Louisville Stakes

The Louisville Stakes is Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for horses age four years and older run over a distance of one and one half miles (12 furlongs) on the Turf scheduled annually in late May or early June at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The event offers a purse of $200,000.

History

The event is named in honor of the city of Louisville where the Churchill Downs racetrack is located.

The event has a long and inconsistent history since its first running in 1895 as the Louisville Handicap. The inaugural event was held at a distance of miles on the dirt on 15 May 1895 as the third event on a six race card attracting four runners which was won by the favorite Henry Young. The event was shortened for the next running in 1896 but was not held in 1897.

Between 1900 and 1906 the event was not held and when it was resumed in 1907 it was held at the shorter distance of six furlongs.

Between World War I and World War II the event was only held once in 1938 at the longer distance of miles. In 1946 the event once again resumed in the late fall, initially as the Churchill Downs Special and then back to the original name in 1947 at the distance of miles. After being idle between 1953 and 1956, the event was rescheduled back to the spring at the shorter distance of miles.

In 1987 the event was carded for the turf course for the first time at a distance of one mile. The distance has been increased three times with current distance set in 2007. The event was run in divisions in 1991.

The event was classified as a Grade III in 2002 and has held that grading since.

Six fillies or mares have won this event with Keertana the only mare to win this race at the current distance.

Since its inauguration in 1895, two horses have won this race three times, both accomplishing the rare feet in consecutive years.

Records Speed record miles: 2:26.70 – Utah Beach (2025) miles: 2:14.09 – Kim Loves Bucky (2013) miles: 1:47.69 – Lotus Pool (1992)

Margins 8 lengths – Tiger Rebel (1946)

Most wins 3 – Silverfoot (2004, 2005, 2006) 3 – Chorwon (1997, 1998, 1999)

Most wins by an owner 7 – Mrs. Joe (Dorothy Dorsett) Brown (1959, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1974)

Most wins by a jockey 4 – Robby Albarado (2002, 2004, 2005, 2008) 4 – Larry Melancon (1977, 1978, 1989, 1994) 4 – Jimmy Combest (1959, 1967, 1968, 1969) 4 – Steve Brooks (1946, 1947, 1948, 1952)

Most wins by a trainer 6 – Alcee Richard (1959, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972)

