Cardinal Stakes (USA)

Cardinal Stakes
ClassListed
LocationChurchill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Inaugurated1974 (as Kentucky Cardinal Stakes)
Race typeThoroughbred – Flat racing
WebsiteChurchill Downs
Race information
Distance1+1⁄8 miles
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
Qualificationfillies and mares, three-year-olds and older
WeightBase weights with allowances:
4-year-olds and up: 125 lbs.
3-year-olds: 122 lbs.
Purse$300,000 (2023)

The Cardinal Stakes is a Listed American thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares three-years-old and older over a distance of one and one eighth miles on the turf held annually in November at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The event offers a purse of $300,000.

History

The event was named after the official state bird of Kentucky, the Northern cardinal.

The event was inaugurated on 23 November 1974, as the Kentucky Cardinal Stakes as a 1+1⁄16 miles dirt race for three year olds and was won by veterinarian Albert F. Polk Jr's Cut the Talk, who was trained by Ohio native James E. (Jim) Morgan and ridden by Darrell Brown in a time of 1:451⁄5.

The event was run for three year olds only one more time in 1975. In the 1976 the conditions of the event were changed to fillies and mares that were three years old or older at a distance of seven furlongs as the Kentucky Cardinal Handicap. In 1982 the event was increased to 1 mile for one year and in 1983 increased again to back its inaugural running distance of 1+1⁄16 miles. In 1987 the event was scheduled on the turf over a distance of 1+1⁄16 miles with the name Cardinal Handicap. The following year the distance of the event increased to 1+1⁄8 miles but it was moved off the turf and onto the main track due to inclement weather.

The American Graded Stakes Committee classified the event as Grade III in 1995. The 2017 edition of the race, won by Tricky Escape, was run on dirt as the turf course was deemed unfit for racing. The race's Grade III status was kept for 2017.

The event has been run in split divisions nine times, the last of which was in 1990.

The event was run as a handicap prior to 2019.

The event was not run in 2020 and 2021.

In 2025 the event was downgraded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to Listed status.

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins:

