What is the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes?
The John Battaglia Memorial Stakes is a non-graded horse race held annually at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky. It serves as a stepping stone for 3-year-olds on the road to the Kentucky Derby. The race is run on an all-weather track at a distance of 1 1/16 miles.
When does the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes take place in 2026?
The John Battaglia Memorial Stakes will take place on February 21st. The race is one of the major prep events for horses aiming for the Kentucky Derby.
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes Winners
The John Battaglia Memorial Stakes has seen several notable winners over the years, with some going on to have successful racing careers. Older champions such as Concerto (1997), who went on to win the Jim Beam Stakes (now known as the Jeff Ruby Steaks), and Request for Parole (2002), a horse that competed in the Kentucky Derby, are remembered as significant winners.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | California Burrito | Irving Moncada | Thomas Drury Jr. | Haberman, Aaron and Haberman, Victoria | 1:45.98 |
| 2024 | Encino | Axel Concepcion | Brad H. Cox | Godolphin, LLC | 1:44.22 |
| 2023 | Congruent | Sonny Leon | Antonio Sano | Tami Bobo, Lugamo Racing Stable LLC | 1:43.02 |
| 2022 | Tiz the Bomb | Alex Achard | Kenneth G. McPeek | Wendy W. Hendriks | 1:44.12 |
| 2021 | Hush of a Storm | Santiago Gonzalez | William E. Morey | Sanford J. Goldfarb | 1:44.00 |
| 2020 | Invader | Albin Jimenez | Wesley A. Ward | N/A | 1:45.92 |
The John Battaglia Memorial Stakes is an important race because it offers valuable points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, making it a key stepping stone for 3-year-olds looking to qualify for the prestigious race. It is also a pivotal event for bettors, with many fans of online horse betting closely watching the contenders for insights into Derby prospects.
