All-Time Striking Moments From Haskell Stakes for NJ Players
The 54th Haskell Stakes is grander than being a $1 million, Grade 1 showcase of the country’s top three-year-old thoroughbred at Monmouth Park. There is more to it than being the highlight of the racing season of the Oceanport facility. Stakes have gained a lot of significance for the events surrounding them. The unexpected twists, innovations, and developments that influence the thoroughbred-racing world have all made a lot of highlights over the years.
For example, this year’s race is proving to be an extraordinary one, and we are likely to see some historic NJ horse betting. Therefore, before the events, let’s take a walk down the memory lane and go through some of the top memorable Haskell Stakes moments.
Authentic And the COVID-19 Wave of July 18th, 2020
The COVID-19 postponed the Kentucky Derby of 2020 until September. Therefore, the Haskell in July was led by the Derby. Among the situations, Authentic triumphed in the battle against NY Traffic to win the 2020 Haskell.
After that, Authentic went ahead to win the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This three-race sweep made him the ‘Horse of the years’ and acquired a bonus of $1 million.
No Appearance Of Bob Baffert On The Weekend
The czar of Haskell, who holds the all-time high mark of nine triumphs, did not appear with Medina Spirit, which is the winner of the Kentucky Derby. However, Medina Spirit is likely to forfeit the victory to Mandaloun after failing the Derby drug test. Although Baffert was not welcomed in New York and Kentucky, he was welcomed in NJ and is an associate to Monmouth Park. He has also collected an unsurpassed record of 60,983 fans to witness his Horse American Pharoah win the Haskell in 2015.
Maximum Security Wins Delayed Haskell – July 20th, 2019
A heat index of 107-degrees resulted in a 4-and-1/2 hour delay after the first two races on the 14-race card. Additionally, Monmouth Park had no lights, so there was no way for the race to be conducted under a colder temperature. Considering the situation, Haskell started off 2 hours and 24 minutes past the scheduled start at 8:11 pm. Maximum Security, which has dealt with a scandalous disqualification for alleged interference at the Kentucky Derby, won the race.
The Rubber Match – July 31st, 2016
Champions of the two recent Triple Crown races battled head-to-head at Monmouth Park. This increased the interest in Haskell worldwide. Nyquist won the Kentucky Derby, defeating Exaggerator on the fast track. But two weeks later, Exaggerator defeated Nyquist.
Victory Rounds With American Pharoah and Rachel Alexandra
These matches were the first national appearance for horses who have bagged big victories. The first massive victory was on August 2nd, 2009, when Rachel Alexandra had become the first-ever filly to win the Preakness Stakes in the last 85 years. Needless to say, bettors made her an exorbitant 1-5 favourite.
Another victory lap was on August 2nd, 2015, when American Pharoah became the first-ever Triple Crown winner in the past 37 years. And when American Pharoah raced at Monmouth Park, somewhat, 60,983 fans gathered. Pharaoh did not disappoint the fans as he prevailed easily.
These moments gave enough reasons to the fans to cherish over the years. Now they are waiting for some more historic performances by their favourite racehorses.
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