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Just a Game Stakes
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| surface | Turf |
| class | Grade I |
| horse race | Just A Game Stakes |
| location | Belmont Park |
| Elmont, New York, United States | |
| inaugurated | 1992 |
| race type | Thoroughbred – Flat racing |
| website | NYRA |
| distance | 1 mile (8 furlongs) |
| track | Left-handed |
| qualification | Fillies & Mares, four-years-old and older |
| weight | 124lbs with allowances |
| purse | US$500,000 (2021) |
Elmont, New York, United States The Just A Game Stakes is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age four and up run over a distance of one mile (8 furlongs) on the turf held annually in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The event offers a purse of $500,000.
History
The race is named in honor of Peter Brant's filly, Just A Game, who was voted 1980 American Champion Female Turf Horse honors.
The event was inaugurated on Independence Day in 1992 and run over a distance of miles on a muddy dirt track, won by Lady Lear who defeated the Irish Bred favorite by a length in a time of 2:15.
The event was not held in 1993 but the next year the event was moved to the turf and run over a mile.
The event was classified as a Grade III in 1997, upgraded to Grade II in 2004 and a Grade I in 2008.
The event carried Breeders' Cup incentives between 1996 and 2005 which were reflected in the name of the event.
Several mares have won this event who later became champions. The 2000 winner Perfect Sting later that year won the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf and was crowned US Champion Female Turf Horse. The 2004 British bred winner Intercontinental returned the following year only to get defeated into second place by Sand Springs but by the end of the season she made amends by winning Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf and also becoming the 2005 US Champion Female Turf Horse. The 2015 winner Tepin continued en route to a Breeders' Cup Mile win and honored as 2015 US Champion Female Turf Horse.
In 2024 the event was moved to Saratoga Racetrack due to infield tunnel and redevelopment work at Belmont Park.
Records
Speed record:
- 1:31.64 – Celestine (2016)
Margins:
- 6 lengths – Elizabeth Bay (1994)
Most wins:
- 2 – Caress (1995, 1996)
Most wins by an owner:
- 4 – Juddmonte Farms (2004, 2008, 2010, 2017)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 4 – Javier Castellano (2011, 2014, 2017, 2019)
- 4 – Irad Ortiz Jr. (2018, 2020, 2023, 2024)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 8 – Chad C. Brown (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Winners
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Distance | Time | Purse | Grade | Ref | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Saratoga – Just a Game Stakes | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | Dynamic Pricing (IRE) | 4 | Dylan Davis | Chad C. Brown | Klaravich Stables | 1 mile | 1:38.77 | $500,000 | I | title=2025 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 13) | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=13&BorP=P&TID=SAR&CTRY=USA&DT=06/06/2025&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | website=Equibase | date=6 June 2025 | access-date=8 June 2025}} | |
| 2024 | Chili Flag (FR) | 5 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown | Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb & Michael E. Kisber | 1 mile | 1:35.01 | $500,000 | I | title=2024 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10) | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=10&BorP=P&TID=SAR&CTRY=USA&DT=06/07/2024&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | website=Equibase | date=7 June 2024 | access-date=8 June 2024}} | |
| At Belmont Park | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | In Italian (GB) | 5 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown | Peter M. Brant | 1 mile | 1:34.00 | $485,000 | I | title=2023 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 4) | url=https://www.equibase.com/premium/chartEmb.cfm?track=BEL&raceDate=06/09/2023&cy=USA&rn=4 | website=Equibase | access-date=9 June 2023}} | ||
| 2022 | Regal Glory | 6 | José Ortiz | Chad C. Brown | Peter M. Brant | 1 mile | 1:32.00 | $480,000 | I | title=2022 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 4) | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=4&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/11/2022&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | website=Equibase | access-date=11 June 2022}} | ||
| 2021 | Althiqa (GB) | 4 | Mike E. Smith | Charlie Appleby | Godolphin | 1 mile | 1:33.90 | $500,000 | I | title=2021 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8) | url=https://www.equibase.com/premium/chartEmb.cfm?track=BEL&raceDate=06/05/2021&cy=USA&rn=8 | website=Equibase | access-date=5 June 2021}} | ||
| 2020 | Newspaperofrecord (IRE) | 4 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown | Klaravich Stables | 1 mile | 1:35.62 | $250,000 | I | url=https://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/BEL062720USA.pdf | title=2020 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 10) | work=Equibase | date=27 June 2020 | accessdate=29 June 2020}} | |
| 2019 | Rushing Fall | 4 | Javier Castellano | Chad C. Brown | e Five Racing Thoroughbreds | 1 mile | 1:31.67 | $671,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=4&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/08/2019&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2019 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 4) | work=Equibase | date=8 June 2019 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2018 | A Raving Beauty (GER) | 5 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown | Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables, Bethlehem Stables | 1 mile | 1:32.14 | $700,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/09/2018&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2018 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=9 June 2018 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2017 | Antonoe | 4 | Javier Castellano | Chad C. Brown | Juddmonte Farms | 1 mile | 1:32.12 | $687,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/10/2017&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2017 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=10 June 2017 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2016 | Celestine | 4 | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | James Bryan, Jr | 1 mile | 1:31.64 | $700,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/11/2016&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2016 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=11 June 2016 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2015 | Tepin | 4 | Julien R. Leparoux | Mark E. Casse | Robert E. Masterson | 1 mile | 1:35.65 | $700,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/06/2015&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2015 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=6 June 2015 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2014 | Coffee Clique | 4 | Javier Castellano | Brian A. Lynch | Amerman Racing (Jerry & Joan Amerman) | 1 mile | 1:32.52 | $750,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/07/2014&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2014 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=7 June 2014 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2013 | Stephanie's Kitten | 4 | John R. Velazquez | Wayne M. Catalano | Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey | 1 mile | 1:36.27 | $500,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/08/2013&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2013 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=8 June 2013 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2012 | Tapitsfly | 5 | Ramon A. Dominguez | Dale L. Romans | Frank Jones Jr. | 1 mile | 1:32.34 | $500,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/09/2012&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2012 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=9 June 2012 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2011 | C. S. Silk | 5 | Javier Castellano | Dale L. Romans | William Pacella, Fred Barbara & George Bonomo | 1 mile | 1:40.53 | $400,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=9&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/11/2011&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2011 Foxwoods Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 9) | work=Equibase | date=11 June 2011 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2010 | Proviso (GB) | 5 | Mike E. Smith | William I. Mott | Juddmonte Farms | 1 mile | 1:34.09 | $400,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/05/2010&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2010 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=5 June 2010 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2009 | Diamondrella (GB) | 5 | Rajiv Maragh | Angel A. Penna Jr. | Castletop Stable | 1 mile | 1:36.49 | $400,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/06/2009&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2009 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=6 June 2009 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2008 | Ventura | 4 | Garrett K. Gomez | Robert J. Frankel | Juddmonte Farms | 1 mile | 1:32.75 | $400,000 | I | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/07/2008&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2008 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=7 June 2008 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2007 | My Typhoon (IRE) | 5 | Eddie Castro | William I. Mott | Live Oak Plantation | 1 mile | 1:34.92 | $294,000 | II | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/09/2007&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2007 Just a Game Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=9 June 2007 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| Just a Game Handicap | |||||||||||||||
| 2006 | Gorella (FR) | 4 | Julien R. Leparoux | Patrick L. Biancone | Martin S. Schwartz | 1 mile | 1:37.14 | $285,000 | II | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/10/2006&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2006 Just a Game Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=10 June 2006 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2005 | Sand Springs | 5 | John R. Velazquez | William I. Mott | Sangster Family Stable | 1 mile | 1:33.05 | $300,000 | II | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/11/2005&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2005 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=11 June 2005 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2004 | § Intercontinental (GB) | 4 | Jerry D. Bailey | Robert J. Frankel | Juddmonte Farms | 1 mile | 1:33.33 | $226,333 | II | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/05/2004&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2004 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=5 June 2004 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2003 | § Mariensky | 4 | José A. Santos | Christophe Clement | Waterville Lake Stable | 1 mile | 1:43.28 | $214,500 | III | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/07/2003&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2003 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=7 June 2003 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2002 | Babae (CHI) | 6 | Jorge F. Chavez | Frank A. Alexander | Joseph P. Platt Jr. | 1 mile | 1:34.57 | $147,200 | III | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/08/2002&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2002 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=8 June 2002 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2001 | License Fee | 6 | Pat Day | W. Elliott Walden | Winstar Farm | 1 mile | 1:32.62 | $189,050 | III | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/09/2001&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2001 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=9 June 2001 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 2000 | Perfect Sting | 4 | Jerry D. Bailey | Joe Orseno | Stronach Stables | 1 mile | 1:34.48 | $165,800 | III | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=5&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/10/2000&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=2000 