What is the Kentucky Downs Turf Cup?
The Kentucky Downs Turf Cup is a prestigious Grade 2 horse race held annually at Kentucky Downs. The race is part of the track's unique all-turf racing series, known for its European-style course and significant purse offerings. The event is a major highlight of the racing season and attracts top turf horses from across the country.
When is the Kentucky Downs Turf Cup in 2025?
The Kentucky Turf Cup is scheduled to take place on September 6th. This prestigious event is held annually at Kentucky Downs, attracting top turf horses from across the nation.
Who are some notable winners of the Kentucky Downs Turf Cup?
Over the years, the Kentucky Downs Turf Cup has seen many remarkable winners. Early standout winners include Cloudy’s Knight in 2009, a 9-year-old who demonstrated exceptional endurance, and Rochester, who won back-to-back in 2002 and 2003, showcasing his consistency and class. Da Big Hoss claimed victory in both 2015 and 2016, solidifying his status as a top turf contender. More recent winners, such as Red Knight in 2022 and Get Smokin in 2023, continue the tradition of excellence, but it's the older champions like Embossed (IRE) in 2006 and Silverfoot in 2005 that add depth and history to the race’s legacy.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Grand Sonata | Tyler Gaffalione | Todd Pletcher | Whisper Hill Farm, LLC | 2:24.93 |
| 2023 | Get Smokin | Fernando De La Cruz | Mark E. Casse | Ironhorse Racing Stable, BlackRidge Stables, T-N-T Equine Holdings & Saratoga Seven Racing Partners | 2:28.66 |
| 2022 | Red Knight | Gerardo Corrales | Michael J. Maker | Trinity Farm | 2:26.96 |
| 2021 | Imperador (ARG) | Joseph Talamo/td> | Paulo Lobo | Bonne Chance Farm and Stud R D I | 2:25.10 |
| 2020 | Arklow | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Peter Coneway | 2:28.66 |
The Kentucky Downs Turf Cup is a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race. This means that the winner of the Kentucky Downs Turf Cup earns an automatic berth to the Breeders' Cup Turf, one of the championship races held at the end of the year. This incentive makes the race highly competitive as it provides a direct path to one of the most prestigious events in horse racing.
The Kentucky Downs Turf Cup is a significant event in the horse racing calendar, making it an attractive option for online horse betting enthusiasts. Bettors closely follow this race due to its competitive field and the stakes involved with the Breeders' Cup berth on the line. The 'Win and You're In' aspect adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy for those placing bets.
