Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes

Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for horses aged four and older at a distance of one and one-eighth miles on the turf run annually in early March at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $300,000.

Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes
Grade II race
LocationFair Grounds Race Course
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Inaugurated1992 (as Explosive Bid Handicap)
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Websitewww.fairgroundsracecourse.com
Race information
Distance1+1⁄8 miles (9 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationFour-years-old and older
Weight124 lbs with allowances
Purse$300,000 (since 2014)

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 28 March 1992 as the Explosive Bid Handicap named after the 1984 winner of the Louisiana Handicap, Explosive Bid.[1]

In 1994 the event was run in two split divisions.[2]

In 1996 the American Graded Stakes Committee upgraded the event to Grade III[3] and once more to Grade II in 2001.[3]

In December 2003 the Louisiana Racing Commission agreed to honor Mervyn R. Muniz, Jr., a longtime racing secretary at Fair Grounds Race Course who died in 2003 by renaming the event to the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap[4]

There was no race in 2006 due to after effects of Hurricane Katrina which had damaged the Fair Grounds race track and moved the shortened meeting that season to Louisiana Downs.

The 2019 winner of the event Bricks and Mortar continued his successful undefeated season enroute to being crowned US Champion Male Turf Horse and US Horse of the Year.

In 2020 the conditions of the event were changed from handicap to stakes allowance with the name of the race modified to Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes.[2]

Records

Speed record:

  • 1:47.21 - Factor This (2020)

Margins:

  • 6 lengths - Joyeux Danseur (1998)

Most wins:

  • 2 - Proudinsky (GER) (2008, 2009)

Most wins by an owner:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by a jockey:

Winners
Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes
2023 Spooky Channel 8 Joel Rosario Jason Barkley NBS Stable abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:54.11 $300,000 II [5]
2022 Two Emmys 6 James Graham Hugh H. Robertson Wolfe Racing & Hugh H. Robertson 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.83 $300,000 II [6]
2021 Colonel Liam 4 Irad Ortiz Jr. Todd A. Pletcher Lawana L. & Robert E. Low 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.33 $300,000 II [7]
2020 Factor This 5 Shaun Bridgmohan Brad H. Cox Gaining Ground Racing 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.21 $300,000 II [8]
Muniz Memorial Handicap
2019 Bricks and Mortar 5 Irad Ortiz Jr. Chad C. Brown Klaravich Stables Inc. & William Lawrence abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.44 $291,000 II [9]
2018 Synchrony 5 Joe Bravo Michael Stidham Pin Oak Stable abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.59 $300,000 II [10]
2017 Enterprising 6 Tyler Gaffalione Michael J. Maker Maxis Stable abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.41 $300,000 II [11]
2016 Take the Stand (ARG) 5 Edgar S. Prado William I. Mott Earle I. Mack, Wachtel Stable & Brous Stable abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.80 $300,000 II [12]
Mervin H. Muniz Jr Memorial Handicap
2015 Chocolate Ride 5 Joseph Talamo Brad H. Cox John Wentworth abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.18 $291,000 II [13]
2014 Skyring 5 Joseph Rocco Jr. D. Wayne Lukas Calumet Farm abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:52.01 $288,000 II [14]
2013 Amira's Prince (IRE) 4 Junior Alvarado William I. Mott Wachtel Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Gary Barber abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.76 $400,000 II [15]
2012 Casino Host 4 John R. Velazquez Chad C. Brown Mary & Gary West abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.87 $400,000 II [16]
2011 Smart Bid 5 Edgar S. Prado H. Graham Motion Augustin Stable abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.97 $400,000 II [17]
2010 Blues Street 6 Javier Castellano Todd A. Pletcher Anstu Stable abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.10 $300,000 II [18]
2009 Proudinsky (GER) 6 Victor Espinoza Robert J. Frankel Johanna Louise Glen-Teven abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.94 $500,000 II [19]
2008 Proudinsky (GER) 5 Garrett K. Gomez Robert J. Frankel Gary A. Tanaka abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.44 $500,000 II [20]
2007 Einstein (BRZ) 5 Robby Albarado Helen Pitts-Blasi Midnight Cry Stable abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.57 $500,000 II [21]
2006 Race not held
2005 † A to the Z 5 Victor Espinoza Paula S. Capestro Andrew & Paula Capestro abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.99 $500,000 II [22]
2004 Mystery Giver 6 Robby Albarado Richard R. Scherer Team Block abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.29 $500,000 II [23]
Explosive Bid Handicap
2003 Candid Glen 6 Elvis Joseph Perrodin Andrew Leggio Jr. Glen C. Warren abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.15 $650,000 II [24]
2002 Sarafan 5 Corey Nakatani Neil D. Drysdale Gary A. Tanaka abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.88 $700,000 II [25]
2001 Tijiyr (IRE) 5 Robby Albarado Niall M. O'Callaghan Gary A. Tanaka abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.72 $600,000 II [26]
2000 Brave Act (GB) 6 Cash Asmussen Ron McAnally Sidney Craig abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.98 $600,000 III [27]
1999 Lord Smith (GB) 4 Garrett K. Gomez Bruce L. Jackson Michael Boich, David & Linda Kruse abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.27 $663,600 III [28]
1998 Joyeux Danseur 5 Robby Albarado Albert Stall Jr. B. Wayne Hughes abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.30 $373,300 III [29]
1997 Always a Classic 4 Eddie Martin Jr. Mark R. Frostad Sam-Son Farm abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:54.83 $219,950 III [30]
1996 Kazabaiyn 6 Kent J. Desormeaux Robert B. Hess Jr. Jeremys Stable, et al abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.80 $155,325 III [31]
1995 Earl of Barking (IRE) 5 Goncalino Almeida Richard J. Cross Henry E. Pabst abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:52.01 $155,625 Listed [32]
1994 Pride of Summer 6 Robert King Jr. Anthony J. Bizelia TOC Stable, Patrick J. Purcell, et al abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.59 $127,375 Listed Division 1[33]
Snake Eyes 4 Brent E. Bartram Steven L. Morguelan Melvin Isenstein 1:49.41 $127,170 Division 2[34]
1993 Coaxing Matt 4 Eddie Martin Jr. Neil L. Pessin Elmer E. Miller abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.80 $78,350 Listed [35]
1992 ‡ Slick Groom 4 Kirk Paul LeBlanc Donald J. Cormier Sr. Albert Pusch abt. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:52.60 $52,650 Listed [36]

