Matchmaker Stakes
SurfaceTurf
ClassGrade III
Horse raceMatchmaker Stakes
LocationMonmouth Park Racetrack
Oceanport, New Jersey, United States
Inaugurated1967 (at Atlantic City Race Course)
Race typeThoroughbred – Flat racing
WebsiteMonmouth Park Racetrack
Distance1 1⁄8 miles (9 furlongs)
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationFillies & Mares, three-years-old & older
WeightBase weights with allowances:
4-year-olds and up: 124 lbs.
3-year-olds: 121 lbs.
Purse$300,000 (since 2023)
BonusesFirst three placegetters choice of WinStar Farm stallions (2022)

The Matchmaker Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age three and older run over a distance of 1 1⁄8 miles on the turf held annually in July at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 30 September 1967 at Atlantic City Race Course over a distance of 1 3⁄16 miles on the dirt. The event concept was that additional stakes offered for the event were given to the owners for payment to breed to selected sires. The first running attracted 14 entrants and the three sires that were available for the placegetters were the 1958 US Horse of the Year Round Table, 1960 US Champion Two-Year-Old Colt Hail To Reason and the 1962 Belmont Stakes winner Jaipur.[1] The winner of the inaugural race was the Maryland bred mare Politely who set a new track record of 1:551⁄5.[1] Politely would win the event again the following year.[2]

In the early years of the event in the attracted the finest mares as owners vied for the possibility of breeding to former champions that were offered as part of prizemoney. 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.[3]

In 1978 the event was moved to be run on the turf track.[4] In 1979 the event was downgraded to Grade II.[4]

In 1997 with diminished racing dates given to the Atlantic City Race Course the event was moved to Monmouth Park.[3] The distance of the event was decreased to 1 1⁄8 miles.[4] Also that year the event was downgraded once more to Grade III.[4] Since 2004, the event has beene part of the Haskell Invitational day meeting.

In 2009, the Matchmaker was taken off the turf because of heavy rain in New Jersey earlier in the day. Originally carded as a Grade III event, the Matchmaker lost its graded status for that running in a decision made by the American Graded Stakes Committee shortly after it was run.[4]

Taylor Made Stallions sponsored the Matchmaker from 2005 to 2012. The event has been supported by WinStar Farm since 2014.

Records

Speed record:

  • 1 1⁄8 miles (turf) – 1:46.19 Batique (2001)
  • 1 3⁄16 miles (turf) – 1:53.40 Sabin (1984) & Spruce Fir (1989)
  • 1 3⁄16 miles (dirt) – 1:54.20 Susan's Girl (1975) & Mississippi Mud (1977)

Margins:

Most wins:

  • 2 – Politely (1967, 1968)
  • 2 – Starstruck (2013, 2014)

Most wins by trainer:

  • 9 – Chad C. Brown (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by owner:

