The Victoria Stakes is a thoroughbred horse race run annually at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Held in mid June, it has been raced on Polytrack since 2006 over a distance of five furlongs. In 2015 it was changed to six furlongs. Open to two-year-old horses, it currently offers a purse of $96,363.
| Ungraded Stakes race | |
| Location | Woodbine Racetrack Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1903 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Website | www |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 6 furlongs |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | left-handed |
| Qualification | Two-year-olds |
| Weight | Assigned |
| Purse | $96,363 + (2016) |
Named in honor of Queen Victoria who had died in 1901, the Victoria Stakes was first run in 1903 at the Old Woodbine Racetrack. Following that facility's closure, the race was moved in 1956 to the new Woodbine race track. For 1979 only, it was raced on turf.
Since inception, the Victoria Stakes has been competed over various distances:
- 5 furlongs : 1903-1955
- 5+1⁄2 furlongs : 1956-1978
- About 5 furlongs : 1979
- 1980 to 2014 : 5 furlongs
- 2015 : 6 furlongs
Historical notes edit
A number of notable North American horses have won this race including George Smith who won the next year's Kentucky Derby, Belair Stud's colt Faireno in 1931 who was the first horse to break the one-minute barrier and who went on to win the 1932 Belmont Stakes. Notable Canadian-bred winners include Windfields (1945), Nearctic, (1956), Viceregal (1968), and Deputy Minister who in 1981 set a new race record for five furlongs that still stands. In 1982, Sunny's Halo finished second but the following year became only the second Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby.
Records edit
Time record: (at the present distance of 5 furlongs)
- 0:57.20 - Deputy Minister (1981)
Most wins by an owner:
- 5 - Stafford Farms (1960, 1961, 1974, 1975, 1976)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 4 - Avelino Gomez (1956, 1960, 1966, 1967)
- 5 - David Clark (1982, 1988, 2003, 2005, 2011)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 4 - Gil Rowntree (1974, 1975, 1976, 1985)
Winners edit
| Year |
Winner |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Owner |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Lokinforpursemonee | Gary Boulanger | John A. Ross | J.R. Racing Stable | 1:11.17 |
| 2015 | Hollywood Hideaway | Luis Contreras | Barbara J. Minshall | Bruce Lunsford | 1:09.65 |
| 2014 | Conquest Tsunami | Patrick Husbands | Mark Casse | Conquest Stables | 0:57.91 |
| 2013 | Conquest Whiplash | Eurico da Silva | Mark E. Casse | Conquest Stables | 0:58.19 |
| 2012 | Ray's Away | Chris Griffith | Ricky Griffith | Debmar Stables | 0:58.28 |
| 2011 | Banner Bill | David Clark | Ralph Biamonte | R Plus Partners | 0:58.60 |
| 2010 | Madman Diaries | Jeffrey Sanchez | Wesley A. Ward | Wesley A. Ward | 0:58.60 |
