Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
Grade I race
LocationDel Mar Racetrack
Del Mar, California, United States
Inaugurated1937 (as Chula Vista Handicap)
Race typeThoroughbred – flat racing
WebsiteDel Mar
Race information
Distance1+1⁄16 miles
SurfaceDirt
Trackleft-handed
QualificationFillies and mares, three-years-old and older
WeightBase weights with allowances:
4-year-olds and up: 125 lbs.
3-year-olds: 121 lbs.
Purse$400,000 (2022)

The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age three years and older over a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt track, scheduled annually in late July or early August at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The event currently carries a purse of $400,000.

History

The event was inaugurated as the Chula Vista Handicap on July 17, 1937, as a five and one-half furlong race for two-year-olds bred in California and was won by High Strike owned by singer Bing Crosby.[1] The event was held again until 1967 when it was run at a distance of one mile.

In 1973, the race was brought back permanently as a contest for horses aged three and older at a distance of 1+1⁄8 miles on the turf.[2] During the next few years there would be more distance changes. It was run at 1+1⁄8 miles in 1973, 1 mile in 1974–1975, and seven and one-half furlongs from 1976–1980, after which it was set at its current distance of 1+1⁄16 miles.[2]

In 1981 the event was moved to the dirt and the events conditions changed to the current restriction of fillies and mares that are three-years-old and older. Since then it has been run on the dirt except from 2007 to 2014 when Del Mar used a synthetic "all weather" surface.[3]

In 2000 it was renamed to honor Clement L. Hirsch (1914–2000), a Thoroughbred owner whose horse, Magical Maiden won this race in 1993.[4] A Newport Beach, California businessman, Hirsch was responsible for the creation of the Oak Tree Racing Association.

The race was run in two divisions in 1977 and again in 1980.[5]

The event was classified as Grade III in 1983, upgraded to Grade II in 1986 and a Grade I event in 2009.[3] At the same time, conditions for the event changed from a handicap to a stakes format.[3]

In the 1980s when this event became a fillies and mares race it started to attract high calibre performers that would confirm the status of the event. Starting in 1984 with the winner Princess Rooney who later that year would win the Breeders' Cup Distaff and be crowned US Champion Older Dirt Female Horse. The 1990 winner, the Argentine bred mare Bayakoa would rectify her unplaced finish from 1989[2] and would also win the Breeders' Cup Distaff for the second time and retain her position as US Champion Older Dirt Female Horse. Allen E. Paulson's two-time winner of the event, Azeri would become US Horse of the Year in 2002. Zenyatta proved her dominance in this event winning it three times and with that she continued on winning the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic and in 2010 becoming US Horse of the Year.

Records

Speed record:

Speed record:

Most wins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
2023 Adare Manor 5 Juan Hernandez Bob Baffert Michael Lund Petersen 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.33 $400,000 I [6]
2022 Blue Stripe (ARG) 5 Hector I. Berrios Marcelo Polanco Pozo de Luna 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.97 $400,000 I [7]
2021 Shedaresthedevil 4 Florent Geroux Brad Cox Flurry Racing Stables, Qatar Racing and Big Aut Farms 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.38 $300,000 I [8]
2020 Fighting Mad 4 Abel Cedillo Bob Baffert Gary L. & Mary E. West 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.46 $250,500 I [9]
2019 Ollie's Candy 4 Kent J. Desormeaux John W. Sadler Paul & Karen Eggert 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44.66 $300,351 I [10]
2018 Unique Bella 4 Mike E. Smith Jerry Hollendorfer Don Alberto Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44:40 $300,000 I [11]
2017 Stellar Wind 5 Victor Espinoza John W. Sadler Hronis Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.92 $300,000 I [12]
2016 Stellar Wind 4 Victor Espinoza John W. Sadler Hronis Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.24 $300,000 I [13]
2015 Beholder 5 Gary L. Stevens Richard E. Mandella Spendthrift Farm 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.81 $300,750 I [14]
2014 Iotapa 4 Joseph Talamo John W. Sadler Hronis Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.04 $300,250 I [15]
2013 Lady of Fifty 4 Corey Nakatani Jerry Hollendorfer Jerry Hollendorfer & George Todaro 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.96 $301,000 I [16]
2012 Include Me Out 3 Joseph Talamo Ronald W. Ellis Jay Em Ess Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.96 $300,000 I [17]
2011 Ultra Blend 5 Tyler Baze Art Sherman Nels J. Erickson 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.28 $300,000 I [18]
2010 Zenyatta 6 Mike E. Smith John Shirreffs Jerry & Ann Moss 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.03 $300,000 I [19]
2009 Zenyatta 5 Mike E. Smith John Shirreffs Jerry & Ann Moss 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.24 $300,000 I [20]
Clement L. Hirsch Handicap
2008 Zenyatta 4 Mike E. Smith John Shirreffs Jerry & Ann Moss 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.48 $300,000 II [21]
2007 Nashoba's Key 4 Joseph Talamo Carla Gaines Warren B. Williamson 1+1⁄16 miles 1:48.29 $300,000 II [22]
2006 Healthy Addiction 5 Victor Espinoza John W. Sadler Pamela C. Ziebarth 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.92 $294,000 II [23]
2005 Tucked Away 5 Alex O. Solis Patrick Gallagher Nico Nierenberg 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.82 $300,000 II [24]
2004 Miss Loren (ARG) 6 Jon Court Luis E. Seglin Llers Corporation 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.93 $300,000 II [25]
2003 Azeri 5 Mike E. Smith Laura de Seroux A. E. Paulson Trust 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.12 $300,000 II [26]
2002 Azeri 4 Mike E. Smith Laura de Seroux A. E. Paulson Trust 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.66 $300,000 II [27]
2001 Tranquility Lake 6 Eddie Delahoussaye Julio C. Canani Pam & Martin Wygod 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.78 $294,000 II [28]
2000 Riboletta (BRZ) 5 Chris McCarron Eduardo Inda Aaron U. & Marie Jones 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.06 $300,000 II [29]
Chula Vista Handicap
1999 A Lady From Dixie 4 Chris Antley D. Wayne Lukas Robert D. & Marilyn Randal 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.40 $300,000 II [30]
1998 Sharp Cat 4 Corey Nakatani Wallace Dollase The Thoroughbred Corp. 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.00 $294,000 II [31]