Most wins by an owner:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners

Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
Cardinal Stakes
2025 Proctor Street 4 Tyler Gaffalione Brendan P. Walsh Patricia L. Moseley 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.65 $289,665 Listed
2024 Duvet Day (IRE) 4 Flavien Prat Michael W. McCarthy Jane Bacharach, William DeBurgh & Richard Schatz 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.79 $265,000 III
2023 Star Fortress (IRE) 4 Luis Saez Cherie DeVaux John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock Services 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.10 $267,500 III
2022 Dalika (GER) 6 Brian Hernandez Jr. Albert Stall Jr. Bal Mar Equine 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.61 $268,500 III
2020–2021 Race not held
2019 Kallio 4 Tyler Gaffalione Brendan P. Walsh Madaket Stables, Tim & Anna Cambron, Bradley Thoroughbreds 1+1⁄8 miles 1:55.07 $175,000 III
Cardinal Handicap
2018 English Affair 5 Corey J. Lanerie George R. Arnold II Calumet Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.41 $100,000 III
2017 Tricky Escape 4 Christopher P. DeCarlo Lynn A. Ashby Jon A. Marshall 1+1⁄8 miles 1:53.85 $100,000 III Off turf
2016 Cash Control 5 Shaun Bridgmohan Brad H. Cox Richard & Bertram Klein 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.39 $100,000 III
2015 Button Down (GB) 4 Paco Lopez Josie Carroll Greenwood Lodge Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:56.19 $100,000 III
2014 Strike Charmer 4 Chris Landeros David M. Carroll Courtlandt Farms 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.97 $119,700 III
2013 Abaco 5 Rosie Napravnik Claude R. McGaughey III Phipps Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.85 $112,800 III
2012 Daisy Devine 4 Calvin H. Borel Andrew McKeever James M. Miller 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.29 $111,500 III
2011 Deluxe 4 Julien R. Leparoux William I. Mott Juddmonte Farms 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.53 $109,900 III
2010 Askbut I Won'ttell 4 Shaun Bridgmohan Chris M. Block Team Block & Rich Ege 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.41 $109,900 III
2009 Acoma 4 Jesus Lopez Castanon David M. Carroll Helen C. Alexander & Helen K. Groves 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.02 $111,700 III
2008 Indescribable 4 Kent J. Desormeaux William I. Mott Courtlandt Farms 1+1⁄8 miles 1:55.77 $113,400 III
2007 Criminologist 4 John R. Velazquez Claude R. McGaughey III Stuart S. Janney III & Phipps Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.06 $164,550 III
2006 Sabellina 5 Julien R. Leparoux Charles Simon Jay A. Lieberman 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.96 $171,750 III
2005 Sundrop (JPN) 4 Mark Guidry Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.10 $175,050 III
2004 Aud 4 Brice Blanc Anthony L. Reinstedler Willmott Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:53.94 $173,550 III
2003 Riskaverse 4 Cornelio Velasquez Patrick J. Kelly Fox Ridge Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.53 $175,200 III
2002 Quick Tip 4 Robby Albarado Neil J. Howard William S. Farish III 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.08 $173,100 III
2001 Watch 4 Craig Perret Frank L. Brothers Claiborne Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.12 $169,350 III
2000 Illiquidity 4 Jon Court Patrick B. Byrne Stonerside Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.72 $176,100 III
1999 Pratella 4 Brian Dale Peck Burk Kessinger Jr. Bruce Barton & Alvin D. Haynes 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.88 $171,450 III
1998 B. A. Valentine 5 Jorge F. Chavez Dale L. Romans Alberta Butner 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.62 $180,150 III
