New York State, the 11th state to be admitted to the Union, is popularly known as the EMPIRE State. New York has long been a leader in the political, cultural, and economic life of the United States. It has been called the Empire State since before 1800, a reference to its wealth and variety of resources, and probably derived from a comment, attributed to George Washington, that predicted that New York would become the seat of the new empire. The Empire State Building stands as a Manhattan skyscraper, located on 5th Avenue between 33rd and 34th streets, which, when it was completed in 1931, was the tallest building in the world at 1,250 feet.
The EMPIRE STAKES for 2-year-old New York-breds was inaugurated in 1976. Run at Belmont 1989-91, 1993-95, and 1997-present; at Saratoga in 1992; and at Aqueduct in 1996. Run at 5 1/2 furlongs in 1989. In 1994, the Empire Stakes was renamed as the EMPIRE CLASSIC. It was previously run for 2-year-olds at six furlongs 1976-88 and 1990-93. Run at 1 1/8 miles 1994-present.
$250,000.00 1 1/8 (Dirt) Grade:
Year
Horse
Age
Weight
Time
Owner
Trainer
Jockey
Value
2024
Mama's Gold
4
122
1:49.01
Joseph R. Hardoon
James W. Ferraro
Romero R. Ramsay
$137,500
2023
Straight Arrow
4
122
1:50.51
Laura Barrish
Michael Dini
Jairo Rendon
$137,500
2022
Dr. Blute
4
122
1:51.95
Flanagan Racing
Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
Jose L. Ortiz
$137,500
2021
Americanrevolution
3
120
1:49.11
CHC Inc. & WinStar Farm LLC
Todd A. Pletcher
Luis Saez
$165,000
2020
Mr. Buff
6
126
1:48.75
Broman, Sr., Chester and Mary
John C. Kimmel
Junior Alvarado
$96,250
2019
Mr. Buff
5
124
1:48.65
Chester and Mary Broman, Sr
John C. Kimmel
Junior Alvarado
$173,250
2018
Pat On the Back
4
124
1:49.76
Harold Lerner LLC, AWC Stables & Nehoc Stables
Jeremiah Englehart
Dylan Davis
$173,250
2017
Twisted Tom
3/C
120
1:49.38
Cobra Farm, Inc., R R Partners and Head of Plains Partners LLC
Chad C. Brown
Javier Castellano
$180,000
2016
Royal Posse
-
122
1:52.15
Dubb, Michael, Bethlehem Stables LLC and Aisquith, Gary
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Gambling Problems? The New York Racing Association encourages responsible wagering. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you care about, help is available 24 hours a day. Scan here to talk with someone now about your gambling. Or call toll-free 1-877-8-HOPE-NY.