The Long Branch Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey. Open to three-year-olds, it is contested on dirt over a distance of miles (8.5 furlongs). It is generally viewed as a prep race for the Haskell Invitational. The race is named after nearby Long Branch, New Jersey.
First run in 1878, it was raced annually through 1893 as the Long Branch Handicap after which the race track closed its gates. The race was revived in 1947, following the 1946 reopening of the new Monmouth Park. The race was discontinued after the 1958 running—as a handicap, it was not drawing large fields. In 1963, it was restarted as the Long Branch Stakes.
Past winners The race was run annually from 1878 to 1893 (16 editions), and was later run annually from 1947 to 1958 (12 editions). After a four-year hiatus, the race was resumed in 1963, and has been run annually since then. The 2019 running was the 85th edition of the race.
1963–present Since being resumed in 1963, the race has been open to three-year-olds. In 1963, the distance was three-quarters of a mile (six furlongs). From 1964 through 1989, the distance was one mile, some years run on dirt and some years run on turf. Since 1990, the race has been run at a mile distance on dirt.
2026 – Hedge Ratio (Samuel Marin) 2025 – Kentucky Outlaw (Paco Lopez) 2024 – Sea Streak (Jairo Rendon) 2023 – Howgreatisnate (Jairo Rendon) 2022 – Dash Attack (Samuel Marin) 2019 – Joevia (Nik Juarez) 2018 – Navy Commander (Ángel Arroyo) 2017 – Phat Man (Wilmer Garcia) 2016 – No Distortion (Gabriel Saez) 2015 – Stanford (Joe Bravo) 2014 – Irish You Well (Orlando Bacochica) 2013 – Micromanage (Joe Bravo) 2012 – My Adonis (Elvis Trujillo) 2011 – Rattlesnake Bridge (Eddie Castro) 2010 – Trappe Shot (Alan Garcia) 2009 – Atomic Rain (Joe Bravo) 2008 – Truth Rules (Stewart Elliott) 2007 – First Defence (Javier Castellano) 2006 – Praying for Cash (José A. Vélez Jr.) 2005 – Park Avenue Ball (Chris DeCarlo) 2004 – Lion Heart (Joe Bravo) 2003 – Max Forever (José C. Ferrer) 2002 – Puck (Manuel Aguilar) 2001 – Burning Roma (Rick Wilson) 2000 – Thistyranthasclass (José A. Vélez Jr.) 1999 – Ghost Story 1998 – Favorite Trick 1997 – Jules (sire of Peace Rules) 1996 – Dr. Caton 1995 – Pyramid Peak 1994 – Meadow Flight 1993 – Bert's Bubbleator 1992 – Scudan (By 13 3/4 lengths over odds-on choice) 1991 – Sultry Song 1990 – Tees Prospect 1989 – Orange Sunshine 1988 – Mi Selecto 1987 – I'm So Bad 1986 – Lyphard Line 1985 – Bea Quality 1984 – Dr Schwarztsman 1983 – Smart Style (1st division), Princilian (2nd division) 1982 – Prince Westport (1st division), Play for Love (2nd division) 1981 – De La Rose (filly) 1980 – No Bend 1979 – Commodore 1978 – Mac Diarmida 1977 – P R Man 1976 – Pastry 1975 – Lee Gary 1974 – Silver Florin (1st Division), Hat Full (2nd Division) 1973 – Bemo 1972 – Deep Cut 1971 – Gleaming 1970 – Summer Resort 1969 – North Flight 1968 – Royal Trace 1967 – Blasting Charge (1st Division), Fort Marcy (2nd Division) 1966 – Assagai 1965 – Carry Forward 1964 – Phantom Shot 1963 – Gray Pet (Steve Brooks)
Mid-20th century These races were run over a distance of miles, open to three-year-olds and up.
1958 – Little Hermit (Karl Korte) 1957 – Beau Fond (Howard Grant) 1956 – Skipper Bill (Joe Regalbuto) 1955 – Revolt (Henry Moreno) 1954 – Brown Booter (Bill Hartack) 1953 – Bit O Fate (Nick Shuk) 1952 – General Staff (James Stout) 1951 – Sheilas Reward (Dave Gorman) 1950 – Reveille (Ovie Scurlock) 1949 – Whirling Fox (Bobby Bernhardt) 1948 – Beauchef (Ruperto Donoso) 1947 – Polynesian (W. D. Wright)
19th century These races were run at a distance of mile (10 furlongs), and not restricted to three-year-olds.
1893 – Candelabra 1892 – Demuth 1891 – Eon 1890 – Reporter 1889 – Tarragon 1888 – Belvidere 1887 – Hidalgo 1886 – Rupert 1885 – Richmond 1884 – Eolist 1883 – Monitor 1882 – Monitor 1881 – Ripple 1880 – Report 1879 – Jericho 1878 – Little Reb
References
External links Long Branch Stakes archive at paulickreport.com