Notes:
† In the 2005 running of the event longshot Rapid Proof was first past the post. However, after a positive test for dexamethasone Rapid Proof was disqualified, and A to the Z was declared the winner with all prizemoney redistributed according to the adjusted finishing order[37]
‡ In the 1992 inaugural running, City Ballet was first past the post but was disqualified and place sixth for interference in the straight and Slick Groom was declared the winner.

See also

References
  1. "EXPLOSIVE BID (USA) ch. H, 1978 - 59 Starts, 17 Wins, 14 Places, 6 Shows Career Earnings: $488,147". 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  2. "Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes (Gr. 2)". www.equibase.com. 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  3. "MERVIN H. MUNIZ JR. MEMORIAL HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  4. "Meeting Notice - Louisiana Racing Commission (1 December 2003)" (PDF). 21 November 2003. p. 2.
  5. "2023 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  6. "2022 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  7. "2021 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Grade 2 - (race 12)". Equibase. 20 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  8. "2020 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 21 March 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  9. "2019 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. 23 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  10. "2018 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  11. "2017 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  12. "2016 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  13. "2015 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  14. "2014 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  15. "2013 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  16. "2012 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 1 April 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  17. "2011 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 26 March 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  18. "2010 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  19. "2009 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 March 2009. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  20. "2008 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 8 March 2008. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  21. "2007 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 10 March 2007. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  22. "2005 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 19 March 2005. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  23. "2004 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 21 March 2004. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  24. "2003 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 March 2003. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  25. "2002 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 24 March 2002. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  26. "2001 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 25 March 2001. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  27. "2000 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 26 March 2000. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  28. "1999 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 28 March 1999. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  29. "1998 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 29 March 1998. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  30. "1997 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 29 March 1997. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  31. "1996 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 24 March 1996. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  32. "1995 Explosive Bid Handicap Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 26 March 1995. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  33. "1994 (Mar) Explosive Bid Stakes Division 1 Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 March 1994. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  34. "1994 (Mar) Explosive Bid Stakes Division 2 Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 27 March 1994. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  35. "1993 Explosive Bid Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 March 1993. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  36. "1992 Explosive Bid Stakes Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 28 March 1992. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  37. BloodHorse Staff (21 June 2005). "Rapid Proof DQ'd from Mervin Muniz Win". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
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