Winners

YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
At Monmouth Park – Matchmaker Stakes
2025Segesta4Irad Ortiz Jr.Chad C. BrownJuddmonte Farms1 1⁄8 miles1:49.17$300,000III[5]
2024Beaute Cachee (FR)5Frankie DettoriChad C. BrownLouis Lazzinnaro, Madaket Stables, Michael J. Caruso & Michael Dubb1 1⁄8 miles1:49.63$300,000III[6]
2023Consumer Spending4Joel RosarioChad C. BrownKlaravich Stables1 1⁄8 miles1:48.00$300,000III[7]
2022Lemista (IRE)5Flavien PratChad C. BrownPeter Brant1 1⁄8 miles1:47.07$201,000III[8]
2021Great Island5Joel RosarioChad C. BrownAlpha Delta Stables1 1⁄8 miles1:48.89$150,000III[9]
2020Nay Lady Nay (IRE)4Paco LopezChad C. BrownFirst Row Partners & Hidden Brook Farm1 1⁄8 miles1:46.21$152,500III[10]
2019I'm So Fancy (IRE)5Trevor McCarthyArnaud DelacourLael Stable1 1⁄8 miles1:51.11$135,000III[11]
2018Elysea's World (IRE)5Jose L. OrtizChad C. BrownSheep Pond Partners & All Pro Racing1 1⁄8 miles1:47.70$102,000III[12]
2017Wekeela (FR)5Javier CastellanoChad C. BrownMartin S. Schwartz1 1⁄8 miles1:47.97$101,000III[13]
2016Itsonlyactingdad4Joe BravoTodd A. PletcherStarlight Racing1 1⁄8 miles1:52.27$110,000III[14]
2015Casual Smile (GB)4Abel Castellano Jr.Chad C. BrownWilliam S. Farish III1 1⁄8 miles1:47.12$162,000III[15]
2014Starstruck (IRE)5Kerwin D. ClarkJ. Larry JonesCalumet Farm1 1⁄8 miles1:46.35$170,000III[16]
2013Starstruck (IRE)4Rosie NapravnikJ. Larry JonesCalumet Farm1 1⁄8 miles1:49.27$158,000III[17]
2012Laughing (IRE)4Rafael BejaranoAlan E. GoldbergRichard Santulli1 1⁄8 miles1:48.93$150,500III[18]
2011Romacaca5E. T. BairdNick CananiFrank Carl Calabrese1 1⁄8 miles1:46.54$207,500III[19]
2010Unbridled Essence4Paco LopezGregory D. SaccoRed Oak Stables1 1⁄8 miles1:47.97$210,000III[20]
2009Captain's Lover (SAF)5John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherTeam Valor International1 1⁄8 miles1:51.60$200,000ListedOff turf[21]
2008J'ray5Joe BravoTodd A. PletcherLawrence Goichman1 1⁄8 miles1:46.39$150,000III[22]
2007Roshani4Garrett K. GomezTodd A. PletcherBen McElroy1 1⁄8 miles1:47.55$150,000III[23]
2006Ready's Gal4John R. VelazquezTodd A. PletcherJames T. Scatuorchio1 1⁄8 miles1:48.77$150,000III[24]
2005Love Match5Javier CastellanoJohn C. KimmelAnne Wrenn Poulson1 1⁄8 miles1:50.20$150,000III[25]
2004Where We Left Off (GB)4Corey NakataniChristophe ClementMoyglare Stud1 1⁄8 miles1:48.80$100,000III[26]
Matchmaker Handicap
2003Volga (IRE)5Joe BravoChristophe ClementH. Joseph Allen1 1⁄8 miles1:48.20$100,000III[27]
2002Clearly a Queen5Eibar CoaTeresa M. PompayJohn A. Franks1 1⁄8 miles1:47.76$100,000III[28]
Matchmaker Stakes
2001Batique5Jose C. FerrerLaird R. GeorgeHelen K. Groves1 1⁄8 miles1:46.19$100,000III[29]
2000Horatia (IRE)4Jose A. SantosChristophe ClementGerald W. Leigh1 1⁄8 miles1:47.52$100,000III[30]
1999Natalie Too5Joe BravoD. Wayne LukasPadua Stables1 1⁄8 miles1:46.81$100,000III[31]
1998Bursting Forth4Mario E. VergeH. Graham MotionSam Huff1 1⁄8 miles1:48.46$100,000III[32]
1997Fleur de Nuit4Julie KroneJoseph H. Pierce Jr.Robert Greenbaum1 1⁄8 miles1:48.91$100,000III[33]
At Atlantic City Race Course