| 2009 | Olredlgetcha | Emile Ramsammy | Greg de Gannes | R Own Stable | 0:57.56 |
| 2008 | Southern Exchange | Jono Jones | Greg de Gannes | Bill & Vicki Poston | 0:57.48 |
| 2007 | Kodiak Kowboy | Emma-Jayne Wilson | Steve Asmussen | Vinery Stables | 0:59.44 |
| 2006 | Chace City | Shaun Bridgmohan | Steve Asmussen | Gold Square LLC | 0:59.21 |
| 2005 | Vibank | David Clark | Josie Carroll | Jim & Alice Sapara | 0:59.26 |
| 2004 | Flamenco | Robert Landry | Todd A. Pletcher | Peachtree Stable | 0:57.90 |
| 2003 | Third Day * | David Clark | Mark Casse | Gaillardia Racing | 0:57.86 |
| 2002 | El Ruller | Ray Sabourin | Arthur Silvera | Larry Spindler et al. | 0:58.29 |
| 2001 | Expected Hour | Patrick Husbands | Mark Casse | Faris, Bolton et al. | 0:58.80 |
| 2000 | Sam Lord's Castle | Emile Ramsammy | Josie Carroll | Eugene Melnyk | 0:58.78 |
| 1999 | Vorticity | Slade Callaghan | Ross Armata | C.E.C. Farms | 0:57.67 |
| 1998 | Erlton | Robert Landry | Benjamin Perkins Jr. | New Farm | 0:58.80 |
| 1997 | Torgan | Todd Kabel | Linda Rice | C. D. Rice | 0:59.20 |
| 1996 | Cash Deposit | Robert Landry | Daniel J. Vella | Frank Stronach | 0:59.40 |
| 1995 | Intrepid Son † | Dave Penna | Roger Attfield | Joe Brocklebank | 0:58.80 |
| 1995 | Gomtuu † | Jerry Baird | Dominic J. Polsinelli | Tri-Colour Racing Stable | 0:59.00 |
| 1994 | Honky Tonk Tune | Robert Landry | Daniel J. Vella | Frank Stronach | 0:58.00 |
| 1993 | Welbred Fred | Dave Penna | Glenn Magnusson | David B. Seyler | 0:59.40 |
| 1992 | Dances With Fire | Don Seymour | Ron Dandy | Wayne Trombly | 0:58.20 |
| 1991 | Alydeed | Don Seymour | Roger Attfield | Kinghaven Farms | 0:59.40 |
| 1990 | Megas Vukefalos | Lloyd Duffy | Daniel J. Vella | Knob Hill Stable | 0:59.60 |
| 1989 | Wavering Girl | Sandy Hawley | Michael J. Doyle | Windhaven | 0:58.80 |
| 1988 | Chill Up | David Clark | Gordon Huntley | V&O Stable/Kitchen | 0:59.00 |
| 1987 | Dapple Dancer | Dan Beckon | Grant Pearce | King Caledon Farm | 0:59.40 |
| 1986 | Fozzie Bear | Robin Platts | Tino Attard | V.C.L. Farms/Spatafora | 0:58.00 |
| 1985 | Dom Dancer | Dan Beckon | Gil Rowntree | B. K. Y. Stable | 0:58.60 |
| 1984 | Honey's Answer | Gary Stahlbaum | G. Hughes | Comra | 0:59.00 |
| 1983 | Archregent | Hugo Dittfach | Arthur H. Warner | Richard R. Kennedy | 0:59.80 |
| 1982 | Flying Pocket | David Clark | Tony Mattine | The Three Of Us Stable | 0:58.20 |
| 1981 | Deputy Minister | Lloyd Duffy | Bill Marko | Centurion Farms | 0:57.20 |
| 1980 | Solo Guy | George HoSang | Laurie Silvera | Gordon F. Hall | 0:59.40 |
| 1979 | Classic Joker | George HoSang | Brian Ottaway | Mrs. G. McCullagh | 0:59.80 |
| 1978 | Highland Ridge | Sandy Hawley | John J. Tammaro Jr. | Kinghaven Farms | 1:05.20 |
| 1977 | Lucky Colonel S. | Gary Stahlbaum | Donnie Walker | Conn Smythe | 1:04.80 |
| 1976 | Sound Reason | Robin Platts | Gil Rowntree | Stafford Farms | 1:06.20 |
