What is the Wood Memorial Stakes?
The Wood Memorial Stakes is a prestigious horse race held annually at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. This Grade 2 race covers a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt and serves as a significant prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
Known for attracting top three-year-old thoroughbreds, it boasts a rich history dating back to 1925, making it a crucial stepping stone for horses aiming for success in the Triple Crown series.
When is the Wood Memorial Stakes in 2026?
The Wood Memorial Stakes will take place on April 5th. It has historically been a key prep race for horses looking to qualify for the Kentucky Derby and often serves as a final stepping stone to the Triple Crown series. This makes it a prime event for fans of online horse betting, as top contenders often emerge from this race.
Wood Memorial Stakes Winners
Over its long history, the Wood Memorial Stakes has been captured by many legendary horses. Among the most notable are Seattle Slew (1977), who went on to sweep the Triple Crown, Damascus (1967), a Hall of Fame champion, and Foolish Pleasure (1975), who followed his Wood victory with a triumph in the Kentucky Derby.
More recently, winners such as Fusaichi Pegasus (2000), the last Wood champion to win the Kentucky Derby, and Empire Maker (2003), who went on to take the Belmont Stakes, have highlighted the race’s importance. These victories underscore the Wood Memorial’s enduring status as one of the premier stepping-stones on the road to the Triple Crown.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Rodriguez | Mike Smith | 1:48.15 |
| 2024 | Resilience | John R. Velazquez | 1:50.28 |
| 2023 | Lord Miles | Paco Lopez | 1:51.17 |
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | Joel Rosario | 1:47.96 |
| 2021 | Bourbonic | Kendrick Carmouche | 1:54.49 |
the Wood Memorial Stakes is one of the key races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Horses that perform well in this race can earn valuable points towards qualifying for the Derby, making it an important event for online horse betting enthusiasts tracking the progress of potential Derby contenders.
