What is the Bourbon Stakes?
The Bourbon Stakes is a Grade II horse race held annually at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky. It is contested over 1 1/16 miles on turf and is open to two-year-old thoroughbreds. The race is a key prep event for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.
When is the Bourbon Stakes in 2025?
The Bourbon Stakes is scheduled to take place on October 5th. This race is part of Keeneland's fall meet, which is a significant period for horse racing and online horse betting.
Bourbon Stakes Winners
Notable winners of the Bourbon Stakes include Peace Achieved (2019), Animal Spirits (2011), and Airoforce (2015). These horses have gone on to compete in other prestigious races, making the Bourbon Stakes a pivotal event in their careers.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Final Score | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | 1:42.54 |
| 2024 | Minaret Station | Cristian A. Torres | William Walden | 1:42.28 |
| 2023 | Can Group | Francisco Arrieta | Mark E. Casse | 1:43.73 |
| 2022 | Andthewinneris | Flavien Prat | Wayne M. Catalano | 1:41.27 |
| 2021 | Tiz the Bomb | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenneth G. McPeek | 1:43.69 |
| 2020 | Mutasaabeq | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | 1:43.12 |
The event is notable for being a key stepping stone towards the Breeders' Cup, as it is a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race. This means the winner of the Bourbon Stakes earns an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, one of the prestigious races held during the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
