The Washington Nursery Stakes was an American Thoroughbred horserace held from 1905 through 1908 at Benning Race Track in the Deanwood section of Washington, D.C.
In 1908, the United States Congress banned horse racing in the District of Columbia. The Benning Race Track shut done forever after it hosted what would be its last day of racing on April 12.
Racing notes While a short-lived race ended beyond the control of the racetrack’s owners, a “Nursery” race in the early part of the year is important to racetracks in order to give new and existing owners and trainers a chance to not only earn prize money, but to size up the competition for the coming year’s racing while comparative testing as to how their horses adapt to that particular track’s racing surface.
1907 winner Billie Hibbs was named by owner George Howard to honor William Beale Hibbs, founder of William B. Hibbs & Co. brokerage firm who was a member of the Executive Committee of the Washington Jockey Club and well connected in Federal political circles.
Records Speed record: 4½ furlongs – 0:56.40 : Oaklawn (1905)
Most wins by a jockey: no jockey won this race more than once
Most wins by a trainer: 2 - John Whalen (1905, 1906)
Most wins by an owner: 2 - August Belmont Jr. (1905, 1906)
Winners Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Dist. (Miles) Time Win$1908Personal2Joe McCaheyJames McLaughlinJames McLaughlin4½ f0:57.20$1,4401907Billie Hibbs2Louis A. SmithWilliam M. GarthGeorge Howard4½ f0:57.60$1,3901906Curriculum2Charles MorrisJohn WhalenAugust Belmont Jr.4½ f0:57.40$1,3301905Oaklawn2Tommy BurnsJohn WhalenAugust Belmont Jr. 4½ f0:56.40$1,210
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