1997 Colcon 4 Jerry D. Bailey William I. Mott Cavallix 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.89 $175,650 III
1996 † Miss Caerleona (FR) 4 Larry Melancon Niall M. O'Callaghan Stonerside Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.81 $117,500 III
1995 Apolda 4 Pat Day William I. Mott Allen E. Paulson 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.59 $116,200 III
1994 Bold Ruritana (CAN) 4 Pat Day James E. Day Minshall Farms 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.25 $117,500 Listed
1993 River Ball (ARG) 4 James Parsley Thomas Kurt Arnemann Thomas & Jurgen K Arnemann 1+1⁄8 miles 1:55.79 $115,300 Listed
1992 Auto Dial 4 Shane Sellers Frank L. Brothers Helen C. Alexander 1+1⁄8 miles 1:52.04 $110,000 Listed Off turf
1991 Christiecat 4 Angel Cordero Jr. Patrick J. Kelly Fox Ridge Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.10 $115,400 Listed
1990 Dance for Lucy 4 Dave Penna Sheldon Wolfe Alex Schmidt 1+1⁄8 miles 1:51.80 $60,425 Division 1
Lady in Silver 4 Pat Day Flint S. Schulhofer Morven Stud 1:51.40 $59,675 Division 2
1989 Townsend Lass 4 K. Keith Allen Mark A. Rimer Richard Kaster & Bruce Dresdner 1+1⁄8 miles 1:52.00 $88,050
1988 Top Corsage 5 Pat Valenzuela Jerry M. Fanning Helen C. Alexander 1+1⁄8 miles 1:52.40 $56,650 Off turf
1987 Lake Champlain (IRE) 4 Pat Day William I. Mott Mrs. Diana Firestone 1+1⁄16 miles 1:46.20 $57,600
1986 Oriental 4 K. Keith Allen Jack Van Berg Robert Kruger, Robert Snell & William Thimigan 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.80 $47,775
Kentucky Cardinal Stakes
1985 Mrs. Revere 4 Larry Melancon William I. Mott Dr. Hiram Polk & David Richardson 1+1⁄16 miles 1:48.20 $33,682 Division 1
Mr. T.'s Tune 4 K. Keith Allen Carl A. Nafzger Warren Terry 1:47.20 $34,182 Division 2
1984 Electric Fanny 3 Julio C. Espinoza Harvey L. Vanier GM Breeding Farms 1+1⁄16 miles 1:48.00 $32,725
1983 Charge My Account 4 Pat Day Claude R. McGaughey III Cooper Hartley (Lessee) 1+1⁄16 miles 1:47.20 $29,800
Kentucky Cardinal Handicap
1982 Betty Money 3 Bernon Sayler Ronnie G. Warren Russell Michael Jr. 1 mile 1:38.80 $31,988 Division 1
Promising Native 3 Sam Maple Ronnie G. Warren Ronnie G. Warren et al. 1:39.60 $31,112 Division 2
1981 Knights Beauty 4 Travis Wayne Hightower Emmett N. Sylvester William J. Forster 7 furlongs 1:24.80 $31,950 Division 1
Safe Play 3 Stanley Spencer Harvey L. Vanier Carl Lauer & Nancy Vanier 1:24.20 $29,075 Division 2
1980 Vite View 4 Don Brumfield Michael B. Ball Mira Ball 7 furlongs 1:24.80 $28,000 Division 1
Champagne Ginny 3 Don Brumfield Ray Metcalf Elkcam Stable 1:24.60 $27,850 Division 2
1979 Impetuous Gal (CAN) 4 Earlie Fires Joseph M. Bollero Edward A. Cox Jr. 7 furlongs 1:24.60 $27,850 Division 1
Gap Axe 4 Don Brumfield David Kassen Andrew Adams 1:24.80 $29,350 Division 2
1978 Love to Tell 3 Eddie Delahoussaye James E. Morgan James Crutcher 7 furlongs 1:24.40 $27,512 Division 1
Unreality 4 Lane Suire Ralph Irwin Karil Vangeloff 1:24.20 $27,762 Division 2
1977 Likely Exchange 3 James McKnight Thomas H. Stevens Sr. Mrs. Pamela Stark Humphrey 7 furlongs 1:24.80 $22,575 Division 1
Famed Princess 4 Concepcion Ledezma Harry Trotsek Mrs. Bobby Russell & Ed Seltzer 1:24.80 $22,825 Division 2
1976 Hope of Glory 4 Don Brumfield Ted McClain Donald McKellar 7 furlongs 1:25.00 $22,563 Division 1
Vivacious Meg 4 Bobby Breen Doug Dodson Eagle Mountain Farm 1:25.40 $22,563 Division 2
Kentucky Cardinal Stakes
1975 Visier 3 Rene Riera Jr. Richard J. Fischer Juliette Combs Trapp 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.80 $26,500 3YO only
1974 Cut the Talk 3 Darrell Brown James E. Morgan Albert F. Polk Jr. 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.20 $22,075 3YO only