1997 Radu Cool 5 Chris McCarron John Shirreffs 505 Farms 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.60 $300,000 II [32]
1996 Different (ARG) 4 Chris McCarron Ron McAnally Sidney Craig 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.40 $303,200 II [33]
1995 Borodislew 5 Chris McCarron Eduardo Inda 505 Farms 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.80 $313,100 II [34]
1994 § Paseana (ARG) 7 Chris McCarron Ron McAnally Sidney Craig 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.40 $202,100 II [35]
1993 Magical Maiden 4 Gary L. Stevens Warren Stute Clement L. Hirsch 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.60 $213,600 II [4]
1992 Exchange 4 Laffit Pincay Jr. William Spawr Sidney Craig 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.00 $213,100 II [36]
1991 Vieille Vigne (FR) 4 Martin A. Pedroza Jude T. Feld Fry & Gasen 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.60 $210,300 II [37]
1990 Bayakoa (ARG) 6 Laffit Pincay Jr. Ron McAnally Frank & Janis Whitham 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.60 $156,000 II [38]
1989 Goodbye Halo 4 Corey Black Charles E. Whittingham Alex Campbell Jr. & Arthur B. Hancock III 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.80 $133,400 II [39]
1988 Clabber Girl 5 Chris McCarron D. Wayne Lukas John A. Nerud 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.60 $131,600 II [40]
1987 Infinidad (CHI) 5 Corey Black Charles E. Whittingham Arthur B. Hancock III 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.40 $106,650 II [41]
1986 Fran's Valentine 4 Bill Shoemaker Joseph Manzi Green Thumb Farm 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.40 $100,000 II [42]
1985 Dontstop Themusic 5 Darrel G. McHargue Randy Winick Albert R. & Dana N. Broccoli 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.80 $79,775 III [43]
1984 Princess Rooney 4 Pat Valenzuela Neil D. Drysdale Paula J. Tucker 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.40 $105,350 III [44]
1983 § Sangue (IRE) 5 Bill Shoemaker Henry M. Moreno R. Charlene Parks 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.20 $80,350 III [45]
1982 Matching 4 Ray Sibille Steven L. Morguelan Glencrest Farm & Steven L. Morguelan 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.00 $79,600 [46]
1981 Save Wild Life 4 Chris McCarron Howard M. Tesher H. Joseph Allen 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.60 $81,400 [47]
1980 Wayside Station 5 Pat Valenzuela Edwin J. Gregson Harris Farms 7+1⁄2 furlongs 1:28.80 $32,875 Division 1[48]
Galaxy Libra (IRE) 4 Bill Shoemaker Charles E. Whittingham L. Rowan (Lessee) 1:29.00 $32,875 Division 2[49]
1979 He's Dewan 4 Darrel G. McHargue Jerry M. Fanning Dan J. Agnew 7+1⁄2 furlongs 1:29.00 $39,600 [50]
1978 Nantequos 5 Darrel G. McHargue Ron McAnally Mr. & Mrs. Albert Katz 7+1⁄2 furlongs 1:29.40 $33,750 [51]
1977 Notably Different 5 Chuck Baltazar Jay M. Robbins Arthur, Parsons & Robbins 7+1⁄2 furlongs 1:29.20 $22,375 Division 1[52]
Authorization 4 Darrel G. McHargue Willard L. Proctor Glen Hill Farm 1:29.40 $22,175 Division 2[53]
1976 Uniformity 4 Rudy Campas Willard L. Proctor Glen Hill Farm 7+1⁄2 furlongs 1:28.20 $28,150 [54]
1975 Bahia Key 5 Wayne Harris Robert K. Mitchell Robert K. Mitchell & Gil Wiener 1 mile 1:34.00 $21,750 [55]
1974 Bahia Key 4 Álvaro Pineda Robert K. Mitchell Robert K. Mitchell & Gil Wiener 1 mile 1:34.20 $22,650 [56]
1973 Grotonian 4 Bill Shoemaker Charlie Whittingham Marjorie L. Everett[57] 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.60 $21,600 [58]
1968–1972 Race not held
1967 Daystar II (ARG) 5 Bill Hartack Farrell W. Jones Mr. & Mrs. Hastings Harcourt 1 mile 1:35.20 $16,550 [59]
1938–1966 Race not held
1937 High Strike 2 Tim Sena Albert M. Johnson Bing Crosby 5+1⁄2 furlongs 1:06.00 $1,145 † Restricted [1]

