Hard Scuffle Hurdle Stakes

Hard Scuffle Hurdle Stakes
discontinued
ClassGrade I (NSA)
LocationChurchill Downs
Louisville, KY
Inaugurated1998
Final run2003
Race typeThoroughbred (Steeplechase)
Race information
Distance2 1/16 Miles (1999-2003)
2 1/2 Miles (1998)
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationFour-year-olds and older
Purse$100,000

The Hard Scuffle Hurdle Stakes was an American Grade I Thoroughbred hurdle race held at Churchill Downs from 1998 to 2003 for four-year-olds and up. For most of its existence, the race was the first leg of the NSA's Steeplechase Triple Crown, with the other legs being the Joe Aitcheson Hurdle Stakes at Pimlico, and the Meadow Brook Hurdle Stakes at Belmont Park.

History

The inaugural race was run on June 28, 1998, and was won by Lonesome Glory.

In 1999, the race was moved to the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, and was shortened from 2 1/2 Miles, to a distance of 2 1/16 Miles.

In 2000, Pompeyo won the race, setting the race record of 3:45.22.

In 2004, the race was discontinued due to contract disputes with horsemen over purse money. As a result, the National Steeplechase Association reorganized the Steeplechase Triple Crown.

Winners

Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Time
2003 Trebizond 7 Robert Massey Katherine S. Neilson William C. Lickle 3:45.97
2002 McDynamo 5 Craig Thornton Sanna Neilson Michael J. Moran 3:48.00
2001 Praise the Prince 6 Gus M. Miller Sanna Neilson Augustin Stables 3:49.00
2000 Pompeyo 6 Gus M. Miller Sanna Neilson Augustin Stables 3:45.22
1999 Popular Gigalo 5 F. Bruce Miller F. Bruce Miller Jr. Clorevia Farm 3:47.76
1998 Lonesome Glory 10 Blythe Miller Bruce Miller Walter M. Jeffords Jr. 4:28.55

References

  1. 1 2 "Churchill Downs / June 28, 1998 / Race 12". Equibase.
  2. 1 2 "Churchill Downs / April 29, 1999 / Race 9". Equibase.
  3. 1 2 "Churchill Downs / May 4, 2000 / Race 10". Equibase.
  4. ↑ "Purse Considerations Lead Churchill to Scrap Jump Race". Bloodhorse.
  5. ↑ "Sheppard Takes Over at NSA; Triple Crown Saved". Bloodhorse.
  6. ↑ "Churchill Downs / May 1, 2003 / Race 10". Equibase.
  7. ↑ "Churchill Downs / May 2, 2002 / Race 10". Equibase.
  8. ↑ "Churchill Downs / May 3, 2001 / Race 9". Equibase.