What is the Ballerina Handicap?
The Ballerina Handicap is a prestigious Grade 1 horse race for fillies and mares aged three years and older. The race covers a distance of seven furlongs and takes place annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.When is the Ballerina Handicap in 2025?
The Ballerina Handicap is scheduled to take place on August 23rd. This event is a highlight of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course.
Who are some notable winners of the Ballerina Handicap?
Notable winners of the Ballerina Handicap include Shine Again (2001, 2002) with the most wins, jockey John Velazquez (2005, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021) and trainer C. R. McGaughey III (1984, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1999).
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Hope Road | Jose L. Ortiz | Bob Baffert | Cicero Farms LLC | 1:21.93 |
| 2024 | Society | Tyler Gaffalione | Steven Asmussen | Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds | 1:22.00 |
| 2023 | Echo Zulu | Florent Geroux | Steve Asmussen | L and N Racing LLC & Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC/td> | 1:20.95 |
| 2022 | Goodnight Olive | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown | First Row Partners & Team Hanley | 1:21.40 |
| 2021 | Gamine | John Velasquez | Bob Baffert | Micheal Lund Petersen | 1:21.61 |
| 2020 | Serengeti Empress | Luis Saez | Thomas M. Amoss | Joel Politi | 1:21.63 |
The Ballerina Handicap has evolved in terms of prestige and competitiveness. Initially established as a showcase for fillies and mares, it has grown in stature and now attracts top horses from across the country, becoming a key fixture in the summer racing calendar.
The Ballerina Handicap is a key event in the horse racing calendar, as it serves as a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. This means the winner of the Ballerina Handicap earns an automatic berth to compete in the prestigious Breeders' Cup event, making it a significant target for top female sprinters.
