What is the Southwest Stakes?
The Southwest Stakes is an annual grade III horse race held at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is run over 1 1/16 miles and serves as a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, making it a significant event for 3-year-old thoroughbreds.
When is the Southwest Stakes in 2026?
The Southwest Stakes will take place on January 31st at Oaklawn Park.
Southwest Stakes Winners
Some of the most iconic horses in recent racing history have won the Southwest Stakes. Older winners include Smarty Jones in 2004, who went on to win both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Lawyer Ron (2006) was another standout, with a dominant win before securing a successful racing career.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Speed King | Rafael Bejarano | Ron Moquett | Triton Thoroughbreds LLC, Naber Racing LLC, Hennigan, Bryan, Rapier, Doug and Micetic, Ron | 1:45.86 |
| 2024 | Mystik Dan | Emmanuel Esquivel | Juan Sanchez | J. Patrick Lee Racing | 1:45.04 |
| 2023 | Arabian Knight | John R. Velazquez | Bob Baffert | Zedan Racing Stables. | 1:43.50 |
| 2022 | Newgrange | John R. Velazquez | Bob Baffert | SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, Golconda Stable & Siena Farm | 1:45.83 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | Godolphin Racing | 1:45.48 |
| 2020 | Silver Prospector | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Steven M. Asmussen | Ed & Susie Orr | 1:43.01 |