Winners Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade RefLouisville Stakes2026Burnham Square4Ian R. WilkesWhithams Thoroughbreds miles2:26.80$235,000III2025Utah Beach 5 Vincent Cheminaud Ignacio Correas IV Jeffrey S. Amling & Merriebelle Stable miles2:26.70$250,000III2024Sugoi 7Julien LeparouxConor MurphyParadise Farms & David Staudacher miles2:30.37$241,250III2023Foreign Relations 5Declan CannonConor MurphyDouble O Racing miles2:32.47$222,300 III2022Cellist 4Julien R. LeparouxGeorge R. Arnold IICalumet Farm miles2:32.12$199,777III2021Arklow 7Florent GerouxBrad H. CoxDonegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Estate of Peter Coneway miles2:27.13$150,000III2020Admission Office 5Julien R. LeparouxBryan LynchAmerman Racing (Jerry & Joan Amerman) miles2:27.25$100,000III2019Tiz a Slam (CAN) 4Roger L. AttfieldChiefswood Stable miles2:27.48$100,000IIILouisville Handicap2018Vettori Kin (BRZ)5Julien R. LeparouxKenneth G. McPeekFern Circle Stables, Old Friends, Stud TNT miles2:30.14$100,000III2017 5Manoel R. CruzKenneth G. McPeekSome in Tieme, Inc. miles2:27.25$100,000III2016Bullards Alley 4Francisco C. TorresTim GlyshawWayne Spalding & Faron McCubbins miles2:36.01$100,000III2015Xtra Luck 4Brian J. Hernandez Jr.Neil J. HowardMichele & Cliff Love miles2:28.24$100,000III2014War Dancer 4Alan GarciaKenneth G. McPeekDiamond M Stable miles2:28.23$110,200III2013Dark Cove 6Rosie NapravnikMichael J. MakerKenneth & Sarah Ramsey miles2:27.29$111,800III2012Simmard 7Gabriel SaezRoger L. Attfield Roger L. Attfield & Werner miles2:27.16$115,200III2011‡ Keertana 5Jose LezcanoThomas F. Proctor Barbara Hunter miles2:33.61$111,200III2010Free Fighter 5Francisco C. TorresChris M. Block Thomas Fedro miles2:31.30$113,800III2009Brass Hat 8Calvin H. BorelWilliam B. BradleyFred F. Bradley miles2:28.44$111,800III2008Lattice 4Robby AlbaradoAlbert Stall Jr. Claiborne Farm & Adele Dilschneider miles2:31.13$170,100III2007Drilling for Oil 4Kent J. DesormeauxKenneth G. McPeekBruce Lunsford & Lansdon B. Robbins III miles2:28.35$170,400III2006Silverfoot 6Mark GuidryDallas Stewart Chrysalis Stables miles2:16.90$108,400III2005Silverfoot 5Robby AlbaradoDallas Stewart Chrysalis Stables miles2:18.77$110,400III2004Silverfoot 4Robby AlbaradoDallas Stewart Chrysalis Stables miles2:17.63$112,400III2003Kim Loves Bucky 6Shane SellersJohn GlenneyKim & John Glenney miles2:14.09$112,000III2002Pisces 4Robby AlbaradoKenneth G. McPeekDiamond C Stable miles2:15.82$115,500IIIClassic Par 4Donnie MecheMerrill R. Scherer Centaur Farms2001With Anticipation 6Jon CourtAugustin Stable miles2:16.28$109,900 Listed 2000Buff 5Francisco C. TorresFrank L. BrothersClaiborne Farm & Adele Dilschneider miles2:14.31$115,700 Listed 1999Chorwon 6Calvin H. BorelHal R. WigginsThomas C. Mueller miles2:14.15$112,600 Listed 1998Chorwon 5Pat DayHal R. WigginsThomas C. Mueller miles2:17.10$109,500 Listed 1997Chorwon 4Calvin H. BorelHal R. WigginsThomas C. Mueller miles2:19.45$109,600Listed 1996Nash Terrace (IRE) 6Donna M. BartonW. Elliott WaldenFrank Mansell miles2:18.82$110,400Listed 1995Lindon Lime 5Craig PerretW. Elliott Walden Frank Mansell miles1:48.12$112,000Listed 1994L'Hermine (GB) 5Larry MelanconW. Elliott WaldenFour Fifths Stable miles1:48.36$108,500Listed 1993Stark South 5Randy RomeroJohn W. RussellPatricia Elia (Lessee) miles1:48.88$110,700 Listed 1992Lotus Pool 5Charles R. Woods Jr.Burk Kessinger Jr.Yoshiki Akazawa miles1:47.69$114,200 Listed 1991Chenin Blanc 5Julie KroneWilliam I. MottBert Firestone miles1:51.59$84,800Listed Allijeba 5Dean KutzLarry Robideaux Jr.Robert Allenswort miles1:52.21$85,800 Listed 1990Silver Medallion 4Patrick A. JohnsonPhilip M. HauswaldBrereton C. Jones miles1:50.40$112,500Listed 1989El Clipper 5Larry MelanconGary G. HartlageCharles Nash, Marti Dozier & Gary Hartlage miles1:50.00$85,350Listed 1988First Patriot 4Earlie FiresJohn M. Gerbas Jr.Kip Knelman & Steve Hayden miles1:51.80$84,150Listed 1987Icy Groom 4Michael McDowellKelly WeirWilliam Fleming1 mile1:37.80$56,300Listed Louisville Stakes1986Ten Times Ten 4K. Keith AllenCarl BowmanLeighton H. Dunham Jr. miles1:43.60$38,830 1985Big Pistol 4Pat DayLynn S. Whiting W. Cal Partee miles1:48.60$54,000 1984Le Cou Cou 4Donald Lee HowardJames G. ArnettDuane B. Clark miles1:50.80$53,650 1983Big Mav 5Patrick A. JohnsonGary W. SandersKenneth Buckles miles1:53.80$54,450 1982Bobrobbery 4Randy RomeroThad D. AckelFlo-Dia Stable miles1:51.40$59,450 Louisville Handicap 1981Dreadnought 4Tommy MeyersJames A. PadgettCenturion Stable miles1:44.60$35,400 1980Dr. Riddick 6Don BrumfieldFrank L. BrothersAlbert M. Stall Sr. miles1:44.00$32,750 1979Hot Words 4James McKnightJoseph M. BolleroRussell L. Reineman Stable miles1:45.00$34,700 1978It's Freezing 6Larry MelanconAnthony BasileBwamazon Farm miles1:45.40$21,700 1977Amano 4Larry MelanconJames A. PadgettJames Irvin miles1:43.80$22,125 1976§ Ski Run 4Garth PattersonGeorge T. Poole IIICornelius V. Whitney miles1:44.00$21,850 1975Navajo 5Jimmy NicholsJames KeeferJoe Stevenson & Ray Stump miles1:43.20$22,250 1974List 6Robert BreenForrest Kaelin Dorothy D. Brown miles1:44.40$23,275 1973 Knight Counter 5 Don BrumfieldWhitey Doleski Brumfield & Huffman miles1:43.00$22,725 1972 List 5Jimmy NicholsAlcee Richard Dorothy D. Brown miles1:46.60$22,725 1972 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 13 May 19721971 Great Mystery 4 Phil GrimmLynn S. Whiting Dario Anthony Bacchiocchi miles1:44.80$21,800 1971 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 8 May 19711970 Gallant Moment 6 David KassenJack LongCircle M Farm miles1:45.20$16,700 1970 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 9 May 19701969 Tartan Man 8 Jimmy CombestAlcee RichardDorothy D. Brown miles1:45.60$16,575 1969 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 10 May 19691968 Cabildo 5 Jimmy CombestAlcee RichardDorothy D. Brown miles1:47.80$16,350 1968 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 11 May 19681967 Cabildo 4 Jimmy CombestAlcee RichardDorothy D. Brown miles1:43.00$17,025 1967 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 13 May 19671966 Tartan Man 5 Robert GallimoreAlcee RichardDorothy D. Brown miles1:43.80$16,475 1966 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 14 May 19661965 Big Brigade 4 Billy PhelpsEdgar BrumfieldMr. & Mrs. S. F. R. Roberts miles1:43.80$16,375 1965 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 8 May 19651964 Shoot Luke 4 Jimmy NicholsOtis ClellandMrs. John Branhams miles1:44.20$16,375 1964 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 9 May 19641963 Times Roman 4 Billy PhelpsSamuel B. OttFourth Estate Stable miles1:44.20$10,975 1963 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 11 May 19631962 Rev-Up 4 Jacinto VásquezLeslie G. JoffrionReverie Knoll Farm miles1:43.00$11,125 1962 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 12 May 19621961 Little Fitz 6 Johnny HeckmannJames P. WattsJohn C. Hauer Stable miles1:43.20$11,550 1961 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 13 May 19611960 Little Fitz 5 William A. PeakeRobert C. SteeleJohn C. Hauer Stable miles1:42.40$11,275 1960 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 13 May 19601959 Ekaba 5 Jimmy CombestAlcee RichardDorothy D. Brown miles1:45.60$16,575 1959 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 9 May 19591958 Cardinal Sin 4 Larry GrubbThomas H. Stevens Sr.W. J. (Sonny) Sprow Jr. miles1:44.00$11,275 1958 Louisville Handicap – Race 8: held 10 May 19581957 Munchausen 4Lois C. CookE. C. Roth Jr.Rothmore Farm miles1:44.00$11,625 1953–1956Race not held1952 Adams Off Ox 4 Steve BrooksHoward WellsWalmac Farm miles1:51.60$8,475 1952 Louisville Handicap – Race 6: held 15 November 19521951 ‡ Our Request 5 Tommy BarrowGeorge WhiteE. W. Thomas & George White miles1:51.60$9,325 1951 Louisville Handicap – Race 6: held 17 November 19511950 Mount Marcy 5 E. J. KnappSylvester VeitchCornelius V. Whitney miles1:51.40$8,950 1950 Louisville Handicap – Race 6: held 11 November 19501949 Inseparable 4 Robert L. BairdHarry TrotsekHasty House Farm miles1:52.00$9,300 1949 Louisville Handicap – Race 6: held 12 November 19491948 Shy Guy 3 Steve BrooksJack HodginsDixiana miles1:51.20$12,600 1948 Louisville Handicap – Race 6: held 13 November 19481947 Star Reward 3 Steve BrooksJack HodginsDixiana miles1:52.40$28,350 1947 Louisville Handicap – Race 6: held 8 November 1947Churchill Downs Special1946 Tiger Rebel 4 Steve BrooksJohn M. GoodeBrent & Talbot miles1:52.80$30,200 1939–1945Race not heldLouisville Handicap1938Arab's Arrow 4 Willie Lee JohnsonGilbert Hardy Louise Hickman miles1:46.40$3,000 1914–1937Race not held1913 Royal Tea 4 John CallahanWilliam Huntley BakerAdair & Baker6 furlongs1:14.40$1,000 1912 Granite 4 Johnny LoftusW. O. JoplinP. Hyams6 furlongs1:11.40$2,100 1911 ‡ Ocean Bound 4 Ted RiceFrench BrooksClay Brothers6 furlongs1:12.80$2,500 1910 Ben Double 6 Carl GanzW. C. WestmorelandF. J. Pons6 furlongs1:13.60$1,820 1909 ‡ Crystal Maid 3 Stanley PageAuval John BakerR. K. Lewis6 furlongs1:14.20$1,850 1908 ‡ Altuda 4 Sam HeidelPeter W. CoyneGeorge J. Long6 furlongs1:12.20$2,140 1908 Louisville Handicap – Race 4: held 16 May 19081907 ‡ Dainty Dame 3 Jimmie LeeA. Lee DarnabyJ. W. Ferguson6 furlongs1:12.20$2,150 1900–1906Race not held1899 Bangle 4 Nash TurnerL. C. DavisE. S. Gardner Jr. miles1:51.75$1,500 1898Estaca 4 BeauchampPat DunnePat Dunne miles1:52.50$1,500 1897Race not held1896Loki 3 C. ReiffE. T. McLeanW. McLean miles1:47.75$1,370 1895Henry Young 3 Alonzo ClaytonUnknownPastime Stable miles1:54.00$1,940

Legend:

Notes: