Set the date for March 23, 2024, on your calendars, as the Jeff Ruby Steaks (GIII) returns to the forefront of racing! A highlight of the racing calendar, this elite Grade III race prepares the field for the legendary Kentucky Derby by pitting the best 3-year-old thoroughbreds against the best fillies in an exciting match.
Inaugurated in 1972 by the visionary John Battaglia at the Latonia race track, the event was crafted for horses spiraling their way towards the Kentucky Derby. Its early success prompted the race to expand, leading to multiple divisions in subsequent years, a testament to its burgeoning popularity.
The race underwent a metamorphosis when Jim Beam, the iconic bourbon whiskey maker, acquired naming rights in 1982. Renamed the Jim Beam Stakes, this sponsorship heralded an era of increased distance and attracted the finest three-year-olds to its gates
In 2021, the Jeff Ruby Steaks took a momentous turn during the Turfway Park renovation, transitioning from the Polytrack surface to the state-of-the-art Tapeta surface. This transformation elevated its stature, positioning the race as a high-profile Championship series event on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The race unfolds amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Turfway Park,known for its exhilarating atmosphere and exciting moments, provides an amazing backdrop for the race. Its demanding 1 1/8-mile course promises to be a challenging test of agility, stamina, and tactical skill.
Anticipation mounts as the 2024 edition of the Jeff Ruby Steaks beckons. With a million-dollar purse on the line, the stakes are higher than ever. Racing enthusiasts and betting aficionados alike eagerly await to witness the emergence of a potential Derby contender.
