What is the Personal Ensign Stakes?
The Personal Ensign Stakes is a significant race in the online horse betting community due to its Grade 1 status and the high caliber of horses it attracts. Bettors often look forward to this race as it can serve as a key prep race for the Breeders' Cup Distaff, adding extra excitement and betting opportunities.
When is the Personal Ensign Stakes held in 2025?
The Personal Ensign Stakes is scheduled to take place on August 23rd. This Grade 1 event is one of the highlights of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course , drawing top older fillies and mares to compete over a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
Personal Ensign Stakes Winners
Some of the most notable winners of the Personal Ensign Stakes include Midnight Bisou (2019), Royal Delta (2013), and Persistently (2010). These horses have gone on to achieve great success in other prestigious races, further solidifying the importance of this event in the horse racing calendar.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Thorpedo Anna | Brian J. Hernandez, Jr. | Kenneth G. McPeek | Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings, Inc. (J. G. Sikura), Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek), Edwards, Mark and Hicks, Judy B. | 1:49.18 |
| 2024 | Raging Sea | Flavien Prat | Chad C. Brown | Alpha Delta Stables, LLC | 1:49.14 |
| 2023 | Idiomatic | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | Juddmonte | 1:49.12 |
| 2022 | Malathaat | John Velazquez | Todd A. Pletcher | Shadwell Racing | 1:48.30 |
| 2021 | Letruska | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Fausto Gutierrez | St. George Stable | 1:49.15 |
| 2020 | Vexatious | Jose Lezcano | Jack Sisterson | James C. Weigel & Giant's Causeway Syndicate, LLC | 1:48.82 |
The race is named in honor of Personal Ensign, an undefeated champion mare who retired with a perfect record of 13 wins from 13 starts. Her legacy as one of the greatest mares in American racing history makes this event particularly prestigio
The Personal Ensign Stakes often serves as a key prep race for the Breeders' Cup Distaff, which is one of the premier races for fillies and mares in North America. Part of the Breeders' Cup Challenger Series, the race often features many of the top contenders for the Distaff. A strong performance in the Personal Ensign can boost a horse's chances of being considered among the elite in their division.
