What is the Shoemaker Mile Stakes?
The Shoemaker Mile Stakes is a Grade I Thoroughbred race held annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Contested at 1 mile on the turf for horses aged three and older, it is one of the premier turf mile races in North America and a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Mile. Inaugurated in 1938 as the Premiere Handicap at Hollywood Park, the race was renamed in 1990 to honor Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker, who rode more winners than any jockey in American history at the time of his retirement. Following the closure of Hollywood Park in 2013, the race moved to Santa Anita and has been held as part of the Memorial Day card every year since. The Shoemaker Mile has a distinguished roll of honor including Obviously, Aragorn, Silic, Steinlen, and Labeeb among its most celebrated winners.
When is the Shoemaker Mile Stakes in 2026?
The 2026 Shoemaker Mile Stakes is scheduled for Monday, May 25 at Santa Anita Park as part of the Memorial Day program. Contested at 1 mile on the turf with a purse of $300,000, the race draws the elite turf milers from North America and internationally targeting a fees-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Mile in November.
Shoemaker Mile Stakes History & Notable Winners
Trainer Phil D'Amato has emerged as the dominant force in the modern Shoemaker Mile, saddling three winners in the last four editions. His most recent charge, King of Gosford (GB), delivered a front-running masterclass under Flavien Prat in 2025, posting a sharp 1:33.52 to give D'Amato his third Shoemaker Mile title. Johannes gave trainer Tim Yakteen and jockey Umberto Rispoli a memorable Grade I double on the 2024 Memorial Day card, winning by 1¼ lengths in 1:33.00 before going on to finish second in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Exaulted stayed perfect on turf with a determined stretch rally under Juan Hernandez in 2023, clocking 1:34.08 to earn a fees-paid Breeders' Cup Mile berth. Count Again (CAN) produced the fastest recent renewal in 2022, blazing to a five-length score under Irad Ortiz Jr. in 1:32.40 for D'Amato. Smooth Like Strait gave trainer Michael McCarthy his finest hour in 2021 under Umberto Rispoli in 1:34.19, before going on to finish second in the Breeders' Cup Mile that fall.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | King of Gosford (GB) | Flavien Prat | 1:33.52 |
| 2024 | Johannes | Umberto Rispoli | 1:33.00 |
| 2023 | Exaulted | Juan Hernandez | 1:34.08 |
| 2022 | Count Again (CAN) | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 1:32.40 |
| 2021 | Smooth Like Strait | Umberto Rispoli | 1:34.19 |
The Shoemaker Mile Stakes is the premier turf mile event on the West Coast and a signature race of Santa Anita Park's prestigious Memorial Day program.
