "2002 Hot Springs Stakes Black Type - (race 10)". Equibase. 29 March 2002. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  41. [41]
    "2001 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 25 March 2001. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  42. [42]
    "2000 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 26 March 2000. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  43. [43]
    "1999 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 March 1999. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  44. [44]
    "1998 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 15 March 1998. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  45. [45]
    "1997 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 22 February 1997. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  46. [46]
    "1996 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 24 February 1996. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  47. [47]
    "1995 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 18 February 1995. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  48. [48]
    "1994 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 19 February 1994. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  49. [49]
    "1993 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 13 February 1993. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  50. [50]
    "1992 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 15 February 1992. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  51. [51]
    "1991 Hot Springs Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 16 February 1991. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  52. [52]
    "Forli Light Wins Hot Springs – (race 9: held 17 February 1990)". Lexington Herald-Leader. The Associated Press. 18 February 1990. p. 39. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  53. [53]
    West, Gary (12 February 1989). "Proper Reality glides to Oaklawn Win – (race 9: held 11 February 1989)". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 54. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  54. [54]
    "Wayne's Crane captures Hot Springs Stakes – (race 9: held 27 February 1988)". Kansas City Star. The Associated Press. 28 February 1988. p. 211. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  55. [55]
    "Swingin Sway pulls away to take Hot Springs Handicap – (race 9: held 28 February 1987)". Springfield Leader and Press. The Associated Press. 1 March 1987. p. 63. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  56. [56]
    "Lucky North Wins Hot Springs – (race 9: held 22 February 1986)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 23 February 1986. p. 32. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  57. [57]
    "Taylor's Special impressive in win – (race 9: held 16 February 1985)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 17 February 1985. p. 45. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  58. [58]
    "Longshot takes Oaklawn feature – (race 9: held 18 February 1984)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 19 February 1984. p. 51. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  59. [59]
    "Franks a winner at Oaklawn, Aqueduct – (race 9: held 19 February 1983)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 20 February 1983. p. 58. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  60. [60]
    "Horse racing; Skate wins at Oaklawn – (race 9: held 13 February 1982)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 14 February 1982. p. 39. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  61. [61]
    "Gallant Serenade wins at Oaklawn – (race 9: held 14 February 1981)". Springfield Leader and Press. The Associated Press. 15 February 1981. p. 26. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  62. [62]
    "Trainer Suspended For Oaklawn Season – (amended result race 9: held 14 February 1981)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 20 February 1981. p. 34. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  63. [63]
    "Braze And Bold Bags Hot Spings Handicap – (race 9: held 16 February 1980)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 17 February 1980. p. 36. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  64. [64]
    "Dead heat is ruled in Oaklawn feature – (race 9: held 24 February 1979)". The Courier-Journal. United Press International. 25 February 1979. p. 47. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  65. [65]
    "Last Buzz Hot Springs Winner – (race 9: held 11 February 1978)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 12 February 1978. p. 50. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  66. [66]
    "Silver Hope is Oaklawn winner – (race 9: held 12 February 1977)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 13 February 1977. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  67. [67]
    "Navajo Wins at Oaklawn – (race 8: held 14 February 1976)". Chicago Tribune. The Associated Press. 15 February 1976. p. 78. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  68. [68]
    "Prince Astro Claims Oaklawn – (race 8: held 15 February 1975)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 16 February 1975. p. 58. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  69. [69]
    "Late Rush Nets Win In Oaklawn – (race 8: held 17 February 1973)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 18 February 1973. p. 9. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  70. [70]
    "Horse Racing; Favorite Wins Oaklawn Sprint – (race 8: held 12 February 1972)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 13 February 1972. p. 36. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  71. [71]
    "Racing; Staunch Avenger Dazzles Oaklawn As The Favorite – (race 8: held 13 February 1971)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 14 February 1971. p. 44. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  72. [72]
    "Almost Sets Track Record; Sado Sails Past Field In Hot Springs Feature – (race 8: held 14 February 1970)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 15 February 1970. p. 33. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  73. [73]
    "Chief Sun Dance Wins Hot Springs Purse – (race 8: held 15 February 1969)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 16 February 1969. p. 36. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  74. [74]
    "Crown Jem Winner at Hot Springs – (race 8: held 17 February 1968)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 18 February 1968. p. 50. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  75. [75]
    "Oaklawn – (race 9: held 19 February 1966)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 20 February 1966. p. 42. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  76. [76]
    "Oaklawn Victory To Floral Shop – (race 8: held 22 February 1964)". Springfield Leader and Press. The Associated Press. 23 February 1964. p. 29. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  77. [77]
    "Devil It Is Wins Oaklawn Feature; Old Coin Runs Second With Cosmic Tip Third – (race 8: held 23 February 1963)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 24 February 1963. p. 26. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  78. [78]
    "Killoqua Captures Oaklawn Feature; Strong Finish by Aeropolis Fails In Handicap – (race 8: held 24 February 1962)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 25 February 1962. p. 79. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  79. [79]
    "Kid On Top – (race 8: held 25 February 1961)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 26 February 1961. p. 30. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  80. [80]
    "Field At Spa Fails To Nab Deemster; Muckler Colt Outlegs Nine In Hot Springs 'Cap – (race 7: held 27 February 1960)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 28 February 1960. p. 86. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  81. [81]
    "Mail Order Cops Hot Springs Handicap – (race 7: held 28 February 1959)". Lexington Leader. The Associated Press. 1 March 1959. p. 19. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  82. [82]
    "Track Record Broken; Manassas, Clem Kelly Win Oaklawn Features – (race 7: held 1 March 1958)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 2 March 1958. p. 35. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  83. [83]
    "Lori-El Captures Oaklawn Feature; Dark Bay Filly Victor in Hot Springs Handicap – (race 7: held 2 March 1957)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 3 March 1957. p. 30. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  84. [84]
    "Trim Destiny Ahead in Oaklawn Feature; White's Colt Takes Hot Springs Handicap – (race 7: held 26 February 1955)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 27 February 1955. p. 28. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  85. [85]
    "Lori Jane Successful In First Try Of Year; Torrid Pace Pays Off in Hot Springs Handicap – (race 7: held 27 February 1954)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 28 February 1954. p. 28. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  86. [86]
    "Sherry L Easily Wins; Greenacres Stock Horse Captures Hot Springs Handicap – (race 7: held 28 February 1953)". The Commercial Appeal. The Associated Press. 1 March 1953. p. 32. Retrieved 5 February 2022.
  87. [87]
    "Robert Wins by 7 At Oaklawn – (race 6: held 1 March 1952)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 2 March 1952. p. 27. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  88. [88]
    "Futuramatic Cops Oaklawn Handicap Run – (race 7: held 25 February 1950)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 26 February 1950. p. 38. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  89. [89]
    "Provocative Breezes in Hot Springs 'Cap – (race 7: held 26 February 1949)". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The Associated Press. 27 February 1949. p. 26. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Hot_Springs_Stakes, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.