Matchmaker Stakes

The Matchmaker Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age three and older run over a distance of 1+1⁄8 miles on the turf held annually in July at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.

Matchmaker Stakes
Grade III race
LocationMonmouth Park Racetrack
Oceanport, New Jersey, United States
Inaugurated1967 (at Atlantic City Race Course)
Race typeThoroughbred – Flat racing
WebsiteMonmouth Park Racetrack
Race information
Distance1+1⁄8 miles (9 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationFillies & Mares, three-years-old & older
WeightBase weights with allowances:
4-year-olds and up: 124 lbs.
3-year-olds: 121 lbs.
Purse$300,000 (since 2023)
BonusesFirst three placegetters choice of WinStar Farm stallions (2022)

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 30 September 1967 at Atlantic City Race Course over a distance of 1+3⁄16 miles on the dirt. The event concept was that additional stakes offered for the event were given to the owners for payment to breed to selected sires. The first running attracted 14 entrants and the three sires that were available for the placegetters were the 1958 US Horse of the Year Round Table, 1960 US Champion Two-Year-Old Colt Hail To Reason and the 1962 Belmont Stakes winner Jaipur.[1] The winner of the inaugural race was the Maryland bred mare Politely who set a new track record of 1:551⁄5.[1] Politely would win the event again the following year.[2]

In the early years of the event in the attracted the finest mares as owners vied for the possibility of breeding to former champions that were offered as part of prizemoney. In 1973 when The American Graded Stakes Committee was founded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association the event was immediately given the highest classification of Grade I.[3]

In 1978 the event was moved to be run on the turf track.[4] In 1979 the event was downgraded to Grade II.[4]

In 1997 with diminished racing dates given to the Atlantic City Race Course the event was moved to Monmouth Park.[3] The distance of the event was decreased to 1+1⁄8 miles.[4] Also that year the event was downgraded once more to Grade III.[4] Since 2004, the event has beene part of the Haskell Invitational day meeting.

In 2009, the Matchmaker was taken off the turf because of heavy rain in New Jersey earlier in the day. Originally carded as a Grade III event, the Matchmaker lost its graded status for that running in a decision made by the American Graded Stakes Committee shortly after it was run.[4]

Taylor Made Stallions sponsored the Matchmaker from 2005 to 2012. The event has been supported by WinStar Farm since 2014.

Records

Speed record:

  • 1+1⁄8 miles (turf) – 1:46.19 Batique (2001)
  • 1+3⁄16 miles (turf) – 1:53.40 Sabin (1984) & Spruce Fir (1989)
  • 1+3⁄16 miles (dirt) – 1:54.20 Susan's Girl (1975) & Mississippi Mud (1977)

Margins:

Most wins:

  • 2 – Politely (1967, 1968)
  • 2 – Starstruck (2013, 2014)

Most wins by trainer:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by owner:

