The Ben Ali Handicap was an American Thoroughbred horserace run eleven times between 1917 and 1932 at Lexington Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. An important race usually run in April or early May, it was open to horses age three and older of either sex. The race was run on dirt over a distance of furlongs for its final two runnings prior to which it had been contested at miles (8.5 furlongs).
Historical notes The Ben Ali Handicap was named for James Ben Ali Haggin, one of America's most prominent owners and breeders, who died in 1914. His horse Ben Ali won the 1886 Kentucky Derby. The most notable winner of the race was Exterminator, the winner of the 1918 Kentucky Derby whose career saw him earn four national championships, including American Horse of the Year, plus induction into the United States Racing Hall of Fame.
The first edition of the Ben Ali Handicap took place on May 1, 1917, and was won by Colonel Vinnie, an English-bred horse owned by Jefferson Livingston. Between 1923 and 1927 the Ben Ali Handicap was not run. The final edition was held on April 16, 1932, in which Tannery won his second straight Ben Ali Handicap over nine opponents.
The Lexington Race Course ceased to conduct racing in 1933. A race of this same name was introduced at Keeneland Race Course in 1937.
Records Speed record: 1:45 flat @ 1 miles - Broadside (1929)
Most wins: 2 - Tannery (1931, 1932)
Most wins by a jockey: 2 - Willie Crump (1917, 1929) 2 - Mack Garner (1920, 1922)
Most wins by a trainer: No trainer won this race more than once
Most wins by an owner: No owner won this race more than once
Winners Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Dist. Time Win$1932Tannery5Gilbert ElstonJohn J. Greely Sr.George Henze5.75 F1:10.40$3,1101931Tannery4Kenneth HoffmanAuval John BakerEdward F. Prichard5.75 F1:09.20$3,1001930Thistle Fyrn4Harold ThomasHarry S. HartGeorge Collins1 M1:46.00$3,1201929Broadside5Willie CrumpCharles C. Van MeterLucas B. Combs1 M1:45.00$3,2001928Genial Host5Frank ChiavetttaJack McPhersonFair Acre Farm Stable (David T. Matlack)1 M1:47.40$3,2001923 - 1927 Race not held1922United Verde4Mack GarnerGeorge V. BarnesCharles W. Clark 1 M1:45.60$3,2801921Best Pal4Lawrence LykeHerbert J. ThompsonEdward R. Bradley1 M1:46.60$3,0001920General Haig4Mack GarnerRobert V. McGarveyW. O. Stoner1 M1:50.00$3,4601919Exterminator4John MorysHenry McDanielWillis Sharpe Kilmer1 M1:50.40$2,6151918Opportunity4Earl PoolWill WoodwardWill Woodward1 M1:53.80$1,7101917Colonel Vennie4Willie CrumpMose GoldblattJefferson Livingston1 M1:46.00$1,941
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