1996Powder Bowl4Darci S. RiceJonathan E. SheppardAugustin Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:54.71$100,000II[34]
1995Avie's Fancy4Herb McCauleyMark C. PerlsweigGunsmith Stables1 3⁄16 miles1:54.19$100,000II[35]
1994Alice Springs4Julie KroneJonathan E. SheppardAugustin Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:55.21$100,000II[36]
1993Fairy Garden5Mike E. SmithRoger L. AttfieldMichael J. Ryan1 3⁄16 miles1:57.81$100,000II[37]
1992Radiant Ring (CAN)4Robert E. ColtonJames E. DayJon Kelly1 3⁄16 miles1:55.92$100,000II[38]
1991Miss Josh5Laffit Pincay Jr.Barclay TaggBonner Farm1 3⁄16 miles1:54.18$150,000II[39]
1990Capades4Angel Cordero Jr.Richard O'ConnellPoma Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:55.60$150,000II[40]
1989Spruce Fir6Douglas B. ThomasHarry WellsWilliam A. Purdey1 3⁄16 miles1:53.40$150,000II[41]
1988Magdelaine (NZ)5Eddie MapleTerry KnightCarmen Coosa1 3⁄16 miles1:56.20$100,000II[42]
1987Carotene (CAN)4Don James SeymourRoger L. AttfieldKinghaven Farms1 3⁄16 miles1:56.60$100,000II[43]
1986Lake Country (CAN)5Vincent Bracciale Jr.Donald WalkerDonald McIntosh1 3⁄16 miles1:54.60$108,000II[44]
1985Key Dancer4Jerry D. BaileyWilliam J. Hirsch Jr.Oxford Stable1 3⁄16 miles2:02.40$230,000II[45]
1984Sabin4Eddie MapleWoodford C. StephensHenryk de Kwiatkowski1 3⁄16 miles1:53.40$300,000II[46]
1983Luminaire4Buck ThornburgAnthony J. BardaroBright View Farm1 3⁄16 miles1:56.80$225,000IIOff turf[47]
1982Hunston (GB)4Jean-Luc SamynPhilip G. JohnsonBrookway Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:58.60$255,500II[48]
1981Mairzy Doates5Cash AsmussenHoratio A. LuroArno D. Schefler1 3⁄16 miles1:56.00$150,000II[49]
1980Just A Game II (IRE)4Don BrumfieldDavid A. WhiteleyPeter M. Brant & H. Joseph Allen1 3⁄16 miles1:57.60$150,000II[50]
1979Warfever (FR)6Jean-Luc SamynH. Allen JerkensShirley Sucher1 3⁄16 miles2:03.20$150,000IRescheduled‡[51]
1978Queen Lib3Donald MacBethHarry WellsRaritan Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:56.40$150,000I[52]
1977Mississippi Mud4Jorge Enrique TejeiraCharles PeoplesBayard Sharp1 3⁄16 miles1:54.20$125,000I[53]
1976§ Dancers Countess4Chris McCarronDoug M. Davis Jr.George M. Holtsinger1 3⁄16 miles1:56.00$150,000I[54]
1975Susan's Girl6James D. NicholsJames L. NewmanFred W. Hooper1 3⁄16 miles1:54.20$150,000I[55]
1974Desert Vixen4Laffit Pincay Jr.Thomas F. Root Sr.Harry T. Mangurian Jr.1 3⁄16 miles1:55.20$100,000I[56]
1973Alma North5Frank Lovato Jr.Frank J. ZittoEugene Mori1 3⁄16 miles1:55.20$100,000I[57]
1972† Numbered Account3Laffit Pincay Jr.Roger LaurinOgden Phipps1 3⁄16 miles1:57.60$100,000[58]
1971Deceit3John L. RotzDel W. CarrollWindfields Farm1 3⁄16 miles1:56.80$100,000[59]
1970Dedicated To Sue4Michael HoleFrank CalcagniWalnut Hill Farm1 3⁄16 miles1:56.40$100,000[60]
1969Gallant Bloom3John L. RotzMax HirschKing Ranch Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:55.40$100,000[61]
1968Politely5Ángel Cordero Jr.George M. BakerBohemia Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:55.20$100,000[2]
1967Politely4Ray BroussardGeorge M. BakerBohemia Stable1 3⁄16 miles1:55.20$92,500[1]

