The Sunset Handicap was an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually during the third week of July at Hollywood Park Racetrack in inglewood, California. The Grade III event is open to horses, age three and up, willing to race one and one-half miles on turf. With the closure of Hollywood Park at the end of 2013 the Sunset Handicap ceased to exist.
| Grade III race | |
| Location | Hollywood Park Racetrack Inglewood, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1938 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Website | www.hollywoodpark.com |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1+1⁄2 miles (12 furlongs) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | Three-year-olds & up |
| Weight | Assigned |
| Purse | $150,000 |
Inaugurated in 1938 as the Aloha Handicap, in 1940 it was renamed the Sunset Handicap. It was raced on dirt until 1967. Since inception it has been contested at various distances:
- 9 furlongs : 1938, 1950
- 12 furlongs : 1939, 1940, 1967–1968, 1973–present
- 13 furlongs : 1941, 1946–1949, 1951–1966
- 16 furlongs : 1969-1972
In 1975, the Sunset Handicap was run in two divisions.
On December 2, 2009, this Grade II stakes race was downgraded to a Grade III by the American Graded Stakes Committee.
Historical notes edit
- In 1976, trainer Charles Whittingham saddled the first three finishers.
Records edit
Speed record: (at current distance of 1+1⁄2 miles)
- 2:23.55 - Talloires (1996)
Most wins:
- 2 - Whodunit (1959, 1961)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 13 - Bill Shoemaker (1956, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1987)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 11 - Charles Whittingham (1973, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1992)
Winners edit
Other North American Marathon races edit
On dirt:
On turf: