Ben Ali Stakes
| Class | Grade III |
|---|---|
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Inaugurated | 1937 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred – Flat racing |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1+3⁄16 miles |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | left-handed |
| Qualification | Four-year-olds & up |
| Purse | US$350,000 |
The Ben Ali Stakes is an American race for Thoroughbred horses run annually since 1937 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Open to 4-year-olds and up, it is currently a Grade 3 event set at a distance of a mile and one eighth on the dirt course. As of 2025 it offers a purse of $350,000.
According to the official history at Keeneland racetrack, the Ben Ali (pronounced Ah-Lie) is named for James Ben Ali Haggin (1822–1914), a lawyer who made a fortune during the California Gold Rush and who used much of that money to create the biggest horse breeding farm in the world: the Rancho Del Paso near Sacramento, California. He also owned Elmendorf Farm in Lexington, Kentucky with its thousands of acres of prime Kentucky bluegrass. Haggin became a noteworthy breeder of great racehorses and a fervent supporter of the sport. Haggin owned the Hall of Famers, Salvator and the filly, Firenzi.
The first running of the Ben Ali Handicap took place in 1917 at the Lexington Race Course where it was raced through 1932 after which the track closed.[1] It was not run again until the race name was revived at Keeneland in 1937.
Decidedly, the winner of the 1962 Kentucky Derby, won this race in 1963.
Records
Speed records: (Keeneland)
- 1:25.40 - Fulcrum (1960) at 7.0278 furlongs (0.878475 miles)
- 1:41.40 - Decidedly (1963) at 11+1⁄16 mi (9 furlongs; 1,710 m)
- 1:46.63 - Wise Dan (2012) at 1+1⁄8 mi (9 furlongs; 1,811 m)
- 1:56.48 - Rattle N Roll (2023) at 1+3⁄16 mi (10 furlongs; 1,911 m)
Most wins:
- 3 - Knight Counter (1972, 1973, 1974)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 5 - Don Brumfield (1964, 1972, 1973, 1984, 1988)
- 5 - Javier Castellano (2006, 2011, 2015, 2018, 2022)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 5 - Neil J. Howard (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2016)
Most wins by an owner:
- 5 - Calumet Farm (1937, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1951)
- 5 - William S. Farish III (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2016)
Winners[2]
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
Dist. (Miles) |
Time | Gr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tennessee Lamb | 4 | José Ortiz | George R. Arnold II | Calumet Farm | 13⁄16 M | 1:59.00 | G3 |
| 2024 | Kingsbarns | 4 | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | Spendthrift Farm | 13⁄16 M | 1:57.74 | G3 |
| 2023 | Rattle N Roll | 4 | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenneth G. McPeek | Lucky Seven Stable (Ginny & Leo Mackin) | 13⁄16 M | 1:56.48 | G3 |
| 2022 | Scalding | 4 | Javier Castellano | Claude R. McGaughey III | Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stable & LNJ Foxwoods | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.30 | G3 |
| 2021 | Sliver Dust | 5 | Adam Beschizza | W. Bret Calhoun | Tom R. Durant | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.21 | G3 |
| 2020 | Race not held | |||||||
| 2019 | Bourbon Resolution | 4 | Chris Landeros | Ian R. Wilkes | Bourbon Lane Stable | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.82 | G3 |
| 2018 | Rated R Superstar | 5 | Javier Castellano | Kiaran P. McLaughlin | Radar Racing LLC | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.31 | G3 |
| 2017 | Watershed | 5 | Paco Lopez | Kiaran P. McLaughlin | Godolphin Racing, LLC | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.92 | G3 |
| 2016 | Eagle | 4 | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Neil J. Howard | William S. Farish III | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.57 | G3 |
| 2015 | Protonico | 4 | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher | Sumaya U.S. Stable | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.79 | G3 |
| 2014 | Frac Daddy | 4 | Alan Garcia | Kenneth G. McPeek | Magic City Thoroughbreds | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.61 | G3 |
| 2013 | Successful Dan | 6 | Joel Rosario | Claude R. McGaughey III | Phipps Stable | 11⁄8 M | 1:51.14 | G3 |
| 2012 | Wise Dan | 5 | John Velazquez | Charles Lopresti | Morton Fink | 11⁄8 M | 1:46.63 | G3 |
| 2011 | Exhi | 4 | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher | Wertheimer et Frere | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.14 | G3 |
| 2010 | Dubious Miss | 6 | Calvin Borel | Paul McGee | David P. Holloway | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.60 | G3 |
| 2009 | Parading | 6 | Kent Desormeaux | C. R. McGaughey III | Phipps Stable | 11⁄8 M | 1:47.82 | G3 |
| 2008 | Sterwins | 5 | Shaun Bridgmohan | Malcolm Pierce | Melnyk Racing | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.53 | G3 |
| 2007 | Jade's Revenge | 4 | Kent Desormeaux | H. Graham Motion | Bushwood Stable | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.93 | G3 |
| 2006 | Wanderin Boy | 5 | Javier Castellano | Nick Zito | Arthur B. Hancock III | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.18 | G3 |
| 2005 | Alumni Hall | 6 | Robby Albarado | Neil J. Howard | William S. Farish III | 11⁄8 M | 1:51.29 | G3 |
| 2004 | Midway Road | 4 | Robby Albarado | Neil J. Howard | William S. Farish III | 11⁄8 M | 1:46.78 | G3 |
| 2003 | Mineshaft | 4 | Robby Albarado | Neil J. Howard | William S. Farish III et al. | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.52 | G3 |
| 2002 | Duckhorn | 5 | Jorge F. Chavez | Patrick B. Byrne | Michael B. Tabor | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.18 | G3 |
| 2001 | Broken Vow | 4 | Edgar Prado | H. Graham Motion | Pin Oak Stable | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.47 | G3 |
| 2000 | Midway Magistrate | 6 | Shane Sellers | Rick Hiles | BMH Stable | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.00 | G3 |
| 1999 | Jazz Club | 4 | Pat Day | Neil J. Howard | William S. Farish III/J. Jamail | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.00 | G3 |
| 1998 | Storm Broker | 4 | Robby Albarado | James E. Baker | Woodlynn Farm | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.20 | G3 |
| 1997 | Louis Quatorze | 4 | Pat Day | Nick Zito | William J. Condren et al. | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.60 | G3 |
| 1996 | Knockadoon | 4 | Jerry D. Bailey | Anthony Reinstedler | William K. Warren Jr. | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.80 | G3 |
| 1995 | Wildly Joyous | 4 | Mickey Walls | James E. Baker | Woodlynn Farm | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.60 | G3 |
| 1994 | Pistols and Roses | 5 | Mike E. Smith | George Gianos | Willis Family Stables Inc. | 11⁄8 M | 1:51.60 | G3 |
