The Pilgrim Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-olds over a distance of 1+116 miles on the turf track scheduled annually in late September at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The event currently offers a purse of $200,000.

Pilgrim Stakes
Grade II race
LocationBelmont Park
Elmont, New York, United States
Inaugurated1979 (at Aqueduct Racetrack)
Race typeThoroughbredFlat racing
WebsiteNYRA
Race information
Distance1+116 miles
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationTwo-year-olds
Weight122 lbs with allowances
Purse$200,000 (2021)
BonusesWinner receives automatic entrance to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

History

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The event was inaugurated on 29 October 1979 at Aqueduct Racetrack and was run over the 1+18 mile distance in split divisions as the sixth[1] and eighth race[2] on the card that day.

The race is named for Joseph E. Widener's horse, Pilgrim,[3] winner of the 1919 Remsen Stakes.

In 1982 the event was classified as Grade III, upgraded to Grade II in 1988 for two runnings before being downgraded to Grade III.[4] From 2001–2007 the race was not graded as in 2009 when the event was moved off the turf track due to the inclement weather and held over a shorter one mile distance.[5]

The event was run in two divisions in the above mentioned inaugural 1979 and again in 1983.[6]

The distance of the event has been changed several times but since 2010 the event has been run over the current distance of 1+116 miles.[4]

The race was part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series from 2008 to 2010, when the winner automatically qualified for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.

The event was upgraded to a Grade III event in 2020.[7]

In 2022 the event was moved to Aqueduct Racetrack due to infield tunnel and redevelopment work at Belmont Park.[8]

Records

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Speed record:

  • 1+116 miles: 1:41.04 – Annapolis (2021)
  • 1+18 miles: 1:48.02 – Volponi (2000)

Margins:

  • 12 lengths – Diplomatic Jet (1994)

Most wins by an owner:

  • 2 – Live Oak Racing (1981, 2001)

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners

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Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
At Aqueduct – Pilgrim Stakes
2024 Zulu Kingdom (IRE) Joel Rosario Chad C. Brown Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, William Strauss & Michael J. Caruso 1+116 miles 1:48.67 $200,000 II [9]
2023 Agate Road Irad Ortiz Jr. Todd A. Pletcher Repole Stable & St. Elias Stable 1+116 miles 1:42.83 $200,000 II [10]
2022 Major Dude Irad Ortiz Jr. Todd A. Pletcher Spendthrift Farm 1+116 miles 1:46.60 $200,000 II [11]
At Belmont Park
2021 Annapolis Irad Ortiz Jr. Todd A. Pletcher Bass Racing 1+116 miles 1:41.04 $186,000 II [12]
2020 Fire At Will Kendrick Carmouche Michael J. Maker Three Diamonds Farm 1+116 miles 1:43.46 $150,000 II [13]
2019 Structor Irad Ortiz Jr. Chad C. Brown Jeff Drown & Don Rachel 1+116 miles 1:41.46 $200,000 III [14]
2018 Forty Under Manuel Franco Jeremiah C. Englehart August Dawn Farm 1+116 miles 1:44.37 $200,000 III [15]
2017 Seabhac Luis Saez Todd A. Pletcher Donegal Racing 1+116 miles 1:43.48 $200,000 III [16]
2016 Oscar Performance José L. Ortiz Brian A. Lynch Amerman Racing 1+116 miles 1:42.88 $200,000 III [17]
2015 Isotherm Jose Lezcano George Weaver Matthew Schera 1+116 miles 1:41.98 $200,000 III [18]
2014 Imperia Javier Castellano Kiaran P. McLaughlin Godolphin Racing 1+116 miles 1:41.36 $200,000 III [19]
2013 Bobby's Kitten Javier Castellano Chad C. Brown Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey 1+116 miles 1:42.37 $200,000 III [20]
2012 Noble Tune Ramon A. Dominguez Chad C. Brown Martin S. Schwartz & Dell Ridge Farm 1+116 miles 1:47.81 $150,000 III [21]
2011 Shkspeare Shaliyah Alex O. Solis Doodnauth Shivmangal Shivmangal Racing Stable 1+116 miles 1:51.59 $100,000 III [22]
2010 Air Support Rajiv Maragh Claude R. McGaughey III Stuart S. Janney III 1+116 miles 1:47.87 $147,500 III [23]
2009 Eskendereya Javier Castellano Todd A. Pletcher Zayat Stables 1 mile 1:37.85 $152,500 Listed Off turf[24]
2008 Elusive Bluff Michael C. Baze Eric J. Guillot Southern Equine Stable 1+116 miles 1:47.91 $156,800 III [25]
2007 The Leopard John R. Velazquez Todd A. Pletcher Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor 1+116 miles 1:41.61 $81,000 Listed [26]
2006 Pickapocket Eibar Coa Frank A. Alexander Martin Cherry 1+18 miles 1:52.62 $85,925 Listed [27]
2005 Fagan's Legacy Joe Bravo Kelly J. Breen George & Lori Hall 1+18 miles 1:52.11 $82,575 Listed Off turf[28]
2004 Crown Point Jose L. Espinoza David G. Donk Drumlanrig Farm 1+18 miles 1:50.31 $82,875 Listed [29]
2003 Timo John R. Velazquez William Badgett Jr. C. K. Woods Stable 1+18 miles 1:57.46 $82,525 Listed [30]
At Aqueduct
2002 One Colony Aaron Gryder Mark A. Hennig Edward P. Evans 1+18 miles 1:51.00 $82,950 Listed Off turf[31]
2001 Miesque's Approval Jerry D. Bailey William I. Mott Live Oak Racing 1+18 miles 1:50.80 $83,475 Listed [32]
At Belmont Park
2000 Volponi John R. Velazquez Philip G. Johnson Amherst & Spruce Pond 1+18 miles 1:48.02 $113,300 III [33]
1999 Kachemak Bay John R. Velazquez John P. Campo Jr. Evelyn M. Pollard 1+18 miles 1:54.67 $111,600 III [34]
1998 Incurable Optimist John R. Velazquez David G. Donk John T. & Theresa E. Behrendt 1+18 miles 1:48.05 $108,100 III [35]
At Aqueduct
1997 § Cryptic Rascal Mike E. Smith William Badgett Jr. Landon Knight 1+18 miles 1:50.83 $115,700 III [36]
At Belmont Park
1996 Accelerator Mike E. Smith Claude R. McGaughey III Ogden Mills Phipps 1+116 miles 1:41.80 $113,800 III Off turf[37]
At Aqueduct
1995 Play It Again Stan Herb McCauley Frank A. Generazio Jr. Sybil Lauren 1+116 miles 1:50.20 $115,900 III [38]
At Belmont Park
1994 Diplomatic Jet Jerry D. Bailey Philip M. Serpe Fred W. Hooper 1+116 miles 1:46.67 $82,076 III [39]
1993 § Dove Hunt Jerry D. Bailey Neil J. Howard William S. Farish III 1+116 miles 1:44.60 $122,600 III [40]
1992 § Awad Julie Krone David G. Donk Ryehill Stable 1+116 miles 1:42.60 $127,000 III [41]
1991 Smiling and Dancin Richard Migliore Stephen L. DiMauro Robert J. Sullivan 1+116 miles 1:41.20 $122,800 III [42]
At Aqueduct
1990 Fourstars Allstar Mike E. Smith Leo O'Brien Richard Bromze 1+18 miles 1:51.60 $90,000 III [43]
1989 Super Mario Richard Migliore D. Wayne Lukas H. Joseph Allen 1+18 miles 1:56.00 $126,800 II [44]
1988 Tuneful Tip Carl Gambardella Ronald J. Dandy Frank Generazio 1+18 miles 1:59.00 $132,200 II [45]
1987 Blew by Em Chris Antley Michael H. Daggett Joseph B. Singer 1+18 miles 1:53.60 $92,850 III [46]
1986 § David's Bird Jean-Luc Samyn Philip G. Johnson Sugar Maple Farm 1+18 miles 1:53.00 $97,950 III [47]
1985 Pillaster Ángel Cordero Jr. LeRoy Jolley Peter M. Brant 1+18 miles 1:54.40 $89,550 III [48]
1984 Tent Up Vincent Bracciale Jr. John W. Hicks Geoffrey A. Huguely 1+18 miles 1:53.20 $94,500 III [49]
1983 Pied A' Tierre Larry Saumell Ronald L. Benshoff Blanche P. Levy 1+18 miles 1:51.40 $54,700 III †Division 1[50]
Vision Eddie Maple Woodford C. Stephens Claiborne Farm 1:50.20 $54,700 †Division 2[51]
1982 Fortnightly Ángel Cordero Jr. Edward I. Kelly Jr. Bwamazon Farm 1+18 miles 1:57.60 $85,800 III [52]
1981 Gnome's Gold Jean-Luc Samyn Patrick J. Kelly Live Oak Racing 1+18 miles 1:57.20 $84,300 [53]
1980 Akureyri Eddie Maple Woodford C. Stephens Hickory Tree Stable 1+18 miles 1:54.80 $58,400 [54]
1979 Freeo Sam Maple Joseph B. Cantey Loblolly Stable 1+18 miles 1:53.00 $42,850 Division 1[1]
I Take All Ángel Cordero Jr. Edward I. Kelly Sr. Brookfield Farm 1:52.40 $43,050 Division 2[2]

Legend:
  Dirt   Turf
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
† Both divisions of the event were moved off the turf and onto the main track due to the inclement weather

See also

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List of American and Canadian Graded races

