Calumet Turf Cup

Horse race

Calumet Turf CupGrade III race

Location| Kentucky Downs
Franklin, Kentucky, United States
Inaugurated| 1990 (as Sam Houston Stakes)
Race type| Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Sponsor| Calumet Farm (since 2016)
Website| Kentucky Downs
Race information
Distance| 1+1⁄2 miles
Surface| Turf
Track| Left-handed
Qualification| Three-year-olds and older
Weight| Base weights with allowances:
4-year-olds and up: 126 lbs.
3-year-olds: 122 lbs.
Purse| US$1,000,000 (since 2019)
Bonuses| Winner automatic entry into Breeders' Cup Turf

The Calumet Turf Cup is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three years olds and older, over a distance of 1+1⁄2 miles on the turf held annually in September at Kentucky Downs racetrack in Franklin, Kentucky during their short turf meeting.

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Records
* 3 Winners
* 4 See also
* 5 References

## History[edit]

The event was inaugurated on 22 April 1990 as the Sam Houston Stakes on the first ever meeting at the new track then known as the Duelling Grounds Racecourse.[1] The race was in honor of Sam Houston who took part in a duel on the site of where the racetrack is located near the border of Kentucky and Tennessee.[2] The following year the event was renamed to the Sam Houston Handicap, and conditions were changed to a handicap.[3][4]

In 1996 and 1997 the event was not held due to the track being shut down and in bankruptcy proceedings.[5]

When the track reopened in 1998 the race was renamed the Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap as part of the Kentucky Cup Turf Festival. In 2001 the event was classified as Grade III.[6]

In 2019, the purse was increased to $1,000,000.[6]

In 2021 the event was upgraded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to a Grade II.[7] For the 2021 running Kentucky Downs renamed the event to The Calumet Turf Cup which is sponsored by Calumet Farm.[8] The winner of the event, Imperador set a new track record for the distance of 2:25.70.[9]

## Records[edit]

Speed record

* 1+1⁄2 miles: 2:25.70 – Imperador (2021) (new course record)

Margins

* 6+3⁄4 lengths – Silverfoot (2005)

Most wins

* 2 – Rochester (2002, 2003)
* 2 – Da Big Hoss (2015, 2016)
* 2 – Arklow (2018, 2020)

Most wins by an owner

* 2 – Augustin Stable (2002, 2003)
* 2 – Robert E. Courtney Jr. (2011, 2012)
* 2 – Skychia Racing (2015, 2016)
* 2 – Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Peter Coneway (2018, 2020)

Most wins by a jockey

* 4 – Florent Geroux (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)

Most wins by a trainer

* 4 – Michael J. Maker (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019)

## Winners[edit]

Year  | Winner  | Age  | Jockey  | Trainer  | Owner  | Distance  | Time  | Purse  | Grade  | Ref