Legend:
  Dirt   Turf
Notes:
† In the 1996, running Bail Out Becky was first past the post by 2+1⁄2 lengths but was disqualified for interference as the horse turned into the straight bumping the eventual second-place finisher Miss Caerleona. Miss Caerleona was declared the winner and Bail Out Becky placed second.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Engelhardt, John (2 October 2019). "Legendary Ohio Horseman, Basketball Star Jim Morgan, 85, Dies". Paulick Report. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  2. 1 2 Barry, Mike (24 November 1974). "Cut the Talk wins Downs blanket finish (1974 Kentucky Cardinal Stakes - race 8: held 23 November 1974)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 45, 52. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  3. 1 2 "CARDINAL HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  4. 1 2 "Cardinal Stakes (Gr. 3)". Equibase. 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  5. 1 2 "The Cardinal (1988 Cardinal Handicap - race 3: held 5 November 1988)". The Courier-Journal. 6 November 1988. pp. 21, 69. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  6. ↑ BloodHorse Staff. "Cardinal Handicap Reinstated to Grade 3 Status". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  7. ↑ "CARDINAL HANDICAP (2ND. DIV.) - CHURCHILL DOWNS, KY". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  8. ↑ Churchill Downs (2019). "$175,000 Cardinal (Grade III)" (PDF). KentuckyDerby.com. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  9. ↑ "TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2025". Bloodhorse.com. Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  10. ↑ "2025 Cardinal Stakes resented by Resolute Racing Listed - (race 11)". Equibase. 27 November 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  11. ↑ "2024 Cardinal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
  12. ↑ "2023 Cardinal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 23 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  13. ↑ "202q Cardinal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 24 November 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  14. ↑ "2019 Cardinal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 28 November 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  15. ↑ "2018 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 22 November 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  16. ↑ "2017 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  17. ↑ "2016 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 19 November 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  18. ↑ "2015 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 21 November 2015. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  19. ↑ "2014 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  20. ↑ "2013 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 9 November 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  21. ↑ "2012 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 10 November 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  22. ↑ "2011 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 6 November 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  23. ↑ "2010 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 7 November 2010. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  24. ↑ "2009 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 21 November 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  25. ↑ "2008 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 15 November 2008. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  26. ↑ "2007 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 17 November 2007. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  27. ↑ "2006 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 5 November 2006. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  28. ↑ "2005 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 19 November 2005. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  29. ↑ "2004 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 20 November 2004. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  30. ↑ "2003 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 22 November 2003. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  31. ↑ "2002 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 November 2002. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  32. ↑ "2001 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 10 November 2001. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  33. ↑ "2000 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 11 November 2000. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  34. ↑ "1999 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 November 1999. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  35. ↑ "1998 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)". Equibase. 7 November 1998. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  36. ↑ "1997 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 15 November 1997. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  37. ↑ "1996 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 16 November 1996. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  38. ↑ "1995 Cardinal Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 18 November 1995. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  39. ↑ "1994 Cardinal Handicap Listed - (race 3)". Equibase. 5 November 1994. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  40. ↑ "1993 Cardinal Handicap Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 November 1993. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  41. ↑ "1992 Cardinal Handicap Listed - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 November 1992. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  42. ↑ "1991 Cardinal Handicap Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 2 November 1991. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  43. ↑ "Churchill Downs Charts (1990 Cardinal Handicap Division 1 - race 6: held 18 November 1990)". The Courier-Journal. 19 November 1990. p. 32. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  44. ↑ "Day boots Lady in Silver to victory in Cardinal 'Cap (1990 Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 18 November 1990)". The Courier-Journal. 19 November 1991. p. 32. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  45. ↑ Rees, Jennie (20 November 1989). "Owner nets 'wad' as Townsend Lass captures Churchill's Cardinal 'Cap (1989 Cardinal Handicap - race 8: held 19 November 1989)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 7, 36. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  46. ↑ Rees, Jennie (2 November 1987). "Lake Champlain triumphs before record Downs crowd (1987 Cardinal Handicap - race 8: held 1 November 1987)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 34, 41. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  47. ↑ Rees, Jennie (16 November 1986). "An Oriental express ride lands Allen in winners' circle (1986 Cardinal Handicap - race 9: held 15 November 1986)". The Courier-Journal. p. 56. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  48. ↑ Cushing, Rick (3 November 1985). "Styles differ, but Mrs. Revere and Mr. T.'s Tune score at Downs (1985 Kentucky Cardinal Stakes Division 1 - race 10: held 2 November 1985)". The Courier-Journal. p. 58. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  49. ↑ "Churchill Downs Charts (1985 Kentucky Cardinal Stakes Division 2 - race 9: held 2 November 1985)". The Courier-Journal. 3 November 1985. p. 59. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  50. ↑ Cushing, Rick (11 November 1984). "Electric Fanny charges from behind (1984 Kentucky Cardinal Stakes - race 8: held 10 November 1984)". The Courier-Journal. p. 56. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  51. ↑ Rees, Jennie (12 November 1983). "Charge My Account finds slop to his liking to win by neck (1983 Kentucky Cardinal Stakes - race 8: held 11 November 1983)". The Courier-Journal. p. 21. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  52. ↑ Sowers, Richard (13 November 1982). "Warren has lark sweeping Cardinal (1982 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 1 - race 7: held 12 November 1982)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 11, 15. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  53. ↑ Sowers, Richard (13 November 1982). "Warren has lark sweeping Cardinal (1982 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 12 November 1982)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 11, 15. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  54. ↑ "Hightower, Spencer take Downs bow (1981 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 1 - race 7: held 14 November 1981)". The Courier-Journal. 15 November 1981. pp. 11, 15. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  55. ↑ "Churchill Downs Racing Results (1981 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 14 November 1981)". The Courier-Journal. 15 November 1981. p. 55. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  56. ↑ "Brumfield gives Downs an old 'view' (1980 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 1 - race 7: held 15 November 1980)". The Courier-Journal. 16 November 1980. pp. 43, 56. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  57. ↑ "Churchill Downs Racing Results (1980 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 15 November 1980)". The Courier-Journal. 16 November 1980. p. 65. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  58. ↑ Adair, Bob (11 November 1979). "'Impetuous', Gap Axe win Downs stakes (1979 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 1 - race 7: held 10 November 1979)". The Courier-Journal. p. 21. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  59. ↑ "Churchill Downs Racing Results (1979 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 10 November 1979)". The Courier-Journal. 11 November 1979. p. 25. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  60. ↑ Koerner, Dave (12 November 1978). "Unreality gets Suire off the limb, snares glory with Love to Tell (1978 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 1 - race 7: held 11 November 1978)". The Courier-Journal. p. 61. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  61. ↑ "Churchill Downs Racing Results (1978 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 11 November 1978)". The Courier-Journal. 12 November 1978. p. 61. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  62. ↑ "Opener ends 'rosily' for McKnight (1977 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 1 - race 7: held 31 October 1977)". The Courier-Journal. 1 November 1977. p. 8. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  63. ↑ "Churchill Downs Racing Results (1977 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 31 October 1977)". The Courier-Journal. 1 November 1977. p. 12. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  64. ↑ Bolus, Jim (2 November 1976). "In Downs' Kentucky Cardinal – Long shots run for daylight (1976 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 1 November 1976)". The Courier-Journal. p. 25. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  65. ↑ "Churchill Downs Racing Results (1976 Kentucky Cardinal Handicap Division 2 - race 8: held 1 November 1976)". The Courier-Journal. 2 November 1976. p. 29. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  66. ↑ Gay Jr., Marvin J. (23 November 1975). "Visier gets sixth stakes conquest of the year in Kentucky Cardinal (1975 Kentucky Cardinal Stakes - race 8: held 22 November 1975)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 47, 54. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  67. ↑ Rees, Jennie (17 November 1996). "Miss Caerleona wins Cardinal via DQ". The Courier-Journal. p. 42. Retrieved 28 October 2020.