| 1975 | Proud Tobin | Jeffrey Fell | Gil Rowntree | Stafford Farms | 1:06.00 |
| 1974 | Royal Selari | Robin Platts | Gil Rowntree | Stafford Farms | 1:05.20 |
| 1973 | Backstretch | Noel Turcotte | Carl F. Chapman | O'Maonaign Abu Stable | 1:06.20 |
| 1972 | Down North | John LeBlanc | James C. Bentley | Helen G. Stollery | 1:06.00 |
| 1971 | Gentleman Conn | John Baboolal | Jerry C. Meyer | Willow Downs Farm | 1:05.40 |
| 1970 | Briartic | Richard Grubb | J. Mort Hardy | Bennett Farms | 1:04.80 |
| 1969 | Artic Feather | Chris Rogers | R. Boucher | Aylmer Stable | 1:06.00 |
| 1968 | Viceregal | Richard Grubb | Gordon J. McCann | Windfields Farm | 1:04.40 |
| 1967 | Real Sensible | Avelino Gomez | Jerry C. Meyer | Willow Downs Farm | 1:04.60 |
| 1966 | Ring Francis | Avelino Gomez | Lou Cavalaris Jr. | Gardiner Farm | 1:04.40 |
| 1965 | Stevie B. Good | Nick Shuk | Jerry C. Meyer | E. C. Pasquale | 1:05.80 |
| 1964 | Bright Object | James Fitzsimmons | Lou Cavalaris Jr. | Gardiner Farm | 1:05.00 |
| 1963 | Ramblin Road | Pat Remillard | Gordon M. Huntley | Gordon F. Hall | 1:04.40 |
| 1962 | Hail Dipper | Charles McKee | J. Mack | W. P. Mack | 1:04.40 |
| 1961 | Royal Spirit | Al Coy | John Passero | Stafford Farms | 1:06.20 |
| 1960 | Fair Charger | Avelino Gomez | E. Odorico | Stafford Farms | 1:05.00 |
| 1959 | Bulpamiru | Cliff Potts | Red Barnard | Shermanor Farm | 1:04.80 |
| 1958 | Le Grand Rouge | R. Gonzalez | Yonnie Starr | Larkin Maloney & Conn Smythe | 1:04.80 |
| 1957 | Silver Ship | Ernie Warme | Gordon M. Huntley | Gordon F. Hall | 1:05.20 |
| 1956 | Nearctic | Avelino Gomez | Gordon J. McCann | E. P. Taylor | 1:06.60 |
| 1955 | Bunty's Flight | George Walker | Yonnie Starr | Larkin Maloney | 1:00.00 |
| 1954 | Benroman | Gene Pederson | James C. Bentley | B. R. Steen | 0:59.60 |
| 1953 | Collisteo | Bert Albert | S. Couch | Bur-Fit Stable | 0:58.60 |
| 1952 | War General | Bobby Watson | L. Silvestri | C. L. Taylor | 1:00.00 |
| 1951 | French Lace | Alf Bavington | John Passero | William R. Beasley | 1:00.20 |
| 1950 | Acceptable | Chris Rogers | Frank Merrill Jr. | Halton Brook Stable | 1:00.00 |
| 1949 | Petrolas | A. Montiro | F. Fitzgerald | Jolly Roger Stable | 0:59.60 |
| 1948 | Avona | Howard Bailey | James C. Bentley | Addison Stable | 0:59.60 |
| 1947 | Tonado | Bobby Watson | J. Grills | F. W. Ellins | 1:00.60 |
| 1946 | Imperator | Johnny Dewhurst | Arthur Brent | Parkwood Stable | 1:01.00 |
| 1945 | Windfields | Herb Black | Bert Alexandra | Cosgrave Stable | 0:59.00 |
| 1944 | Transbest | Chris Rogers | Loyd Gentry Sr. | Four Oaks Stable | 1:01.20 |
| 1943 | Airpan | C. W. Smythe | Reggie Cornell | F. Ellins | 1:00.40 |
| 1942 | Sweepnack | David Prater | Octave Viau | Harry C. Hatch | 1:03.40 |
| 1941 | Air Sure | Harry Meynell | M. Nichols | Conn Smythe | 1:00.80 |
| 1940 | Ariel Trip | Herb Lindberg | W. Coburn | Conn Smythe | 1:02.80 |