Winners
Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
At Monmouth Park – Matchmaker Stakes
2023 Consumer Spending 4 Joel Rosario Chad C. Brown Klaravich Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.00 $300,000 III [5]
2022 Lemista (IRE) 5 Flavien Prat Chad C. Brown Peter Brant 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.07 $201,000 III [6]
2021 Great Island 5 Joel Rosario Chad C. Brown Alpha Delta Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.89 $150,000 III [7]
2020 Nay Lady Nay (IRE) 4 Paco Lopez Chad C. Brown First Row Partners & Hidden Brook Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.21 $152,500 III [8]
2019 I'm So Fancy (IRE) 5 Trevor McCarthy Arnaud Delacour Lael Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.11 $135,000 III [9]
2018 Elysea's World (IRE) 5 Jose L. Ortiz Chad C. Brown Sheep Pond Partners & All Pro Racing 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.70 $102,000 III [10]
2017 Wekeela (FR) 5 Javier Castellano Chad C. Brown Martin S. Schwartz 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.97 $101,000 III [11]
2016 Itsonlyactingdad 4 Joe Bravo Todd A. Pletcher Starlight Racing 1+1⁄8 miles 1:52.27 $110,000 III [12]
2015 Casual Smile (GB) 4 Abel Castellano Jr. Chad C. Brown William S. Farish III 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.12 $162,000 III [13]
2014 Starstruck (IRE) 5 Kerwin D. Clark J. Larry Jones Calumet Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.35 $170,000 III [14]
2013 Starstruck (IRE) 4 Rosie Napravnik J. Larry Jones Calumet Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.27 $158,000 III [15]
2012 Laughing (IRE) 4 Rafael Bejarano Alan E. Goldberg Richard Santulli 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.93 $150,500 III [16]
2011 Romacaca 5 E. T. Baird Nick Canani Frank Carl Calabrese 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.54 $207,500 III [17]
2010 Unbridled Essence 4 Paco Lopez Gregory D. Sacco Red Oak Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.97 $210,000 III [18]
2009 Captain's Lover (SAF) 5 John R. Velazquez Todd A. Pletcher Team Valor International 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.60 $200,000 Listed Off turf[19]
2008 J'ray 5 Joe Bravo Todd A. Pletcher Lawrence Goichman 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.39 $150,000 III [20]
2007 Roshani 4 Garrett K. Gomez Todd A. Pletcher Ben McElroy 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.55 $150,000 III [21]
2006 Ready's Gal 4 John R. Velazquez Todd A. Pletcher James T. Scatuorchio 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.77 $150,000 III [22]
2005 Love Match 5 Javier Castellano John C. Kimmel Anne Wrenn Poulson 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.20 $150,000 III [23]
2004 Where We Left Off (GB) 4 Corey Nakatani Christophe Clement Moyglare Stud 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.80 $100,000 III [24]
Matchmaker Handicap
2003 Volga (IRE) 5 Joe Bravo Christophe Clement H. Joseph Allen 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.20 $100,000 III [25]
2002 Clearly a Queen 5 Eibar Coa Teresa M. Pompay John A. Franks 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.76 $100,000 III [26]
Matchmaker Stakes
2001 Batique 5 Jose C. Ferrer Laird R. George Helen K. Groves 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.19 $100,000 III [27]
2000 Horatia (IRE) 4 Jose A. Santos Christophe Clement Gerald W. Leigh 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.52 $100,000 III [28]
1999 Natalie Too 5 Joe Bravo D. Wayne Lukas Padua Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.81 $100,000 III [29]
1998 Bursting Forth 4 Mario E. Verge H. Graham Motion Sam Huff 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.46 $100,000 III [30]
