What is the Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes?
The Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes is a Grade III Thoroughbred race held annually at Delaware Park in Stanton, Delaware. Contested at 1 3/8 miles on the turf for fillies and mares aged three and older, it is the premier long-distance turf test for distaff horses on the East Coast and one of the most unique races on the American racing calendar — a 1 3/8-mile distance rarely seen outside of the elite Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. The race was inaugurated in 1997 and named in honor of Robert G. Dick, the former chairman of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission who served as commissioner for 18 years and as chairman from 1990 until his retirement in 1993. Receiving Grade III status in 2008, the Robert G. Dick Memorial has been dominated by trainer Graham Motion, who has won the race a remarkable 10 times — the most by any trainer in graded stakes history at Delaware Park. The race is run as part of the Delaware Oaks and Derby Day undercard, one of the biggest racing days of the summer on the Mid-Atlantic circuit.
When is the Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes in 2026?
The 2026 Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 at Delaware Park as part of the Delaware Oaks and Derby Day undercard. Contested at 1 3/8 miles on the turf with a purse of $250,000, the race draws the top older fillies and mares targeting the summer turf championship circuit.
Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes History & Notable Winners
Graham Motion has turned the Robert G. Dick Memorial into a personal showcase, winning the race 10 times including five of the last nine editions. Markmans Queen (GB) gave Motion his 10th victory in 2025, winning under Jorge Ruiz in 2:15.85 for Cayton Park Stud. Champion War Like Goddess gave trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado a 2024 score in 2:16.60 for owner George Krikorian, the seven-year-old mare adding yet another graded stakes win to her remarkable career. Sopran Basilea (IRE) gave Motion his ninth Robert G. Dick win in 2023 under Jorge Ruiz in 2:20.27 for Madaket Stables. Key Biscayne provided a rare non-Motion win in 2022 under Daniel Centeno for trainer Juan Alvarado in 2:24.41. Dalika (GER) gave trainer Albert Stall Jr. a 2021 victory under Miguel Mena in 2:16.35 for Bal Mar Equine.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Markmans Queen (GB) | Jorge Ruiz | 2:15.85 |
| 2024 | War Like Goddess | Junior Alvarado | 2:16.60 |
| 2023 | Sopran Basilea (IRE) | Jorge Ruiz | 2:20.27 |
| 2022 | Key Biscayne | Daniel Centeno | 2:24.41 |
| 2021 | Dalika (GER) | Miguel Mena | 2:16.35 |
The Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes is the premier long-distance turf test for fillies and mares on the East Coast and a signature event of Delaware Park's summer racing season.
