The Blue Hen Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-old fillies held annually in early October at Delaware Park Racetrack in Stanton, Delaware. A non-graded stakes event raced on dirt, since 2004 it has been contested at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles (8.5 furlongs).
The Blue Hen is named for the horse breeding term "Blue Hen," meaning a mare who has proved herself exceptional in producing high quality foals, almost regardless of which stallion might be the sire. These sons and daughters would also affect the breed. An example of the highest sort of Blue Hen mare would be La Troienne.
In 1965 and 1971, the race was run in two divisions.
Winners since 2000 Year Winner Jockey Trainer OwnerDistance (F) Time2010Summer LaughFernando JaraTodd PletcherEdward P. Evans8.5 F1:46.52009Ms VanenzzaJoseph Rocco, Jr.Juan C. VazquezFlorence Patitucci8.5 F1:45.742008Bon Jovi GirlJose CaraballoTimothy F. RitcheyTimothy F. Ritchey & Chuck Zacney8.5 F1:46.102007Saki To MeAbel Castellano, Jr.Edmond D. GaudetMorris Bailey8.5 F1:48.832006Miss GoodnightStewart ElliottTimothy F. RitcheyCJZ Racing Stable8.5 F1:46.632005Love LocketChristopher DeCarloTodd A. PletcherMichael Tabor8.5 F1:47.372004Buzz SongChristopher DeCarloTodd A. PletcherBonnie & Sy Baskin8.5 F1:45.992003Vogue GirlRobby AlbaradoAllen IwinskiStan Stefanski 8 F1:38.812002Heirloom DiamondJeremy RoseTimothy F. RitcheyS J B Jr. Stable8 F1:41.792001Treasure Coast GemJeremy RoseFrancis CampitelliJames H. McCaul8 F1:39.932000Xtra HeatMark T. JohnstonJohn E. Salzman, Sr.K. Taylor/H. Deitchman/J. Salzman6 F1:11.80
Earlier winners (partial list)
1999 - Fiesty Countess 1998 - Godmother 1997 - Expensive Issue 1996 - The Lady's Unreal 1977 - Mesa Warrant 1976 - Nearna 1972 - Tuerta 1971 - Misty Bryn 1971 - Hasty Jude 1970 - Unity Hall 1969 - Gay Meeting 1968 - Parisian Parfait 1967 - Obeah 1966 - Regal Gleam 1965 - Ogirema 1965 - Turn To Talent 1964 - Come Hither Look 1963 - Katie Kitten 1962 - Nalee 1961 - Cicada 1960 - Baby Kiki 1959 - Blonde Demond 1958 - Nora Dares
References
The 2009 Blue Hen Stakes at Delaware Park