Legend:
  Dirt   All Weather Track   Turf
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
† In the 1937 the event was restricted to two year olds bred in California

See also

External links

References

  1. ^ a b "Grey Jack Upset Victor (1937 Chula Vista Handicap – race 2: held 17 July 1937)". Los Angeles Times. July 18, 1937. p. 24. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Clement L. Hirsch Stakes – Multiple Tracks". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Equibase | Profiles". Equibase. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "1993 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 29, 1993. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  5. ^ "Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (2nd. Div.) - Del Mar, CA". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  6. ^ "2023 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 10)". Equibase. August 5, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  7. ^ "2022 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 9)". Equibase. August 6, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  8. ^ "2021 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 9)". Equibase. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  9. ^ "2020 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 10)". Equibase. August 2, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  10. ^ "2019 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 7)". Equibase. July 28, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  11. ^ "2018 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 5)". Equibase. July 29, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  12. ^ "2017 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. July 30, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  13. ^ "2016 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. July 30, 2016. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  14. ^ "2015 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 1, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  15. ^ "2014 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 2, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  16. ^ "2013 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 3, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  17. ^ "2012 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 4, 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  18. ^ "2011 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 6, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  19. ^ "2010 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 9)". Equibase. August 7, 2010. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  20. ^ "2009 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 9, 2009. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  21. ^ "2008 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. August 2, 2008. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  22. ^ "2007 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 5, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  23. ^ "2006 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 6, 2006. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  24. ^ "2005 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 7, 2005. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  25. ^ "2004 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 8, 2004. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  26. ^ "2003 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 10, 2003. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  27. ^ "2002 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 11, 2002. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  28. ^ "2001 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. August 5, 2001. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  29. ^ "2000 Clement L. Hirsch Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. August 12, 2000. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  30. ^ "1999 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 8, 1999. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  31. ^ "1998 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 30, 1998. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  32. ^ "1997 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 31, 1997. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  33. ^ "1996 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. September 1, 1996. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  34. ^ "1995 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. September 3, 1995. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  35. ^ "1994 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. August 28, 1994. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  36. ^ "1992 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. September 6, 1992. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  37. ^ "1991 Chula Vista Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. September 1, 1991. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
  38. ^ Mieszerski, Bob (September 2, 1990). "Bayakoa Scores Expected Victory, But It Takes Until Final Jump (1990 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 1 September 1990)". Los Angeles Times. p. 113. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  39. ^ Hovdey, Jay (September 3, 1989). "Bayakoa Unable to Extend Streak in a Pinch; Goodbye Halo Wins (1989 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 2 September 1989)". Los Angeles Times. p. 143. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  40. ^ Christine, Bill (August 14, 1988). "Clabber Girl Gets 2nd Straight Stakes Win in Chula Vista 'Cap (1988 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 13 August 1988)". Los Angeles Times. p. 56. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  41. ^ "Favored Infinidad Two-Length Winner in Del Mar Feature (1987 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 26 August 1987)". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. August 27, 1987. p. 56. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  42. ^ Christine, Bill (August 24, 1986). "Chula Vista Handicap at Del Mar – Fran's Valentine Wins... (1986 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 26 August 1986)". Los Angeles Times. p. 55. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  43. ^ Ello, Chris (August 26, 1985). "Dontstop Themusic Won't Wind Down, So Much (1985 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 25 August 1985)". Los Angeles Times. p. 38. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  44. ^ "Princess Rooney Wins Chula Vista (1984 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 26 August 1984)". The Desert Sun. Associated Press. August 27, 1984. p. 19. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  45. ^ "Del Mar Charts (1983 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 27 August 1983)". Los Angeles Times. August 28, 1983. p. 60. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  46. ^ "Nobody can match Matching (1982 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 18 August 1982)". The San Bernardino County Sun. Associated Press. August 19, 1982. p. 60. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  47. ^ "Save Wild Life wins (1981 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 19 August 1981)". The San Bernardino County Sun. Associated Press. August 20, 1981. p. 59. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  48. ^ "Wayside Station, Galaxy Libra win at Del Mar (1980 Chula Vista Handicap Division 1 – race 8: held 30 August 1980)". The San Bernardino County Sun. Associated Press. August 31, 1980. p. 59. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  49. ^ "Thoroughbred Racing (1980 Chula Vista Handicap Division 2 – race 9: held 30 August 1980)". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. August 31, 1980. p. 65. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  50. ^ "He's Dewan Wins Feature at Del Mar (1979 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 1 September 1979)". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. September 2, 1979. p. 47. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  51. ^ "Nantequos Wins Feature by Three Lengths (1978 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 2 September 1978)". Los Angeles Times. September 3, 1978. p. 62. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  52. ^ "Notably Different Wins for Third Straight Time (1977 Chula Vista Handicap Division 1 – race 5: held 3 September 1977)". Los Angeles Times. September 4, 1977. p. 56. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  53. ^ "Stretch runs win pay off (1977 Chula Vista Handicap Division 2 – race 8: held 3 September 1977)". Torrance Daily Breeze. Associated Press. September 4, 1977. p. 49. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  54. ^ "13-1 Shot Scores Upset At Del Mar (1976 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 4 September 1976)". Los Angeles Times. September 5, 1976. p. 48. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  55. ^ "Bahia Key Takes Del Mar 'Cap (1975 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 30 August 1975)". The Sacramento Bee. Associated Press. August 31, 1975. p. 7. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  56. ^ "Del Mar Charts (1974 Chula Vista Handicap – race 7: held 31 August 1974)". Los Angeles Times. September 1, 1974. p. 54. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  57. ^ "Obituary Marjorie Everett". Los Angeles Times. March 24, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  58. ^ "The Shoe has a grand goal at Del Mar (1973 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 8 September 1973)". The San Bernardino County Sun. Associated Press. September 9, 1973. p. 54. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  59. ^ "Daystar II Triumphs at Del Mar (1967 Chula Vista Handicap – race 8: held 18 October 1967)". Long Beach Independent Press-Telegram. Associated Press. October 19, 1967. p. 39. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
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