What are the Holly Bull Stakes?
The Holly Bull Stakes is a prestigious Grade III horse race for three-year-olds, typically run at 1 1/16 miles. Held annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, it is an important stepping stone for horses aiming for the Kentucky Derby.
When do the Holly Bull Stakes take place?
The 2025 Holly Bull Stakes is scheduled to take place on February 1st. This date makes it one of the first major races of the year, drawing attention from horse racing enthusiasts and those involved in online horse betting alike.
Holly Bull Stakes Winners
Several notable horses have won the Holly Bull Stakes over the years, including Barbaro in 2006, who famously went on to win the Kentucky Derby. Another standout winner was Go for Gin, who triumphed in 1994 before winning the Kentucky Derby later that year.
Cape Town (1998) and Dialed In (2011) also went on to have successful careers following their victories in this race. These early champions are often referenced by those tracking rising stars in the sport, making the race a focal point for online horse betting fans.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Hades | Paco Lopez | Joseph Orseno | D. J. Stable & Robert Cotran | 1:46.07 |
| 2023 | Rocket Can | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | Frank Fletcher Racing Operations | 1:44.97 |
| 2022 | White Abarrio | Tyler Gaffalione | Saffie A. Joseph Jr. | C2 Racing Stable & La Milagrosa Stable | 1:42.80 |
| 2021 | Greatest Honour | Jose L. Ortiz | Claude R. McGaughey III | Courtlandt Farms | 1:43.19 |
| 2020 | Tiz the Law | Manuel Franco | Barclay Tagg | Sackatoga Stable | 1:42.04 |
As part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Holly Bull Stakes often highlights horses that will go on to compete in other prep races, such as the Florida Derby or the Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Winning the Holly Bull can signal a horse’s readiness for bigger competitions, and many Derby hopefuls use it as a springboard to improve their position in the points standings. For those involved in online horse betting, the Holly Bull is a key race to watch as it often showcases early Derby contenders.