1997 Fleur de Nuit 4 Julie Krone Joseph H. Pierce Jr. Robert Greenbaum 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.91 $100,000 III [31]
At Atlantic City Race Course
1996 Powder Bowl 4 Darci S. Rice Jonathan E. Sheppard Augustin Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:54.71 $100,000 II [32]
1995 Avie's Fancy 4 Herb McCauley Mark C. Perlsweig Gunsmith Stables 1+3⁄16 miles 1:54.19 $100,000 II [33]
1994 Alice Springs 4 Julie Krone Jonathan E. Sheppard Augustin Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.21 $100,000 II [34]
1993 Fairy Garden 5 Mike E. Smith Roger L. Attfield Michael J. Ryan 1+3⁄16 miles 1:57.81 $100,000 II [35]
1992 Radiant Ring (CAN) 4 Robert E. Colton James E. Day Jon Kelly 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.92 $100,000 II [36]
1991 Miss Josh 5 Laffit Pincay Jr. Barclay Tagg Bonner Farm 1+3⁄16 miles 1:54.18 $150,000 II [37]
1990 Capades 4 Angel Cordero Jr. Richard O'Connell Poma Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.60 $150,000 II [38]
1989 Spruce Fir 6 Douglas B. Thomas Harry Wells William A. Purdey 1+3⁄16 miles 1:53.40 $150,000 II [39]
1988 Magdelaine (NZ) 5 Eddie Maple Terry Knight Carmen Coosa 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.20 $100,000 II [40]
1987 Carotene (CAN) 4 Don James Seymour Roger L. Attfield Kinghaven Farms 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.60 $100,000 II [41]
1986 Lake Country (CAN) 5 Vincent Bracciale Jr. Donald Walker Donald McIntosh 1+3⁄16 miles 1:54.60 $108,000 II [42]
1985 Key Dancer 4 Jerry D. Bailey William J. Hirsch Jr. Oxford Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 2:02.40 $230,000 II [43]
1984 Sabin 4 Eddie Maple Woodford C. Stephens Henryk de Kwiatkowski 1+3⁄16 miles 1:53.40 $300,000 II [44]
1983 Luminaire 4 Buck Thornburg Anthony J. Bardaro Bright View Farm 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.80 $225,000 II Off turf[45]
1982 Hunston (GB) 4 Jean-Luc Samyn Philip G. Johnson Brookway Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:58.60 $255,500 II [46]
1981 Mairzy Doates 5 Cash Asmussen Horatio A. Luro Arno D. Schefler 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.00 $150,000 II [47]
1980 Just A Game II (IRE) 4 Don Brumfield David A. Whiteley Peter M. Brant & H. Joseph Allen 1+3⁄16 miles 1:57.60 $150,000 II [48]
1979 Warfever (FR) 6 Jean-Luc Samyn H. Allen Jerkens Shirley Sucher 1+3⁄16 miles 2:03.20 $150,000 I Rescheduled‡[49]
1978 Queen Lib 3 Donald MacBeth Harry Wells Raritan Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.40 $150,000 I [50]
1977 Mississippi Mud 4 Jorge Enrique Tejeira Charles Peoples Bayard Sharp 1+3⁄16 miles 1:54.20 $125,000 I [51]
1976 § Dancers Countess 4 Chris McCarron Doug M. Davis Jr. George M. Holtsinger 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.00 $150,000 I [52]
1975 Susan's Girl 6 James D. Nichols James L. Newman Fred W. Hooper 1+3⁄16 miles 1:54.20 $150,000 I [53]
1974 Desert Vixen 4 Laffit Pincay Jr. Thomas F. Root Sr. Harry T. Mangurian Jr. 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.20 $100,000 I [54]
1973 Alma North 5 Frank Lovato Jr. Frank J. Zitto Eugene Mori 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.20 $100,000 I [55]
1972 † Numbered Account 3 Laffit Pincay Jr. Roger Laurin Ogden Phipps 1+3⁄16 miles 1:57.60 $100,000 [56]
1971 Deceit 3 John L. Rotz Del W. Carroll Windfields Farm 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.80 $100,000 [57]
1970 Dedicated To Sue 4 Michael Hole Frank Calcagni Walnut Hill Farm 1+3⁄16 miles 1:56.40 $100,000 [58]
1969 Gallant Bloom 3 John L. Rotz Max Hirsch King Ranch Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.40 $100,000 [59]
1968 Politely 5 Ángel Cordero Jr. George M. Baker Bohemia Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.20 $100,000 [2]
1967 Politely 4 Ray Broussard George M. Baker Bohemia Stable 1+3⁄16 miles 1:55.20 $92,500 [1]

