Stakes: Grade II for 3-year-old thoroughbreds and fillies
Distance: 1 1/8 miles
Track: Dirt
Purse: $1,000,000
The Wood Memorial Stakes is held in April each year at the famous Aqueduct Race Track. It is one of the most popular prep races for 3-year-olds running for the Kentucky Derby. The Wood Memorial Stakes has previously been won by Triple Crown winners Gallant Fox, Native Dancer, Gulch, Fusaichi Pegasus, Tapit, Frosted, and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Vino Rosso.
First run in 1925, it was named in honor of Eugene D. Wood, a prominent New York State politician and horse racing enthusiast. The race was originally a handicap event but has been run as a stakes race since its inception. It has held various grades over the years, with its current designation as a Grade II race.
While the race has traditionally been held at Aqueduct Racetrack, there have been instances where it was held at other tracks, including Belmont Park, when Aqueduct was closed for renovations.
Over the years, the Wood Memorial has been won by many notable horses who went on to achieve success in the Kentucky Derby and other prestigious races. Some of the greats include Gallant Fox (1930), Assault (1946), Native Dancer (1953), and Seattle Slew (1977).
