United Nations Stakes

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 26 September 1953 at the Atlantic City Race Course in Mays Landing, New Jersey as an Invitational handicap event, The United Nations Handicap over the distance of miles. The event was named after the intergovernmental organization United Nations with the idea to promote the internationalization of the sport of horse racing whereby foreign horses bred, owned and trained would compete against each other in the US. The event attracted eight entries - four were foreign bred, including the English-bred Royal Vale and Stan, Chilean-bred Iceberg II, Irish-bred Olympic View and the others were US Bred.

Within the first few years the event with its impressive stakes gave turf racing a spotlight. After his victory in 1956, Career Boy's owner Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney then decided to send his top two runners to run in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. Entered with stablemate Fisherman and with Eddie Arcaro riding, Career Boy finished fourth in the 1956 Arc to Ribot. Career Boy's 1956 performances earned him US Champion Male Turf Horse honors.

In 1957 the event was won by Round Table which was his eighth straight victory in the midst of an eleven race winning streak that landed him US Champion Male Turf Horse honors. In 1958 a crowd of 26,444 witnessed a masterful ride by the future U.S. Racing Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker who rode Clem to a new course record in 1:54 to a half length victory over Round Table who carried 130 pounds. Nonetheless, Round Table was crowned US Horse of the Year in 1958 even though Clem had defeated him three times during the year. In the 1959 renewal of the event Round Table was assigned a top weight of 136 pounds giving 14 to 22 pounds to his nine rivals. Round Table won the event becoming the first two time winner of the event.

By early 1960s the event had become as a logical and natural place for international and top US turf runners to prepare for the Washington D.C. International which was considered as the forerunner to the Breeders' Cup Turf and the championship long distance turf race. The event was held in September and with NYRA holding the Man o' War Stakes in late October or early November the path to the Washington D.C. International was clear. Although the 1960 winner T.V. Lark did not run in the Washington D.C. International, he did manage to go on as a four-year-old and win that event the following year. The 1962 and 1963 winner Mongo also went on to win the prestigious Washington D.C. International and captured US Champion Male Turf Horse honors.

From 1963 to 1971 the event had a profound bearing on who would be crowned US Champion Male Turf Horse. The 1964 US Champion Male Turf Horse, Irish-bred Turbo Jet II finished third to Western Warrior in the event, The 1964 second place finisher and 1965 winner Parka was crowned US Champion Male Turf Horse. The 1966 winner Assagai would also win the Man o' War Stakes was crowned US Champion Male Turf Horse. Assagai was also second to 1967 longshot winner Flit-to, and third was Fort Marcy who eventually was voted 1967 US Champion Male Turf Horse. Fort Marcy would run four times in the event finishing third three times before finally winning the event in 1970. However, Fort Marcy was not disgraced in defeat. The 1968 winner Dr. Fager who defeated Advocator and Australian champion Tobin Bronze was crowned US Horse of the Year and the 1969 winner, the South African-bred Hawaii was chosen as US Champion Male Turf Horse. In 1970 Fort Marcy won the United Nations Handicap, four weeks later won the Man o' War Stakes at Belmont Park and in early November captured the Washington D.C. International for the second time and was crowned 1970 US Horse of the Year. The 1971 winner Run the Gantlet won the event on the soft track Run the Gantlet's 1971 performances earned him American Champion Male Turf Horse honors.

In 1973 when The American Graded Stakes Committee was founded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association the event was immediately given the highest classification of Grade I. By the 1980s the event was scheduled to be run in summer usually in late July or August.

Through the 1970s and 1980s the event produced notable winners. The 1974 winner Halo went on to become twice the Leading sire in North America in the 1980s. The 1978 winner, the English-bred Noble Dancer II was superbly ridden by U. S. Triple Crown winning jockey Steve Cauthen by six lengths which continues to be the largest margin of victory in the event. Noble Dancer II became the third horse to be a dual winner of the event in 1979.

Entering the Breeders' Cup era the event continued to be a notable preparatory event. The 1986 winner as a three-year-old, Manila followed with wins in the Grade I Turf Classic at Belmont Park and Grade I Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park and was crowned US Champion Male Turf Horse.

From 1990 through 1997, the event was known as the Caesars International Handicap with sponsorship from Caesars Atlantic City. From 1990 to 1993 the event held a Grade II classification. The 1989 US Champion Male Turf Horse, the English-bred Steinlen set a new track record in 1990 winning in 1:52 flat.

The Canadian-bred Sky Classic won the 1992 renewal and which culminated in him winning US Champion Male Turf Horse honors. Duel Breeders' Cup Mile winner Lure proved that he could also win at a longer distance in 1994. While the Brazilian three-year-old champion from 1992, Sandpit would become the fifth horse to win the event twice in 1996.

With the economic deterioration of the Atlantic City Race Course the event was not held in 1998 in a shortened meeting.

In 1999, the event was moved to Monmouth Park and run over a longer distance of miles. The event was continued to be well supported stakes reaching $750,000 in 2003. In 2004 the conditions of the event were changed from handicap to stakes allowance and the name of the event was modified to the United Nations Stakes.

Notable winners in the 2000s include 2004 Breeders' Cup Turf winner Better Talk Now winning the event in 2005. English Channel won the event for the second time in 2007. He continued his excellent form and captured the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Turf by 7 lengths at Monmouth Park. English Channel was voted US Champion Male Turf Horse for 2007.

Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey's Big Blue Kitten was the eighth horse to win this event twice in 2015. Big Blue Kitten continued his fine form winning the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes Those victories were key in Big Blue Kitten being chosen US Champion Male Turf Horse in 2015.

After many years being scheduled close to July 4 weekend, the event is now part of the Haskell Stakes race day card.

In 2024 the event was downgraded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to Grade II status.

Records

Time record:

• miles – 2:10.81 Bigger Picture (2017) (Track record)
• miles – 1:52.00 Steinlen (GB) (1990)

Margins:

• 6 lengths – Noble Dancer II (GB) (1978)

Most wins by a jockey:

• 5 – Joe Bravo (2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020)

Most wins by a trainer:

• 6 – MacKenzie Miller (1966, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1981, 1984)
• 6 – Chad C. Brown (2013, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2025)

Most wins by an owner:

• 4 – Rokeby Stables (1970, 1971, 1981, 1984) Most wins:
• 2 – Round Table (1957, 1959)
• 2 – Mongo (1962, 1963)
• 2 – Noble Dancer II (GB) (1978, 1979)
• 2 – Manila (1986, 1987)
• 2 – Sandpit (BRZ) (1995, 1996)
• 2 – English Channel (2006, 2007)
• 2 – Presious Passion (2008, 2009)
• 2 – Big Blue Kitten (2013, 2015)

Winners

Notes: ‡ Ran as a part of a field entry † In the running of the event in 2001, With Anticipation finished first but after taking the lead in the upper stretch then drifted outward under left handed pressure impeding the progress of Senure, the second place finisher. After a stewards inquiry and a subsequent claim of foul, the stewards disqualified With Anticipation and placed him second. Senure was declared the winner.

References

References

1. "United Nations Stakes Profile".
2. Webster, John. (26 September 1953). "Royal Vale Favored IN $60,550 Classic; English-Bred Horse Part of Entry in U.N. Turf 'Cap at Shore Today". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
3. Moriarty, Tom. (13 November 1953). "Tom Fool catches foe Native Dancer at last". [[Deseret News and Telegram]].
4. (8 October 1956). "Undefeated Italian Ribot Outruns US Aces". [[Daytona Beach Morning Journal]].
5. "Round Table (horse)".
6. (14 September 1958). "Clem Wins 'U.N.' Handicap". Bridgeport Sunday Herald.
7. (12 November 1963). "Mongo Outruns Kelso in International". [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]].
8. (25 October 1964). "Turbo Jet 2nd Beats Gun Bow By 3/4 Length at Aqueduct – (race 7: held 24 October 1964)". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
9. (23 October 1966). "Assagai Drifts, Then Rallies To Take Man O' War 'Cap – (race 7: held 22 October 1966)". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
10. "Fort Marcy (USA)".
11. (26 October 1971). "Run the Gantlet romps at Laurel". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
12. (2021). "UNITED NATIONS STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online.
13. (2021). "HALO (USA) blk. H, 1969 {2-d} - 31 Starts, 9 Wins, 8 Places, 5 Shows Career Earnings: $259,553". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online.
14. Cornelius, Jim. (21 September 1986). "Manila edges longshot in Turf Classic at Belmont (1986 Turf Classic – race 8: ''held 22 September 1986'')". [[The Record (North Jersey).
15. (2008). "Hall of Champions - Manila". Breeders' Cup World Championships.
16. (2019-07-12). "Eclipse Award History". NTRA.
17. "English Channel Breaks Through in Turf".
18. Jeremy Balan. (5 July 2015). "Big Blue Kitten Takes United Nations". The Blood-Horse.
19. Ron Mitchell. (26 September 2015). "Big Blue Kitten Takes Hirsch in Record Time". [[The Blood-Horse]].
20. (16 December 2023). "TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2024". [[Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association]].
21. (19 July 2025). "2025 United Nations Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase.
22. (20 July 2024). "2024 United Nations Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase.
23. (12 July 2023). "2023 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
24. (23 July 2022). "2022 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)".
25. (17 July 2021). "2021 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)".
26. (18 July 2020). "2020 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
27. (22 June 2019). "2019 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
28. (30 June 2018). "2018 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
29. (1 July 2017). "2017 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
30. (3 July 2016). "2016 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase.
31. (5 July 2015). "2015 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
32. (6 July 2014). "2014 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 12)". Equibase.
33. (6 July 2013). "2013 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
34. (7 July 2012). "2012 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
35. (2 July 2011). "2011 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase.
36. (3 July 2010). "2010 BetFair / TVG United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase.
37. (4 July 2009). "2009 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase.
38. (5 July 2008). "2008 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 12)". Equibase.
39. (7 July 2007). "2007 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase.
40. (8 July 2006). "2006 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase.
41. (2 July 2005). "2005 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase.
42. (3 July 2004). "2004 United Nations Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase.
43. (5 July 2003). "2003 United Nations Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase.
44. (6 July 2002). "2002 United Nations Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase.
45. (1 July 2001). "2001 United Nations Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase.
46. (1 July 2000). "2000 United Nations Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase.
47. (31 July 1999). "1999 United Nations Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase.
48. (28 June 1997). "1997 Caesars International Handicap Grade 1 - (race 4)". Equibase.
49. (22 June 1996). "1996 Caesars International Handicap Grade 1 - (race 4)". Equibase.
50. (25 June 1995). "1995 Caesars International Handicap Grade 1 - (race 5)". Equibase.
51. (26 June 1994). "1994 Caesars International Handicap Grade 1 - (race 7)". Equibase.
52. (27 June 1993). "1993 Caesars International Handicap Grade 2 - (race 5)". Equibase.
53. (28 June 1992). "1992 Caesars International Handicap Grade 2 - (race 5)". Equibase.
54. (21 July 1991). "1991 Caesars International Handicap Grade 2 - (race 5)". Equibase.
55. Amsel, Michael. (14 July 1990). "Steinlen captures $500,000 Caesars (1990 Caesars International Handicap – race 8: ''held 21 July 1990'')". [[Asbury Park Press]].
56. Lyons, Bill. (20 July 1989). "United Nations Handicap becomes a Yankee Affair (1989 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 19 July 1989'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
57. Lyons, Bill. (20 July 1988). "Equalize takes U. N. Handicap becomes a Yankee Affair (1988 United Nations Handicap – race 5: ''held 19 July 1988'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
58. Amsel, Michael. (16 July 1987). "Manila wins easily United Nations Handicap (1987 United Nations Handicap – race 4: ''held 15 July 1987'')". [[Asbury Park Press]].
59. Clippinger, Don. (11 August 1986). "Breeders' Cup is the goal of U. N. champion Manila (1986 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 9 August 1986'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
60. (12 August 1985). "Atlantic City Charts (1985 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 11 August 1985'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
61. Clippinger, Don. (15 July 1984). "Hero's Honor takes charge early to top Cozzene in U.N. Handicap (1984 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 14 July 1984'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