Legend:
  Dirt   Turf
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
‡ Originally the event was scheduled for Friday, 10 August 1979, but an electrical storm forced the cancellation of the meeting and the event was redrawn and held on Wednesday, 15 August 1979.[60]
† In the 1983 Alma North was first past the post but was disqualified for interference of the third place finisher Honestous and Numbered Account was declared the winner, Honestous was placed second and Alma North moved to third.

See also

References
  1. Hall, Bill (1 October 1967). "Politely wins Matchmaker Stakes in Record Time (1967 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 30 September 1967)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 85. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  2. Hall, Bill (6 October 1968). "Politely Takes 2nd Matchmaker With Big Drive (1968 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 5 October 1968)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 79. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  3. "MATCHMAKER STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  4. Equibase.com (2021). "WinStar Matchmaker Stakes (Gr. 3)". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  5. "2023 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  6. "2022 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 23 July 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  7. "2021 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  8. "2020 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 18 July 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  9. "2019 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 20 July 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  10. "2018 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 29 July 2018. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  11. "2017 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 30 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  12. "2016 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 31 July 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  13. "2015 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 2 August 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  14. "2014 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  15. "2013 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 28 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  16. "2012 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 29 July 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  17. "2011 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 31 July 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  18. "2010 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 1 August 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  19. "2009 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 2 August 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  20. "2008 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 3 August 2008. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  21. "2007 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 12)". Equibase. 5 August 2007. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  22. "2006 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 6 August 2006. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  23. "2005 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 7 August 2005. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  24. "2004 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 8 August 2004. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  25. "2003 Matchmaker Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 17 August 2003. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  26. "2002 Matchmaker Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 7 July 2002. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  27. "2001 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 16 June 2001. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  28. "2000 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 2 July 2000. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  29. "1999 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 26 June 1999. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  30. "1998 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 20 June 1998. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  31. "1997 Gainesway Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 June 1997. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  32. "1996 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 6)". Equibase. 24 July 1996. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  33. "1995 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 22 July 1995. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  34. "1994 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 6)". Equibase. 30 July 1994. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  35. "1993 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 14 July 1993. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  36. Donnelly, Craig (16 July 1992). "Radiant Ring takes the Matchmaker (1992 Matchmaker Stakes – race 7: held 15 July 1992)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 40. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  37. Donnelly, Craig (4 July 1991). "Miss Josh wins Matchmaker (1991 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 July 1991)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 52. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  38. Amsel, Michael (13 July 1990). "Capades takes Matchmaker (1990 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 11 July 1990)". Asbury Park Press. p. 58. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  39. Amsel, Michael (13 July 1989). "Spruce Fir triumphs in Matchmaker (1989 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 12 July 1989)". Asbury Park Press. p. 56. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  40. Amsel, Michael (14 July 1988). "Magdelaine scores an upset in Matchmaker Stakes (1988 Matchmaker Stakes – race 5: held 13 July 1988)". Asbury Park Press. p. 75. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  41. Edelson, Stephen (14 July 1987). "Carotene rallies to win Matchmaker Stakes (1987 Matchmaker Stakes – race 4 held 8 July 1987)". Asbury Park Press. p. 65. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  42. Burrows, Walt (27 July 1986). "Pace helps Lake Country gain Matchmaker Stakes (1986 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8 held 26 July 1986)". Camden Courier-Post. p. 75. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  43. Burrows, Walt (28 July 1985). "Key Dancer eases to Matchmaker Stakes victory (1985 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8 held 27 July 1985)". Camden Courier-Post. p. 95. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  44. Burrows, Walt (29 July 1984). "Off slowly, favored Sabin rallies to win Matchmaker Stakes victory (1984 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8 held 28 July 1984)". Camden Courier-Post. p. 67. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  45. Compiled by The Inquirer Staff (7 August 1983). "Luminaire wins Matchmaker; Bashert takes Devon (1983 Matchmaker Stakes – race 9 held 28 August 1983)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 75. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  46. Clippinger, Don (4 July 1982). "Hunston wins Matchmaker on soft Atlantic City turf (1982 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 July 1982)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 52. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  47. Donnelly, Craig (4 July 1981). "Matchmaker won by Mairzy Doates (1981 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 July 1981)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 22. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  48. Lyons, Bill (5 July 1980). "Favored Just a Game wins in Matchmaker (1980 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 4 July 1980)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 15, 18. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  49. "Warfever captures Matchmaker - and the affection of Affirmed (1979 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 15 August 1979)". Philadelphia Inquirer. 16 August 1979. pp. 21, 26. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  50. Courtney, Gene (17 September 1978). "Queen Lib captures the Matchmaker Stakes (1978 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 16 September 1978)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 112. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  51. Courtney, Gene (7 August 1977). "Mississippi Mud wins Matchmaker (1977 Matchmaker Stakes – race 6: held 6 August 1977)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 77, 82. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  52. Harris, Russ (29 August 1976). "Favored Dancers Countess wins Matchmaker Stakes (1976 Matchmaker Stakes – race 7: held 28 August 1976)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 72. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  53. Harris, Russ (29 July 1975). "No Match for Susan's Girl in Matchmaker (1975 Matchmaker Stakes – race 7: held 28 July 1975)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 25. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  54. Harris, Russ (15 October 1974). "'Vixen' Triumphs At Shore (1974 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 14 October 1974)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 21, 24. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  55. Harris, Russ (9 October 1973). "Alma North wins Matchmaker, Ties Mark (1973 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 8 October 1973)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 31. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  56. Harris, Russ (10 October 1972). "Mori Luck Runs Out; Numbered Account Is Moved Into First (1972 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 9 October 1972)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 26. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  57. Harris, Russ (12 October 1971). "Matchmaker Stakes Captured by Deceit: Favorites Run 3-4 (1971 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 11 October 1971)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 31. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  58. Harris, Russ (4 October 1970). "Dedicated To Sue Proves She Can: Pays $33.20 in Winning $100,000 (1970 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 October 1970)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 60. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  59. Chevalier, Jack (5 October 1969). "$100,000 Matchmaker Romp; Gallant Bloom Triumphs by 7 (1969 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held4 October 1969)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 61, 72. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  60. West, Tommy (11 August 1979). "Matchmaker Stakes is postponed by rain". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 9. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
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