References

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  1. ^ a b "Freeo, I Take All capture divisions of Pilgrim Stakes (1979 Pilgrim Stakes Division 1 – race 6: held 29 October 1979)". Baltimore Sun. Associated Press. 30 October 1979. p. 34. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Pilgrim on Rocks (1979 Pilgrim Stakes Division 2 – race 8: held 29 October 1979)". New York Daily News. 30 October 1979. pp. 208, 209. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  3. ^ "PILGRIM (USA) b. G, 1917 Career Earnings: $24,409". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Pilgrim Stakes (Gr. 3)". Equibase. 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  5. ^ "PILGRIM STAKES – MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  6. ^ "PILGRIM STAKES (2ND. DIV.) - AQUEDUCT, NY". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  7. ^ Schweigardt, Andrew (2019). "TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2020". Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  8. ^ Ehalt, Bob (28 July 2022). "NYRA Shifts Belmont Fall Meet to Aqueduct Change will allow construction of infield tunnel, redevelopment plan to begin". Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  9. ^ "2024 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 2 – (race 11)". Equibase. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  10. ^ "2023 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  11. ^ "2022 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 2 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  12. ^ "2021 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 2 – (race 4)". Equibase. 3 October 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  13. ^ "2020 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. 3 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  14. ^ "2019 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  15. ^ "2018 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  16. ^ "2017 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 30 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  17. ^ "2016 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 1 October 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  18. ^ "2015 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  19. ^ "2014 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 28 September 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  20. ^ "2013 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 6 October 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  21. ^ "2012 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 5)". Equibase. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  22. ^ "2011 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 2 October 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  23. ^ "2010 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 3 October 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  24. ^ "2009 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase. 4 October 2009. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  25. ^ "2008 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 1 October 2008. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  26. ^ "2007 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 4)". Equibase. 29 September 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  27. ^ "2006 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase. 22 October 2006. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  28. ^ "2005 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 23 October 2005. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  29. ^ "2004 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase. 24 October 2004. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  30. ^ "2003 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase. 19 October 2003. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  31. ^ "2002 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 27 October 2002. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  32. ^ "2001 Pilgrim Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase. 6 November 2001. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  33. ^ "2000 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 22 October 2000. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  34. ^ "1999 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 24 October 1999. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  35. ^ "1998 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase. 25 October 1998. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  36. ^ "1997 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 31 October 1997. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  37. ^ "1996 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase. 20 October 1996. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  38. ^ "1995 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 11 November 1995. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  39. ^ "1994 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase. 25 September 1994. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  40. ^ "1993 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 2 October 1993. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  41. ^ "1992 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 2 October 1992. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  42. ^ "1991 Pilgrim Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 4 October 1991. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  43. ^ "Fourstars Allstar rallies, prevails (1990 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 31 October 1990)". Baltimore Sun. Associated Press. 1 November 1990. p. 38. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  44. ^ "Super Mario still unbeaten (1989 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 5 November 1989 )". South Florida Sun Sentinel. Associated Press. 6 November 1989. p. 38. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  45. ^ "Tuneful Tip takes Pilgrim (1988 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 6 November 1988)". New York Daily News. 7 November 1988. p. 202. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  46. ^ "Blew by Em just does that in Pilgrim (1987 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 31 October 1987)". The Courier-Journal. Associated Press. 1 November 1987. p. 21. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  47. ^ "David's Bird wins Pilgrim (1986 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 2 November 1986)". The Courier-Journal. Associated Press. 3 November 1986. p. 40. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  48. ^ "Pillaster a decisive winner in $89,550 Pilgrim Stakes (1985 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 9 November 1985)". Hackensack Record. 10 November 1985. p. 75. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  49. ^ "Tent Up wins Pilgrim Stakes (1984 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 4 November 1984)". Asbury Park Press. Associated Press. 5 November 1984. p. 61. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  50. ^ O'Day, Joe (20 October 1983). "Pied A' Tierre, Vision win in Big A Opener (1983 Pilgrim Stakes Division 1 – race 7: held 19 October 1983)". New York Daily News. p. 131. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  51. ^ "Pied A' Tierre, Vision share Pilgram Stakes (1983 Pilgrim Stakes Division 2 – race 8: held 19 October 1983)". White Plains Journal News. Associated Press. 20 October 1983. p. 22. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  52. ^ "Fortnightly takes Pilgrim (1982 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 25 October 1982)". New York Daily News. Associated Press. 26 October 1982. p. 61. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  53. ^ "Gnome's Gold takes Pilgrim Purse (1981 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 26 October 1981)". Tampa Tribune. Associated Press. 27 October 1981. p. 50. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  54. ^ "Akureyri surprise winner in Pilgrim Stakes at Aqueduct (1980 Pilgrim Stakes – race 8: held 27 October 1980)". Miami News. Associated Press. 28 October 1980. p. 50. Retrieved 2 September 2020.