62. Clippinger, Don. (3 July 1983). "Cordero guides Acaroid to victory in U.N. Handicap (1983 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 2 July 1983'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
63. Clippinger, Don. (1 August 1982). "Cordero guides Acaroid to victory in U.N. Handicap (1982 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 31 July 1982'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
64. Clippinger, Don. (25 July 1981). "Key to Content wins U.N. 'Cap (1981 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 24 July 1981'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
65. (9 August 1980). "Lyphard's Wish wins United Nations Handicap (1980 United Nations Handicap – race 6: ''held 8 August 1980'')". [[The Courier-Journal]].
66. Newman, Chuck. (2 September 1979). "Noble Dancer II wins handicap; Overskate 3d (1979 United Nations Handicap – race 6: ''held 1 September 1979'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
67. Clippinger, Don. (5 September 1978). "Noble Dancer captures U.N. 'Cap; ... (1978 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 4 September 1978'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
68. (6 September 1977). "United Nations 'Cap Captured by Bemo (1977 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 5 September 1977'')". [[Asbury Park Press]].
69. (7 September 1976). "Intrepid Hero Takes United Nations 'Cap (1976 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 6 September 1976'')". [[Asbury Park Press]].
70. Harris, Russ. (27 July 1975). "Lasater's Royal Glint Takes United Nations (1975 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 26 July 1975'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
71. Burrows, Walt. (31 August 1974). "Stretch Run Wins Classic; Halo an Angel to Backer in UN (1974 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 30 August 1974'')". [[Camden Courier-Post]].
72. Bernstein, Ralph. (28 September 1973). "Tentam rallies to capture UN Handicap by 4 Lengths over Star Envoy (1973 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 27 September 1973'')". [[The Courier-Journal]].
73. Harris, Russ. (17 September 1972). "Field Horse Acclimatization ($26.60) (1972 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 16 September 1972'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
74. Harris, Russ. (19 September 1971). "Run The Gantlet Takes United Nations 'Cap (1971 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 18 September 1971'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
75. Meier, Ted. (17 September 1970). "Fort Marcy Triumphs Over Fiddle Isle in UN Handicap (1970 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 16 September 1970'')". [[Central New Jersey Home News]].
76. Chevalier, Jack. (11 September 1969). "Hawaii Win U.N. Handicap At Atlantic City (1969 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 10 September 1969'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
77. (12 September 1968). "U.N. Race Is Captured By Dr. Fager; Advocator Finishes Second, With Fort Marcy Third (1968 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 11 September 1968'')". [[Baltimore Sun]].
78. Hall, Bill. (21 September 1967). "Flit-To Sets Record, Pays $40,20 in Win (1967 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 20 September 1967'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
79. Hall, Bill. (18 September 1966). "Assagai Wins by Head; Ginger Fizz Runs 2d; Atlantic City Charts (1966 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 17 September 1966'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
80. Hall, Bill. (19 September 1965). "Parka Triumphs in United Nations 'Cap (1965 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 18 September 1965'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
81. Hall, Bill. (19 September 1964). "Mongo Finishes 9th As Western Warrior Wins United Nations (1964 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 18 September 1964'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
82. Dell, John. (15 September 1963). "Mongo Wins U.N. 'Cap, Carry Back 3d (1963 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 14 September 1963'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
83. Hall, Bill. (16 September 1962). "Longshot Mongo Wins U.N. 'Cap (1962 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 15 September 1962'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
84. Webster, John. (17 September 1961). "Oink Wins U.N., Returns $57.20 (1961 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 16 September 1961'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
85. Ward, Gene. (18 September 1960). "T.V. Lark Wins UN 'Cap Over Dancer, Pays $18.60 (1960 United Nations Handicap – race 8: ''held 17 September 1960'')". [[New York Daily News]].
86. (20 September 1959). "Round Table Cops U.N. Handicap; Noureddin Takes 2d, Li'l Fella 3d (1959 United Nations Handicap – race 6: ''held 19 September 1959'')". [[The Courier-Journal]].
87. Webster, John. (14 September 1958). "Clem beats Round Table in U.N. Handicap; Winner Sets Turf Mark; Returns $11; 1/2 Length Victory Spoil Kerr Horse's Bid For Money Title (1958 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 13 September 1958'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
88. Daniels, Don. (15 September 1957). "Round Table's Night After Day at the Races (1957 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 14 September 1957'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
89. Webster, John. (16 September 1956). "Swaps Out; Career Boy Wins; Find Finishes 2; in $100,000 UN Shore Turf 'Cap (1956 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 15 September 1956'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
90. Webster, John. (25 September 1955). "Blue Choir Victor at Shore; Beats Chevations in $104,600 'Cap; Klarion Gets 3d (1955 United Nations Handicap – race 7: ''held 24 September 1955'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
91. Webster, John. (26 September 1954). "Closed Door Vanquishes Royal Vale in U.N. 'Cap (1954 United Nations Handicap – race 6: ''held 25 September 1954'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].
92. Webster, John. (27 September 1953). "Iceberg 2d Wins Rich 'Cap, Sets Turf Mark at Shore (1953 United Nations Handicap – race 6: ''held 26 September 1953'')". [[Philadelphia Inquirer]].