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Calumet Turf Cup
2021  | Imperador  | 5  | Joseph Talamo | Paulo Lobo  | Bonne Chance Farm and Stud R D I  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:25.70  | $715,105  | II  | [9]
Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes
2020  | Arklow  | 6  | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Peter Coneway  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:28.66  | $910,000  | III  | [10]
2019  | Zulu Alpha | 6  | Jose L. Ortiz | Michael J. Maker | Michael M. Hui  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:28.62  | $986,500  | III  | [11]
2018  | Arklow  | 4  | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger & Peter Coneway  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:30.56  | $746,500  | III  | [12]
2017  | Oscar Nominated  | 4  | Julien R. Leparoux | Michael J. Maker | Ken & Sarah Ramsey | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:31.37  | $594,000  | III  | [13]
2016  | Da Big Hoss  | 5  | Florent Geroux | Michael J. Maker | Skychai Racing (Harvey Diamond & Jim Shircliff)  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:35.08  | $594,180  | III  | [14]
2015  | Da Big Hoss  | 4  | Joseph Rocco Jr.  | Michael J. Maker | Skychai Racing (Harvey Diamond & Jim Shircliff)  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:33.40  | $600,000  | III  | [15]
2014  | Suntracer  | 6  | Florent Geroux | Chris M. Block  | Team Block  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:27.12  | $347,400  | III  | [16]
2013  | Temeraine  | 4  | Gary L. Stevens | Thomas F. Proctor | Niall Racing (Timothy B. & Patrick F. Turney)  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:29.18  | $399,000  | III  | [17]
2012  | Ioya Bigtime  | 8  | Jeffrey Sanchez  | Chris M. Block  | Robert E. Courtney Jr.  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:30.06  | $200,000  | III  | [18]
2011  | Rahystrada  | 7  | Greta Kuntzweiler  | Byron G. Hughes  | Robert E. Courtney Jr.  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:32.40  | $150,000  | III  | [19]
2010  | Rezif  | 5  | Greta Kuntzweiler  | Matthew Jacobson  | Donald Sexton, Matthew Jacobson & Thomas Baughman  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:44.74  | $150,000  | III  | [20]
2009  | Cloudy's Knight | 9  | Rosemary Homeister Jr. | Jonathan E. Sheppard | S J Stables (Shirley & Jerrold Schwartz)  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:33.96  | $150,000  | III  | [21]
2008  | Rumor Has It  | 7  | Eduardo E. Perez  | David H. Hinsley  | William S. Patterson & James F. Glenn  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:28.27  | $200,000  | III  | [22]
2007  | General Jumbo (GB) | 5  | Jeremy Rose | H. Graham Motion | Thomas Conway  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:26.98  | $200,000  | III  | [23]
2006  | Embossed (IRE) | 4  | Larry Melancon | Niall M. O'Callaghan  | Gary A. Tanaka | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:36.92  | $200,000  | III  | [24]
2005  | Silverfoot  | 5  | Rafael Bejarano | Dallas Stewart | Chrysalis Stables (Stephanie S. Clark)  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:30.30  | $200,000  | III  | [25]
Kentucky Turf Cup Handicap
2004  | Sabiango (GER) | 6  | Brice Blanc | Tim Yakteen  | Monty Roberts | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:33.70  | $200,000  | III  | [26]
2003  | † Rochester  | 7  | Eddie Martin Jr.  | Jonathan E. Sheppard | Augustin Stable | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:31.39  | $200,000  | III  | [27]
2002  | Rochester  | 6  | Eddie Martin Jr.  | Jonathan E. Sheppard | Augustin Stable | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:38.28  | $300,000  | III  | [28]
2001  | Chorwon  | 8  | Jon Court | Hal R. Wiggins  | Phoebe Ann Mueller  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:28.68  | $300,000  | III  | [29]
2000  | Down the Aisle  | 7  | Robby Albarado | William I. Mott | Charles H. Deters  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:27.70  | $300,000  | Listed  | [30]
1999  | Fahris (IRE) | 5  | Shane Sellers | Kiaran P. McLaughlin | Shadwell Stable | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:29.60  | $300,000  | Listed  | [31]
1998  | Yaqthan (IRE) | 8  | Brian Dale Peck  | Anthony L. Reinstedler | Merdonmar Stable (Sheikh Abdullah Majid Al Qasin)  | 1+1⁄2 miles  | 2:27.60  | $300,000  | Listed  | [32]
1996-1997  | Race not held
Sam Houston Handicap
1995  | Lassigny  | 4  | Pat Day | William I. Mott | Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer | abt. 1+1⁄2 miles | 2:30.60  | $250,000  | Listed  | [33]
1994  | Lindon Lime  | 4  | Shane Sellers | W. Elliott Walden | Frank ManseII  | abt. 1+1⁄2 miles | 2:31.40  | $300,000  | Listed  | [34]
1993  | Know Heights (IRE) | 4  | Kent Desormeaux | Robert B. Hess Jr.  | Mike H. Sloan, et al.  | abt. 1+1⁄2 miles | 2:25.60  | $300,000  | Listed  | [35]
1992  | Drummer Boy  | 4  | Garrett Gomez | Dennis W. Ebert  | Elise M. Ebert & Eleanore Cohen  | abt. 1+1⁄2 miles | 2:28.40  | $300,000  | Listed  | [36]
1991  | Silver Medallion  | 5  | Craig Perret | Philip M. Hauswald  | John A. Franks | abt. 1+1⁄2 miles | 2:31.30  | $200,000  | Listed  | [3]
1990  | Slow Fuse  | 6  | Randy P. Romero | J. Bert Sonnier | Saron Stable  | abt. 1+1⁄2 miles | 2:33.60  | $250,000  |  | [1]

