The Charles Town Classic is a prestigious Grade 2 horse race held annually at Charles Town in West Virginia. This race is run over a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt and is open to horses aged three and older. Known for its significant purse, it attracts top-tier competition from across the country.
The 2026 Charles Town Classic is scheduled to take place on August 21st.
Over the years, the Charles Town Classic has seen many notable winners, including Game On Dude, who won the race in 2013, and Imperative, who claimed victory in 2014 and 2017. These victories have solidified the race's reputation as a proving ground for some of the best older horses in the country.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Banishing | Tyler Gaffalione | David Jacobson | Roman, Lawrence P. and Jacobson Racing (Zachary N. Jacobson) | 1:53.26 |
| 2024 | Skippylongstocking | Jose L. Ortiz | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Daniel Alonso | 1:50.34 |
| 2023 | Skippylongstocking | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Daniel Alonso | 1:51.37 |
| 2022 | Art Collector | Luis Saez | William I. Mott | Bruce Lunsford | 1:51.30 |
| 2021 | Art Collector | Luis Saez | William I. Mott | Bruce Lunsford | 1:49.39 |
| 2020 | Sleepy Eyes Todd | Carlos J. Delgado | Miguel Angel Silva | Thumbs Up Racing | 1:50.82 |
The Charles Town Classic was first run in 2009, making it a relatively new addition to the American racing scene. Despite its recent inception, the race quickly gained prominence due to its lucrative purse and the high quality of competition it attracts. The race was initially a listed race event, but its growing stature led to its elevation to Grade 2 status in 2012.