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 5) | work=Equibase | date=10 June 2000 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 1999 | Cozy Blues | 5 | Jorge F. Chavez | H. James Bond | Sandy & Joanne Dew | 1 mile | 1:33.33 | $157,700 | III | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=5&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/05/1999&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=1999 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 5) | work=Equibase | date=5 June 1999 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 1998 | Witchful Thinking | 4 | Chris McCarron | Niall M. O'Callaghan | Leslie R. Grimm | 1 mile | 1:33.45 | $157,325 | III | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=6&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/06/1998&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=1998 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 6) | work=Equibase | date=6 June 1998 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 1997 | Memories of Silver | 4 | Jerry D. Bailey | James J. Toner | Joan & John Phillips | 1 mile | 1:32.90 | $158,950 | III | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=9&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/08/1997&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=1997 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9) | work=Equibase | date=8 June 1997 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 1996 | † Caress | 5 | Robbie Davis | H. Allen Jerkens | Harbor View Farm | 1 mile | 1:33.30 | $158,150 | Listed | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=9&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/09/1996&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=1996 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Listed – (race 9) | work=Equibase | date=9 June 1996 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| Just a Game Stakes | |||||||||||||||
| 1995 | Caress | 4 | Robbie Davis | H. Allen Jerkens | Harbor View Farm | 1 mile | 1:32.53 | $82,000 | Listed | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=9&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/11/1995&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=1995 Just a Game Stakes Listed – (race 9) | work=Equibase | date=11 June 1995 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 1994 | Elizabeth Bay | 4 | Mike E. Smith | William I. Mott | Mohammed Al Maktoum | 1 mile | 1:32.85 | $55,550 | Listed | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=8&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=06/15/1994&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=1994 Just a Game Stakes Listed – (race 8) | work=Equibase | date=15 June 1994 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} | |
| 1993 | Race not held | ||||||||||||||
| 1992 | Lady Lear | 5 | Gerry Brocklebank | Linda L. Rice | Mark Weiss | miles | 2:15.90 | $78,900 | Listed | url=http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=7&BorP=P&TID=BEL&CTRY=USA&DT=07/04/1992&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB | title=1992 Just a Game Stakes Listed – (race 7) | work=Equibase | date=4 July 1992 | accessdate=26 June 2020}} |
Legend: Notes: † In 1996, Class Kris finished first but was disqualified and set back to second § Ran as part of an entry
References
References
- Equibase.com. (2020). "Just a Game Stakes (Gr. 1)".
- (January 24, 2024). "NYRA sets 2024 calendar, with Belmont Stakes at Saratoga". [[New York Racing Association]].
- (6 June 2025). "2025 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 13)".
- (7 June 2024). "2024 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)".
- "2023 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 4)".
- "2022 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 4)".
- "2021 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 - (race 8)".
- (27 June 2020). "2020 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 10)". Equibase.
- (8 June 2019). "2019 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 4)". Equibase.
- (9 June 2018). "2018 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (10 June 2017). "2017 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (11 June 2016). "2016 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (6 June 2015). "2015 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (7 June 2014). "2014 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (8 June 2013). "2013 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (9 June 2012). "2012 Longines Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (11 June 2011). "2011 Foxwoods Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 9)". Equibase.
- (5 June 2010). "2010 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- (6 June 2009). "2009 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- (7 June 2008). "2008 Just a Game Stakes Grade 1 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- "The 2008 Just A Game Handicap". Bloodhorse.com.
- (9 June 2007). "2007 Just a Game Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- (10 June 2006). "2006 Just a Game Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- (11 June 2005). "2005 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- (5 June 2004). "2004 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (7 June 2003). "2003 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (8 June 2002). "2002 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- (9 June 2001). "2001 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase.
- (10 June 2000). "2000 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 5)". Equibase.
- (5 June 1999). "1999 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 5)". Equibase.
- (6 June 1998). "1998 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 6)". Equibase.
- (8 June 1997). "1997 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 – (race 9)". Equibase.
- (9 June 1996). "1996 Just a Game Breeders' Cup Handicap Listed – (race 9)". Equibase.
- (11 June 1995). "1995 Just a Game Stakes Listed – (race 9)". Equibase.
- (15 June 1994). "1994 Just a Game Stakes Listed – (race 8)". Equibase.
- (4 July 1992). "1992 Just a Game Stakes Listed – (race 7)". Equibase.
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