2026 Fourstardave Stakes Results

Official race results and payouts are listed below:

Exotic Payouts:

• $1.00 Exacta (5-2) Paid: $30.45
• $0.50 Trifecta (5-2-3) Paid: $40.71
• $0.10 Superfecta (5-2-3-1) Paid: $23.64

Watch the 2026 Fourstardave Stakes 

Fourstardave History

The Fourstardave Stakes originated in 1985 as the Daryl’s Joy Stakes, named after the New Zealand champion who had distinguished himself domestically before competing in the U.S. It was contested at 1&1/16 miles on Saratoga’s turf and quickly became a staple on the opening day of the Spa’s August meet. Early editions produced surprise winners and future stars—1989 Gilbert Lukas trainee Steinlen split division winners before claiming the Breeders’ Cup Mile later that year.

Honoring a Legend: Fourstardave
The turning point came in 1995, when the NYRA renamed the race to honor Fourstardave, a New York‑bred gelding who famously won at least one race at Saratoga each year from 1987 through 1994, earning the nickname “The Sultan of Saratoga.” He had captured the Daryl’s Joy twice (1990–91), cementing his legacy on the lawn before retiring in 1995 and being immortalized with the race’s renaming in 1996.

Rise to Grade I Prominence
Initially a Grade III event, the Fourstardave Handicap ascended through the ranks: upgraded to Grade II in 2000, then elevated to Grade I status in 2016. In 2012, the distance was shortened to exactly one mile, modernizing its format to match international turf milers. From 1998 through 2024, it retained handicap conditions, reverting in 2025 to stakes conditions with allowances.

Champions That Defined the Race
Over the years, the Fourstardave has been a proving ground for elite turf talent. Wise Dan (2012–13) won back-to-back editions and went on to capture consecutive Breeders’ Cup Miles, earning Horse of the Year honors both seasons. Canadian-bred Seek Again set a Saratoga course record when breaking through in 2014, while Got Stormy became the first mare ever to win the race—first in 2019 in record time and again in 2021. The 1996 winner Da Hoss later replicated Wise Dan’s pattern, claiming two Breeders’ Cup Mile titles after his Fourstardave success.

Fourstardave’s Enduring Legacy
Named for a horse who embodied consistency, courage, and fan devotion, the Fourstardave Stakes remains one of Saratoga’s most prestigious turf races. Its blend of historic resonance and elite competition makes it a true highlight of the summer meet—and a “Win and You’re In” berth for the Breeders’ Cup Mile for recent champions.

Fourstardave Stakes Historical Results