What are the Wood Memorial Stakes?
The Wood Memorial Stakes is a prestigious horse race held annually at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. This Grade 2 race covers a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt and serves as a significant prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
Known for attracting top three-year-old thoroughbreds, it boasts a rich history dating back to 1925, making it a crucial stepping stone for horses aiming for success in the Triple Crown series.
When do the Wood Memorial Stakes take place?
The Wood Memorial Stakes will take place on April 5th. It has historically been a key prep race for horses looking to qualify for the Kentucky Derby and often serves as a final stepping stone to the Triple Crown series. This makes it a prime event for fans of online horse betting, as top contenders often emerge from this race.
Wood Memorial Stakes Winners
Over its long history, the Wood Memorial Stakes has been won by many legendary horses. Notable older winners include the iconic Seattle Slew in 1977, who went on to win the Triple Crown, as well as Damascus in 1967 and Foolish Pleasure in 1975.
More recently, horses like Fusaichi Pegasus (2000) and Empire Maker (2003) have also triumphed. These victories highlight the race's significance as a breeding ground for future champions, drawing significant interest from the online horse betting community.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Rodriguez | Mike Smith | 1:48.15 |
| 2024 | Resilience | John R. Velazquez | 1:50.28 |
| 2023 | Lord Miles | Paco Lopez | 1:51.17 |
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | Joel Rosario | 1:47.96 |
| 2021 | Bourbonic | Kendrick Carmouche | 1:54.49 |
the Wood Memorial Stakes is one of the key races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Horses that perform well in this race can earn valuable points towards qualifying for the Derby, making it an important event for online horse betting enthusiasts tracking the progress of potential Derby contenders.
