Stephen Foster Stakes

The Stephen Foster Handicap was inaugurated on 19 June 1982 as the Stephen Foster Handicap and has progressed from Grade III status in 1988 to Grade II in 1995 to Grade I in 2002. In 2019, it was downgraded to Grade II. In 2023 the event was upgraded by the American Graded Stakes Committee to Grade I. Currently offering a purse of $1,000,000, the race draws some of the top older horses from various parts of the United States. Since 2015 the event is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event, offering the winner an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic. The race was restricted to horses four years of age an older in 1983 and from 1985 through 1987. ==Records==

Speed record • 1:47.28 - Victory Gallop (1999) Margins • 7 lengths - Gun Runner (2017) Most wins • 2 - Vodika Collins (1982, 1983) • 2 - Recoup the Cash (1994, 1995) Most wins by a jockey • 3 - Robby Albarado (2007, 2008, 2009) • 3 - Pat Day (1985, 1998, 2003) Most wins by a trainer • 2 - Forrest Kaelin (1982, 1983) • 2 - Jere Smith Jr. (1994, 1995) • 2 - Patrick B. Byrne (1997, 1998) • 2 - Mark E. Casse (2011, 2015) • 2 - Steven M. Asmussen (2011, 2015) • 2 - Dallas Stewart (2009, 2019) • 2 - Albert Stall Jr. (2010, 2020) • 2 - William I. Mott (2011, 2015) • 2 - Todd A. Pletcher (2024, 2025) Most wins by an owner • 2 - Milbert B. Collins (1982, 1983) • 2 - Richard E. Trebat (1994, 1995) • 2 - Stronach Stables (1998, 2000) • 2 - West Point Thoroughbreds (2007, 2009) • 2 - Claiborne Farm (1992, 2010) • 2 - Godolphin (2002, 2021) ==Winners==