Phoenix Stakes (United States)
The Phoenix Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Open to horses age three and older, it is contested on dirt over a distance of six furlongs and currently offers a purse of $250,000. Raced in early October, prior to 1989 it was run during the track's spring meeting.
Part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series, the winner of the 2008 Phoenix Stakes automatically qualifies for the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
Founded in 1831 with the name from the local Phoenix Hotel, it is the oldest thoroughbred horse race in North America. Hosted by the Kentucky Association racetrack in Lexington until 1930, the event was restarted at Keeneland Race Course in 1937. From 1943-1945, the race was renewed as part of the Keeneland-at-Churchill Downs meetings. Over the years it has been called the Brennan, Chiles, Phoenix, Association, Phoenix Hotel Stakes and Phoenix Handicap.
In 2013 the Phoenix will be in its 161th running.
Read more about Phoenix Stakes (United States): Records, Winners Since 1972, Earlier Winners
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