| 1939 | King's Colors | Albert Schmidt | Frank Gilpin | Parkwood Stable | 1:01.60 |
| 1938 | Hope Diamond | Pat Remillard | H. Chappell | C. N. Mooney | 1:01.80 |
| 1937 | no race | ||||
| 1936 | Miss Dolphin | J. Hunter | John J. Thorpe | Edward F. Seagram | 1:01.20 |
| 1935 | Santan | Herb Lindberg | John J. Thorpe | Edward F. Seagram | 0:59.80 |
| 1934 | Ouragan | C. McDonald | Harry Giddings, Jr. | Col. R. S. McLaughlin | 1:00.20 |
| 1933 | Polly Egret | John Mattioli | Jack Whyte | Fairfields Farm | 1:00.40 |
| 1932 | Miss Puray | J. G. Petz | William M. Garth | Tranquility Farm | 1:01.60 |
| 1931 | Faireno | Anthony Pascuma | George Tappen | Belair Stud | 0:59.60 |
| 1930 | Totem | Raymond Workman | James G. Rowe Jr. | Harry Payne Whitney | 1:00.60 |
| 1929 | Snowy | Louis Schaefer | Thomas J. Healey | Walter J. Salmon Sr. | 1:01.60 |
| 1928 | Rapid Transit | Raymond G. Peternell | Preston M. Burch | Kilrain Stable | 1:01.00 |
| 1927 | Reprove | Francis Horn | Owen E. Pons | W. Maher | 1:01.60 |
| 1926 | Jopagan | Charles Fairbrother | R. Mitchell | A. G. Weston | 1:03.20 |
| 1925 | Gaffsman | B. Kennedy | William H. Bringloe | Seagram Stable | 1:01.40 |
| 1924 | Gymkhana | Edward Scobie | William Irvine | Edward F. Whitney | 1:01.40 |
| 1923 | Idle Thoughts | A. Roach | J. Wagnon | M. J. Reid | 1:01.80 |
| 1922 | Bucado | John McTaggart | M. Kelley | B. Harding | 1:00.60 |
| 1921 | Second Thoughts | Thomas Parrington | William Irvine | Edward F. Whitney | 1:01.00 |
| 1920 | Baby Grand | Earl Sande | Fred H. Schelke | J. K. L. Ross | 1:02.00 |
| 1919 | no race | ||||
| 1918 | no race | ||||
| 1917 | Charlie Leydecker | Thomas Parrington | W. Livingston | Ed McBride | 1:02.40 |
| 1916 | Manokin | W. Ward | H. Guy Bedwell | H. Guy Bedwell | 1:02.40 |
| 1915 | George Smith | Guy Burns | T. Shannan | Ed McBride | 1:01.40 |
| 1914 | Sid Edgar | Edward Taplin | H. Guy Bedwell | H. Guy Bedwell | 1:01.00 |
| 1913 | Southern Maid | P. Moody | John Nixon | Robert T. Davies | 1:00.80 |
| 1912 | Monocacy | James Butwell | Albert Simons | Harry Payne Whitney | 1:02.00 |
| 1911 | Moisant | Guy Burns | Albert Simons | Albert Simons | 1:01.60 |
| 1910 | Moncrief | Harty | Henry McDaniel | R. L. Thomas | 1:02.60 |
| 1909 | Turf Star | Mentry | John W. May | John W. May | 1:01.80 |
| 1908 | Simcoe | Edward Walsh | G. Graydon | J. H. Madigan | 1:02.60 |
| 1907 | Johnny Blake | David Nicol | W. Phillips | F. Cook | 1:00.60 |
| 1906 | Arimo | J. Foley | E. Landsberg | J. J. Welsh | 1:01.00 |
| 1905 | St. Joseph | W. Daly | Michael J. Daly | Michael J. Daly | 1:05.75 |
| 1904 | Shannonside | Otto Wonderly | Barry T. Littlefield | Joseph E. Seagram | 1:02.75 |
| 1903 | Spring | D. Murray | Albert G. Weston | Goughacres Stable (Thomas G. Clyde) | 1:04.75 |
- * In 2003, Gemini Dream won but was disqualified and placed last for interference.
- † Run in two divisions in 1995.