What is the Sanford Stakes?
The Sanford Stakes is a Grade III Thoroughbred race held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Contested at 6 furlongs on the dirt exclusively for 2-year-olds, it is one of the most historic juvenile sprint races in American racing and a key proving ground for future stars of the division. Inaugurated in 1913 as the Sanford Memorial Stakes, the race is named for Stephen Sanford and his son John, prominent Amsterdam, New York businessmen and one of Saratoga's founding racing families. The Sanford has a storied history that includes the seventh running in 1919, when Man o' War suffered the only defeat of his legendary career, losing to Harry Payne Whitney's colt Upset. Only four horses have ever swept the Sanford, Saratoga Special, and Hopeful Stakes in the same season: Regret (1914), Campfire (1916), Dehere (1993), and City Zip (2000). Trainer Todd Pletcher holds the modern record for most wins with eight, while jockey John Velazquez leads all riders with seven victories.
When is the Sanford Stakes in 2026?
The 2026 Sanford Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at Saratoga Race Course as part of the July 4th Racing Festival. Contested at 6 furlongs on the dirt with a purse of $150,000, the race is one of the most important early proving grounds for the 2-year-old division each summer.
Sanford Stakes History & Notable Winners
The Sanford Stakes has a long tradition of identifying top juvenile sprinters each summer. Obliteration gave trainer Steven Asmussen and jockey Flavien Prat a 2025 victory in 1:10.65 for Leland Ackerley Racing. Mo Plex gave trainer Jeremiah Englehart and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. a 2024 score in 1:11.72 for R and H Stable. Yo Yo Candy gave trainer Daniel Velazquez a 2023 win under Angel Castillo in 1:11.83 for Happy Tenth Stable. Mo Strike gave trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux a 2022 victory in 1:11.35. Wit gave trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. a 2021 score in 1:11.12 for the powerful ownership team of Repole Stable, St. Elias Stable, and Gainesway Farm.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Obliteration | Flavien Prat | 1:10.65 |
| 2024 | Mo Plex | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 1:11.72 |
| 2023 | Yo Yo Candy | Angel Castillo | 1:11.83 |
| 2022 | Mo Strike | Florent Geroux | 1:11.35 |
| 2021 | Wit | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 1:11.12 |
The Sanford Stakes is one of the most historic juvenile races in American racing and a key early benchmark for top 2-year-old sprinters each July.