| 1993 | Sunny Sunrise | 6 | Rick Wilson | Bud Delp | Harry Meyerhoff | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.80 | G3 |
| 1992 | Loach (DH) | 4 | Patrick Valenzuela | Richard J. Lundy | Allen E. Paulson | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.55 | G3 |
| 1992 | Profit Key (DH) | 5 | Shane Sellers | D. Wayne Lukas | Joe Allen & L. Don Mathis | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.55 | G3 |
| 1991 | Sports View | 4 | Craig Perret | D. Wayne Lukas | Barry Beal & D. Wayne Lukas | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.67 | G3 |
| 1990 | Master Speaker | 5 | Jerry D. Bailey | Virgil W. Raines | Anderson Fowler | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.00 | G3 |
| 1989 | Classic Account | 4 | Pat Day | Terry L. Mason | Laura Leigh Stables (Leslie E. Lunsford Jr.) | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.60 | G3 |
| 1988 | Homebuilder | 4 | Don Brumfield | Woody Stephens | Ryehill Farm (James & Eleanor Ryan) | 11⁄8 M | 1:51.40 | G3 |
| 1987 | Intrusion | 5 | Sandy Hawley | Lee J. Rossi | Carl J. Maggio | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.60 | G3 |
| 1986 | Czar Nijinsky | 4 | Herb McCauley | Jack Hofher | Jacquelin & Miguel Torrealba | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.20 | G3 |
| 1985 | Bello | 4 | Gerland Gallitano | Joseph M. Bollero | Lois Bollero | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.80 | G3 |
| 1984 | Aspro | 6 | Don Brumfield | Grover G. Delp | Mrs. & Estate of James A. Bayard | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.80 | G3 |
| 1983 | Aspro | 5 | Vincent Bracciale Jr. | Grover G. Delp | Mr. & Mrs. James A. Bayard | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.60 | G3 |
| 1982 | Withholding | 5 | Larry Melancon | Ronnie G. Warren | Russell Michael Jr. | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.60 | G3 |
| 1981 | Withholding | 4 | Bernon Sayler | Ronnie G. Warren | Russell Michael Jr. | 11⁄8 M | 1:50.20 | G3 |
| 1980 | Architect | 4 | Carl Lauer | Harvey L. Vanier | Stanley Spencer | 11⁄8 M | 1:48.80 | G3 |
| 1979 | Kodiak | 5 | Gerland Gallitano | Harvey L. Vanier | Louis F. Aitken | 11⁄8 M | 1:49.60 | G3 |
| 1978 | Prince Majestic | 4 | Eddie Delahoussaye | Dewey P. Smith | Dorothy Dorsett Brown | 11⁄16 M | 1:41.80 | G3 |
| 1977 | Honest Pleasure | 4 | Craig Perret | LeRoy Jolley | Bertram R. Firestone | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.40 | G3 |
| 1976 | My Friend Gus | 4 | Darrel McHargue | Douglas M. Davis Jr. | Patricia Blass | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.60 | G3 |
| 1975 | Navajo | 5 | James D. Nichols | James O. Keefer | Joe Stevenson & Ray Stump | 11⁄16 M | 1:43.80 | G3 |
| 1974 | Knight Counter | 6 | Earlie Fires | Victor A. Doleski | Robert Huffman | 11⁄16 M | 1:41.80 | G3 |
| 1973 | Knight Counter | 5 | Don Brumfield | Victor A. Doleski | Robert Huffman | 11⁄16 M | 1:43.00 | G3 |
| 1972 | Knight Counter | 4 | Don Brumfield | Victor A. Doleski | Robert Huffman | 11⁄16 M | 1:43.40 | |
| 1971 | Great Mystery | 4 | Phil I. Grimm | Lyle Whiting | B. A. Dario | 11⁄16 M | 1:41.80 | |
| 1970 | Gallant Moment | 6 | Dave Kassen | Jack Long | Circle M Farm (Edward S. Moore) | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.60 | |
| 1969 | Court Recess | 4 | Eric Guerin | George T. Poole | C. V. Whitney | 11⁄16 M | 1:44.60 | |
| 1968 | Miracle Hill | 4 | Robert Gallimore | Dewey P. Smith | T. Alie & J. E. Grissom | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.60 | |
