The Suburban Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is contested on a dirt track over a distance of 1 ⅛ miles (9 furlongs) and is open to horses aged three years and older. The race is traditionally scheduled in early July and, as of the most recent updates, carries a purse of approximately US $500,000.
History
- Inauguration – The event was first run in 1884 as the Suburban Handicap at the Sheepshead Bay Race Track in Brooklyn, New York.
- Relocation – Following the closure of Sheepshead Bay in 1910, the race was transferred to Belmont Park in 1913, where it has been contested continuously except for interruptions during World War II and the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- Naming – While originally called the Suburban Handicap, the race was officially renamed the Suburban Stakes in 2000 to reflect a broader eligibility beyond the original handicap conditions.
- Grading – The Suburban Stakes holds a Grade II classification in the American Graded Stakes system, having previously been a Grade I race before being downgraded in 2017.
Significance
The Suburban Stakes is considered a key summer race for older horses and often serves as a prep race for the prestigious Travers Stakes and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Its long history and sizable purse have made it a notable event on the East Coast racing calendar.
Records
- Fastest Time – The current speed record for the 1 ⅛‑mile distance stands at 1:46.68, set by Game On Dude in 2014.
- Most Wins by a Jockey – Eddie Arcaro holds the record with five victories (1932, 1933, 1937, 1941, 1945).
- Most Wins by a Trainer – James G. Rowe Sr. leads with six wins (1898, 1902, 1906, 1909, 1914, 1915).
- Most Wins by an Owner – Belair Stable earned four wins (1932, 1936, 1937, 1939).
Race Conditions
The Suburban Stakes is run under allowance weight conditions, with the exact weight assignments determined by the American Triple Crown of Racing’s weight‑for‑age scale. It is part of the Belmont Park Summer Meet and is broadcast nationally in the United States.
References
- New York Racing Association (NYRA) official race histories.
- The Daily Racing Form archives.
- The American Graded Stakes Committee annual reports.