Legend:


Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
‡ Originally the event was scheduled for Friday, 10 August 1979, but an electrical storm forced the cancellation of the meeting and the event was redrawn and held on Wednesday, 15 August 1979.[62]
† In the 1983 Alma North was first past the post but was disqualified for interference of the third place finisher Honestous and Numbered Account was declared the winner, Honestous was placed second and Alma North moved to third.

See also

References

  1. ^ Hall, Bill (1 October 1967). "Politely wins Matchmaker Stakes in Record Time (1967 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 30 September 1967)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 85. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  2. ^ Hall, Bill (6 October 1968). "Politely Takes 2nd Matchmaker With Big Drive (1968 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 5 October 1968)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 79. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  3. ^ "MATCHMAKER STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  4. ^ Equibase.com (2021). "WinStar Matchmaker Stakes (Gr. 3)". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  5. ^ "2025 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 19 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  6. ^ "2024 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  7. ^ "2023 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  8. ^ "2022 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 23 July 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  9. ^ "2021 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 17 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  10. ^ "2020 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 18 July 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  11. ^ "2019 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 20 July 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  12. ^ "2018 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 29 July 2018. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  13. ^ "2017 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 30 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  14. ^ "2016 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 31 July 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  15. ^ "2015 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 2 August 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  16. ^ "2014 WinStar Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  17. ^ "2013 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)". Equibase. 28 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  18. ^ "2012 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 29 July 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  19. ^ "2011 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 31 July 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  20. ^ "2010 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 1 August 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  21. ^ "2009 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 2 August 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  22. ^ "2008 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 3 August 2008. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  23. ^ "2007 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 12)". Equibase. 5 August 2007. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  24. ^ "2006 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 6 August 2006. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  25. ^ "2005 Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 7 August 2005. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  26. ^ "2004 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 8 August 2004. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  27. ^ "2003 Matchmaker Handicap Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 17 August 2003. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  28. ^ "2002 Matchmaker Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 7 July 2002. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  29. ^ "2001 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 16 June 2001. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  30. ^ "2000 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 2 July 2000. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  31. ^ "1999 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 26 June 1999. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  32. ^ "1998 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 20 June 1998. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  33. ^ "1997 Gainesway Matchmaker Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 June 1997. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  34. ^ "1996 Vinery Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 6)". Equibase. 24 July 1996. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  35. ^ "1995 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 22 July 1995. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  36. ^ "1994 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 6)". Equibase. 30 July 1994. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  37. ^ "1993 Matchmaker Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 14 July 1993. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  38. ^ Donnelly, Craig (16 July 1992). "Radiant Ring takes the Matchmaker (1992 Matchmaker Stakes – race 7: held 15 July 1992)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 40. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  39. ^ Donnelly, Craig (4 July 1991). "Miss Josh wins Matchmaker (1991 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 July 1991)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 52. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  40. ^ Amsel, Michael (13 July 1990). "Capades takes Matchmaker (1990 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 11 July 1990)". Asbury Park Press. p. 58. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  41. ^ Amsel, Michael (13 July 1989). "Spruce Fir triumphs in Matchmaker (1989 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 12 July 1989)". Asbury Park Press. p. 56. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  42. ^ Amsel, Michael (14 July 1988). "Magdelaine scores an upset in Matchmaker Stakes (1988 Matchmaker Stakes – race 5: held 13 July 1988)". Asbury Park Press. p. 75. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  43. ^ Edelson, Stephen (14 July 1987). "Carotene rallies to win Matchmaker Stakes (1987 Matchmaker Stakes – race 4 held 8 July 1987)". Asbury Park Press. p. 65. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  44. ^ Burrows, Walt (27 July 1986). "Pace helps Lake Country gain Matchmaker Stakes (1986 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8 held 26 July 1986)". Camden Courier-Post. p. 75. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  45. ^ Burrows, Walt (28 July 1985). "Key Dancer eases to Matchmaker Stakes victory (1985 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8 held 27 July 1985)". Camden Courier-Post. p. 95. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  46. ^ Burrows, Walt (29 July 1984). "Off slowly, favored Sabin rallies to win Matchmaker Stakes victory (1984 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8 held 28 July 1984)". Camden Courier-Post. p. 67. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  47. ^ Compiled by The Inquirer Staff (7 August 1983). "Luminaire wins Matchmaker; Bashert takes Devon (1983 Matchmaker Stakes – race 9 held 28 August 1983)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 75. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  48. ^ Clippinger, Don (4 July 1982). "Hunston wins Matchmaker on soft Atlantic City turf (1982 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 July 1982)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 52. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  49. ^ Donnelly, Craig (4 July 1981). "Matchmaker won by Mairzy Doates (1981 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 July 1981)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 22. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  50. ^ Lyons, Bill (5 July 1980). "Favored Just a Game wins in Matchmaker (1980 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 4 July 1980)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 15, 18. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  51. ^ "Warfever captures Matchmaker - and the affection of Affirmed (1979 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 15 August 1979)". Philadelphia Inquirer. 16 August 1979. pp. 21, 26. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  52. ^ Courtney, Gene (17 September 1978). "Queen Lib captures the Matchmaker Stakes (1978 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 16 September 1978)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 112. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  53. ^ Courtney, Gene (7 August 1977). "Mississippi Mud wins Matchmaker (1977 Matchmaker Stakes – race 6: held 6 August 1977)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 77, 82. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  54. ^ Harris, Russ (29 August 1976). "Favored Dancers Countess wins Matchmaker Stakes (1976 Matchmaker Stakes – race 7: held 28 August 1976)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 72. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  55. ^ Harris, Russ (29 July 1975). "No Match for Susan's Girl in Matchmaker (1975 Matchmaker Stakes – race 7: held 28 July 1975)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 25. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  56. ^ Harris, Russ (15 October 1974). "'Vixen' Triumphs At Shore (1974 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 14 October 1974)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 21, 24. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  57. ^ Harris, Russ (9 October 1973). "Alma North wins Matchmaker, Ties Mark (1973 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 8 October 1973)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 31. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  58. ^ Harris, Russ (10 October 1972). "Mori Luck Runs Out; Numbered Account Is Moved Into First (1972 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 9 October 1972)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 26. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  59. ^ Harris, Russ (12 October 1971). "Matchmaker Stakes Captured by Deceit: Favorites Run 3-4 (1971 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 11 October 1971)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 31. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  60. ^ Harris, Russ (4 October 1970). "Dedicated To Sue Proves She Can: Pays $33.20 in Winning $100,000 (1970 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held 3 October 1970)". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 60. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  61. ^ Chevalier, Jack (5 October 1969). "$100,000 Matchmaker Romp; Gallant Bloom Triumphs by 7 (1969 Matchmaker Stakes – race 8: held4 October 1969)". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 61, 72. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  62. ^ West, Tommy (11 August 1979). "Matchmaker Stakes is postponed by rain". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 9. Retrieved 7 July 2021.