| 1967 | Francis U. | 4 | Robert Gallimore | Dewey P. Smith | T. Alie & J. E. Grissom | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.60 | |
| 1966 | Swift Ruler | 4 | Larry Spraker | Gin L. Collins | Earl Allen | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.80 | |
| 1965 | Gallant Romeo | 4 | Kenny Knapp | Willard L. Proctor | J. Graham Brown | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.80 | |
| 1964 | Copy Chief | 4 | Don Brumfield | S. Bryant Ott | Fourth Estate Stable | 11⁄16 M | 1:42.80 | |
| 1963 | Decidedly | 4 | James D. Nichols | Horatio Luro | El Peco Ranch | 11⁄16 M | 1:41.40 | |
| 1962 | Run for Nurse | 5 | Steve Brooks | Lee Niles | J. Graham Brown | 7.0278 F | 1:25.60 | |
| 1961 | Cactus Tom | 4 | Lawrence Hansman | Thomas H. Stevens Sr. | Natjolee Stable | 7.0278 F | 1:26.80 | |
| 1960 | Fulcrum | 5 | Steve Brooks | Jack C. Hodgins | Mary V. Fisher | 7.0278 F | 1:25.40 | |
| 1959 | Greek Chief | 4 | Bill Hartack | Thomas J. Kelly | Michael G. Phipps | 7.0278 F | 1:26.60 | |
| 1958 | Safe Message | 4 | Douglas Dodson | Jack C. Hodgins | Dixiana Farm | 7.0278 F | 1:26.40 | |
| 1957 | Star Rover | 5 | John Heckmann | Eddie Anspach | Mrs. Irving Gushen | 7.0278 F | 1:25.60 | |
| 1956 | Timely Tip | 5 | John L. Rotz | Reid Armstrong | Dr. Alfred Lewis Birch | 7.0278 F | 1:27.80 | |
| 1955 | Sea O Erin | 4 | Steve Brooks | Harry Trotsek | Hasty House Farm | 7.0278 F | 1:27.80 | |
| 1954 | Mister Black | 5 | Johnny Adams | Harry Trotsek | Hasty House Farm | 7.0278 F | 1:27.00 | |
| 1953 | Oil Capitol | 6 | Conn McCreary | Harry Trotsek | Hasty House Farm & Cora Trotsek | 11⁄16 M | 1:44.00 | |
| 1952 | Seaward | 7 | Steve Brooks | Harry Trotsek | Hasty House Farm | 11⁄16 M | 1:45.00 | |
| 1951 | Wistful | 5 | Douglas Dodson | Ben A. Jones | Calumet Farm | 11⁄16 M | 1:45.00 | |
| 1950 | Mount Marcy | 5 | Kenneth Church | Sylvester E. Veitch | Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney | 11⁄16 M | 1:43.80 | |
| 1949 | Shy Guy | 4 | Conn McCreary | Jack C. Hodgins | Dixiana Farm | 11⁄16 M | 1:45.00 | |
| 1948 | Fervent | 4 | Leroy Pierson | Ben A. Jones | Calumet Farm | 11⁄16 M | 1:43.80 | |
| 1947 | Pot O’ Luck | 5 | Douglas Dodson | Ben A. Jones | Calumet Farm | 11⁄16 M | 1:44.00 | |
| 1946 | Bull Play | 4 | Robert Campbell | Lee Niles | Walter W. Jones | 11⁄16 M | 1:44.40 | |
| 1945 | Pot O’ Luck | 3 | Douglas Dodson | Ben A. Jones | Calumet Farm | 11⁄16 M | 1:46.60 | |
| 1944 | Alquest | 4 | Johnny Adams | John H. Skirvin | Alwin C. Ernst | 11⁄16 M | 1:45.60 | |
| 1943 | Aletern | 4 | Johnny Adams | John H. Skirvin | Alwin C. Ernst | 11⁄16 M | 1:46.20 | |
| 1942 | Steel Heels | 6 | James George | Frank P. Letellier | Junius W. Bell | 11⁄16 M | 1:46.40 | |
| 1941 | Red Dock | 4 | Albert Bodiou | E. Leigh Cotton | Greentree Stable | 11⁄16 M | 1:46.00 | |
| 1940 | Arabs Arrow | 6 | Carrol Bierman | Gilbert Hardy | Louise J. Hickman | 11⁄16 M | 1:48.80 | |
| 1939 | Burning Star | 5 | Warren Yarberry | John J. Greely Jr. | Shandon Farm Stable (Patrick A. & Richard J. Nash) | 11⁄16 M | 1:47.00 | |
| 1938 | Main Man | 4 | Willis F. Ward | Howard C. Hoffman | Jerome B. Respess | 11⁄16 M | 1:45.00 | |
| 1937 | Count Morse | 4 | Irving Anderson | Frank J. Kearns | Calumet Farm | 11⁄16 M | 1:46.20 | |
External links
References
- ^ "Tim Talbott, "Keeneland", ExploreKYHistory". Kentucky Historical Society. 2019-12-18. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
- ^ "Keeneland Media Guide". Keeneland.com. Retrieved 9 June 2025.