What is the Giant's Causeway Stakes?

The Giant's Causeway Stakes is a Grade II Thoroughbred race held annually at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky. Run at 5½ furlongs on the turf for fillies and mares aged three and older, it is one of the most prestigious early-season turf sprint races for females in North America. Named after the legendary Irish stallion Giant's Causeway, who stood at nearby Ashford Stud in Kentucky, the race was first run in 1998 and upgraded to Grade II status for 2026 following a Grade III elevation in 2024. It consistently draws elite turf sprinters from North America and abroad.

When is the Giant's Causeway Stakes in 2026?

The 2026 Giant's Causeway Stakes is scheduled for Sunday, April 12 at Keeneland. Elevated to Grade II status for 2026 with an increased purse of $400,000, it is one of three Keeneland Spring Meet races to receive both a grade upgrade and a purse increase this year. Hall of Fame trainer Wesley Ward has dominated the race in recent years, winning four editions overall including 2022 and 2023 with Stonestreet Stables horses.

Giant's Causeway Stakes History & Notable Winners

The Giant's Causeway Stakes has produced some brilliant sprinting performances over the years. Twilight Gleaming (IRE) set the current course record of 1:01.74 when winning the 2023 edition under Irad Ortiz Jr. for trainer Wesley Ward, who also won the race with the brilliant Campanelle (IRE) in 2022. Irad Ortiz Jr. is the most decorated jockey in the race's history with four wins. Maryland-bred Future Is Now gave the race an emotional 2025 winner, rallying by a nose under Paco Lopez in her first start after a long winter layoff, just weeks after her breeder and owner R. Larry Johnson passed away.

Last Updated on 04/07/2026

The Giant's Causeway Stakes is one of the highlights of Keeneland's Spring Meet and a key early-season target for the top turf sprint fillies and mares on both sides of the Atlantic.