Definition
The Cinderella Stakes was a listed Thoroughbred horse race in the United States, contested by three‑year‑old fillies on dirt.
Overview
Inaugurated in 1965, the race was traditionally held at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. It was run over a distance of six furlongs (¾ mile) and served as an early‑season sprint for juvenile fillies, often acting as a stepping‑stone to higher‑profile stakes races later in the year. Following the closure of Hollywood Park in 2013, the Cinderella Stakes was discontinued and has not been revived at another venue.
Etymology/Origin
The race’s name derives from the fairy‑tale character Cinderella, symbolizing a “rags‑to‑riches” narrative that aligns with the concept of a young, relatively unproven filly achieving prominence through a notable victory. The naming follows a broader tradition in American horse racing of assigning whimsical or thematic titles to stakes events.
Characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Three‑year‑old fillies |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Distance | 6 furlongs (¾ mile) |
| Class | Listed stakes (non‑graded) |
| Location | Hollywood Park Racetrack, Inglewood, California (1965‑2013) |
| Inauguration | 1965 |
| Discontinuation | 2013, concurrent with the closure of Hollywood Park |
| Purse | Varied over time; typical purse in later years was approximately $75,000 |
Related Topics
- Hollywood Park Racetrack – The former venue for the Cinderella Stakes, a historic California racetrack that operated from 1938 to 2013.
- Listed Stakes Races in the United States – A classification for stakes races that are one tier below graded status.
- Three‑Year‑Old Filly Sprint Races – Other notable sprint events for this demographic include the Miss Pretty Girl Stakes and the La Brea Stakes.
- Closure of Hollywood Park – The 2013 shutdown of the track led to the termination of several races, including the Cinderella Stakes.
Note: The information presented reflects the most reliable sources available up to 2024 and is consistent with documented records of American Thoroughbred racing.