What is the Matchmaker Stakes?
The WinStar Matchmaker Stakes is a Grade III Thoroughbred race held annually at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey. Contested at 1 1/8 miles on the turf, the race is open to fillies and mares aged three and older and is one of the leading turf events for older female horses during Monmouth Park's summer meeting.
The Matchmaker Stakes is traditionally part of the Haskell Stakes undercard, placing it among the most prominent races conducted during Monmouth Park's signature weekend. The race has become particularly associated with trainer Chad Brown, whose stable won six consecutive editions through 2025 and eight of the nine runnings from 2017 through 2025.
When is the Matchmaker Stakes in 2026?
The 2026 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at Monmouth Park. The Grade III race will be contested at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for fillies and mares aged three and older with a purse of $300,000.
Matchmaker Stakes History & Notable Winners
Segesta delivered trainer Chad Brown another Matchmaker Stakes victory in 2025, completing the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.17 under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. The Juddmonte homebred's victory extended Brown's winning streak in the race to six consecutive editions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Grade I winner Beaute Cachee captured the 2024 Matchmaker Stakes for Brown, with stablemate Delahaye finishing third. Consumer Spending won the 2023 edition under Joel Rosario, rallying from off the pace to defeat Surprisingly by a half-length in 1:48.00. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Lemista earned her first North American graded stakes victory in the 2022 Matchmaker Stakes for trainer Chad Brown and jockey Flavien Prat. Great Island won the 2021 running under Joel Rosario in 1:48.89, defeating Juliette Foxtrot after a strong late run over firm turf. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Segesta | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 1:49.17 |
| 2024 | Beaute Cachee | Frankie Dettori | 1:49.63 |
| 2023 | Consumer Spending | Joel Rosario | 1:48.00 |
| 2022 | Lemista | Flavien Prat | 1:47.07 |
| 2021 | Great Island | Joel Rosario | 1:48.89 |
The Matchmaker Stakes remains one of Monmouth Park's most important turf races for fillies and mares and a major supporting event on the Haskell Stakes program.