Notes:
† In the 2003 running, Art Variety was first past the post but was disqualified for interference in the straight and place third. Rochester was declared the winner.

## See also[edit]

List of American and Canadian Graded races

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b "Romero stands up early, but Slow Fuse recovers for Sam Houston victory (1990 Sam Houston Stakes – race 4: held 22 April 1990)". The Courier-Journal. Associated Press. 23 April 1990. pp. 6, 10. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
2. ^ Talbott, Tim (2020). "Noted Dueling Ground/Sanford Duncan Inn". Kentucky Historical Society. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
3. ^ a b "1991 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 6)". Equibase. 21 April 1991. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
4. ^ "KENTUCKY TURF CUP STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
5. ^ "From 'Ant Hills' To Upping The Ante: The History Of Kentucky Downs". Paullick Report. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
6. ^ a b "Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes profile". www.equibase.com. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
7. ^ Schweigardt, Andrew (2021). "TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2021". Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
8. ^ "2021 Kentucky Downs Condition Book". equibase. Kentucky Downs. 2021. p. 12. Retrieved 11 August 2021. "FIFTH DAY -- Saturday, September 11, 2021 Eighth Race The 30th Running of The Calumet Turf Cup "Win and You're In Breeders' Cup Turf" $1,000,000 Grade II"
9. ^ a b "2021 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
10. ^ "2020 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
11. ^ "2019 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 7 September 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
12. ^ "2018 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 8 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
13. ^ "2017 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
14. ^ "2016 Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 10 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
15. ^ "2015 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 14 September 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
16. ^ "2014 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 13 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
17. ^ "2013 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 September 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
18. ^ "2012 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
19. ^ "2011 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 6)". Equibase. 10 September 2011. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
20. ^ "2010 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 13)". Equibase. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
21. ^ "2009 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 13)". Equibase. 19 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
22. ^ "2008 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 15)". Equibase. 13 September 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
23. ^ "2007 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 14)". Equibase. 22 September 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
24. ^ "2006 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 4)". Equibase. 26 September 2006. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
25. ^ "2005 Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes Grade 3 - (race 14)". Equibase. 24 September 2005. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
26. ^ "2004 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14)". Equibase. 25 September 2004. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
27. ^ "2003 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14)". Equibase. 20 September 2003. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
28. ^ "2002 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14)". Equibase. 21 September 2002. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
29. ^ "2001 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Grade 3 - (race 14)". Equibase. 23 September 2001. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
30. ^ "2000 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Listed - (race 14)". Equibase. 23 September 2000. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
31. ^ "1999 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Listed - (race 11)". Equibase. 26 September 1999. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
32. ^ "1998 Kentucky Cup Turf Handicap Listed - (race 11)". Equibase. 19 September 1998. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
33. ^ "1995 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 5)". Equibase. 24 September 1995. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
34. ^ "1994 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 3)". Equibase. 25 September 1994. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
35. ^ "1993 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 26 September 1993. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
36. ^ "1992 Sam Houston Handicap Listed - (race 6)". Equibase. 11 October 1992. Retrieved 12 September 2020.