| Class | Non-graded Stakes |
|---|---|
| Horse race | Blue Hen Stakes |
| Location | Delaware Park Racetrack Stanton, Delaware, United States |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Website | www.delawarepark.com |
| Distance | 1 1⁄16 miles (8.5 furlongs) |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | left-handed |
| Qualification | Two-year-old fillies |
| Weight | Assigned |
| Purse | $75,000 |
The Blue Hen Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-old fillies held annually in early October at Delaware Park Racetrack in Stanton, Delaware. A non-graded stakes event raced on dirt, since 2004 it has been contested at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles (8.5 furlongs).
The Blue Hen is named for the horse breeding term "Blue Hen," meaning a mare who has proved herself exceptional in producing high quality foals, almost regardless of which stallion might be the sire.[1] These sons and daughters would also affect the breed. An example of the highest sort of Blue Hen mare would be La Troienne.
In 1965 and 1971, the race was run in two divisions.
Winners since 2000
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Distance (F) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Summer Laugh | Fernando Jara | Todd Pletcher | Edward P. Evans | 8.5 F | 1:46.5 |
| 2009 | Ms Vanenzza | Joseph Rocco, Jr. | Juan C. Vazquez | Florence Patitucci | 8.5 F | 1:45.74 |
| 2008 | Bon Jovi Girl | Jose Caraballo | Timothy F. Ritchey | Timothy F. Ritchey & Chuck Zacney | 8.5 F | 1:46.10 |
| 2007 | Saki To Me | Abel Castellano, Jr. | Edmond D. Gaudet | Morris Bailey | 8.5 F | 1:48.83 |
| 2006 | Miss Goodnight | Stewart Elliott | Timothy F. Ritchey | CJZ Racing Stable | 8.5 F | 1:46.63 |
| 2005 | Love Locket | Christopher DeCarlo | Todd A. Pletcher | Michael Tabor | 8.5 F | 1:47.37 |
| 2004 | Buzz Song | Christopher DeCarlo | Todd A. Pletcher | Bonnie & Sy Baskin | 8.5 F | 1:45.99 |
| 2003 | Vogue Girl | Robby Albarado | Allen Iwinski | Stan Stefanski | 8 F | 1:38.81 |
| 2002 | Heirloom Diamond | Jeremy Rose | Timothy F. Ritchey | S J B Jr. Stable | 8 F | 1:41.79 |
| 2001 | Treasure Coast Gem | Jeremy Rose | Francis Campitelli | James H. McCaul | 8 F | 1:39.93 |
| 2000 | Xtra Heat | Mark T. Johnston | John E. Salzman, Sr. | K. Taylor/H. Deitchman/J. Salzman | 6 F | 1:11.80 |
Earlier winners
(partial list)
- 1999 - Fiesty Countess
- 1998 - Godmother
- 1997 - Expensive Issue
- 1996 - The Lady's Unreal
- 1977 - Mesa Warrant
- 1976 - Nearna
- 1972 - Tuerta
- 1971 - Misty Bryn
- 1971 - Hasty Jude
- 1970 - Unity Hall
- 1969 - Gay Meeting
- 1968 - Parisian Parfait
- 1967 - Obeah
- 1966 - Regal Gleam
- 1965 - Ogirema
- 1965 - Turn To Talent
- 1964 - Come Hither Look
- 1963 - Katie Kitten
- 1962 - Nalee
- 1961 - Cicada
- 1960 - Baby Kiki
- 1959 - Blonde Demond
- 1958 - Nora Dares
References
- ^ ""Blue-Hens" - The Best Broodmares in Recent Decades". The Racing App. 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2019-04-03.