What is the Lecomte Stakes?
The Lecomte Stakes is an annual horse race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds held at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.
It is a Grade III event that serves as a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby. The race is contested over 1 1/16 miles and has a long history of producing competitive racehorses.
When is the Lecomte Stakes in 2025?
The 2025 Lecomte Stakes is scheduled to take place on January 18th. It is one of the early-year races on the road to the Kentucky Derby, making it an important race for horses looking to qualify for the prestigious event.
Lecomte Stakes Winners
The Lecomte Stakes has produced several notable winners throughout its history. One of the earlier standouts includes Hard Spun in 2007, who went on to finish second in the Kentucky Derby and become an influential sire.
Another significant winner is Ron the Greek in 2010, who later won major races like the Santa Anita Handicap. The 1980 winner, Withholding, also left a mark, showcasing the race’s long tradition of top-tier competitors.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Track Phantom | Joel Rosario | Steven M. Asmussen | L and N Racing, Clark O. Brewster, Jerry Caroom & Breeze Easy | 1:44.73 |
| 2023 | Instant Coffee | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox | Gold Square | 1:45.12 |
| 2022 | Call Me Midnight | James Graham | J. Keith Desormeaux | Peter L. Cantrell | 1:44.36 |
| 2021 | Midnight Bourbon | Joseph Talamo | Steven M. Asmussen | Winchell Thoroughbreds | 1:44:41 |
The Lecomte Stakes plays a crucial role in the Kentucky Derby qualification process by offering points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series. Horses that perform well in the Lecomte often go on to compete in other prep races like the Risen Star Stakes and the Louisiana Derby, which can secure their spot in the Kentucky Derby.
