Kentucky Turf Cup

Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series > Kentucky Turf Cup

Kentucky Turf Cup Race Facts

  • Location: Kentucky Downs, Franklin, KY
  • Inaugural Race: 1990
  • Distance: 1 & 1/2 miles (12 furlongs)
  • Track Type: Left-handed, Turf
  • Age Qualifications: Three Year Olds and up
  • 2022 Purse: $1,000,000
  • 2022 Race Date: Saturday, September 10th

2022 Kentucky Turf Cup Race Results

POSTHORSEJOCKEY / TRAINERWIN / PLACE / SHOW
1Red KnightGerardo Corrales / Michael J. Maker$26.04 / $9.50 / $6.30
8GufoJoel Rosario / Christophe Clement$3.46 / $2.94
10Another MysteryIrad Ortiz, Jr. / Chris M. Block$6.38
12Highest HonorsTyler Gaffalione / Chad C. Brown
7Admission OfficeJohn R. Velazquez / Brian A. Lynch
4ArklowFlorent Geroux / Brad H. Cox
6Glynn CountyVincent Cheminaud / Michael J. Maker
9Who's the StarJulien R. Leparoux / Mark E. Casse
11Rogue ElementAdam Beschizza / Jeff A. Hiles
2Breakpoint (CHI)Tyler Baze / Neil D. Drysdale
3TempleJose L. Ortiz / Michael J. Maker
5Keystone FieldRicardo Santana, Jr. / Michael J. Maker

Exotic Payoffs:

  • $1.00 Exacta (1-5) Paid: $41.06
  • $0.50 Trifecta (1-5-9) Paid: $188.30
  • $0.10 Superfecta (1-5-9-8) Paid: $286.96

Watch the 2022 Kentucky Turf Cup

Kentucky Turf Cup Race History

Inaugurated as the Sam Houston Stakes, the Kentucky Turf Cupis a Grade II race held in September at Kentucky Downs. The race’s most notable winner is Cloudy’s Night, who in 2007 was crowned Canadian Champion Male Turf Horse. He won in 2009 as part of a great bounce-back season from sitting out with a tendon injury all of the previous year.

Three horses are tied for the record for most wins: Rochester (2002, 2003), Da Big Hoss (2015, 2016), and Arklow (2018, 2020). Jockey Florent Geroux holds the record for most wins with four, while Michael J. Maker is the record holder for trainers with five wins of his own.

As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” Series, winners are automatically entered into the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Kentucky Turf Cup Past Winners

YearWinnerJockey / TrainerDistance / Time
2022Red KnightGerardo Corrales / Michael J. Maker1 1⁄2 M / 2:26.96
2021Imperador (ARG)Joseph Talamo / Paulo H. Lobo1 1⁄2 M / 2:25.70
2020ArklowFlorent Geroux / Brad H. Cox1 1⁄2 M / 2:28.66
2019Zulu AlphaJose L. Ortiz / Michael J. Maker1 1⁄2 M / 2:28.62
2018ArklowFlorent Geroux / Brad H. Cox1 1⁄2 M / 2:30.56
2017Oscar NominatedJulien R. Leparoux / Michael J. Maker1 1⁄2 M / 2:31.37
2016Da Big HossFlorent Geroux / Michael J. Maker1 1⁄2 M / 2:35.08
2015Da Big HossJoseph Rocco Jr. / Michael J. Maker1 1⁄2 M / 2:33.40
2014SuntracerFlorent Geroux / Chris M. Block1 1⁄2 M / 2:27.12
2013TemeraineGary L. Stevens / Thomas F. Proctor1 1⁄2 M / 2:29.18
2012Ioya BigtimeJeffrey Sanchez / Chris M. Block1 1⁄2 M / 2:30.06
2011RahystradaGreta Kuntzweiler / Byron G. Hughes1 1⁄2 M / 2:32.40
2010RezifGreta Kuntzweiler / Matthew Jacobson1 1⁄2 M / 2:44.74
2009Cloudy's KnightRosemary Homeister Jr. / Jonathan E. Sheppard1 1⁄2 M / 2:33.96
2008Rumor Has ItEduardo E. Perez / David H. Hinsley1 1⁄2 M / 2:28.27
2007General Jumbo (GB)Jeremy Rose / H. Graham Motion1 1⁄2 M / 2:26.98
2006Embossed (IRE)Larry Melancon / Niall M. O'Callaghan1 1⁄2 M / 2:36.92
2005SilverfootRafael Bejarano / Dallas Stewart1 1⁄2 M / 2:30.30
2004Sabiango (GER)Brice Blanc / Tim Yakteen1 1⁄2 M / 2:33.70
2003† RochesterEddie Martin Jr. / Jonathan E. Sheppard1 1⁄2 M / 2:31.39
2002RochesterEddie Martin Jr. / Jonathan E. Sheppard1 1⁄2 M / 2:38.28
2001ChorwonJon Court / Hal R. Wiggins1 1⁄2 M / 2:28.68
2000Down the AisleRobby Albarado / William I. Mott1 1⁄2 M / 2:27.70
1999Fahris (IRE)Shane Sellers / Kiaran P. McLaughlin1 1⁄2 M / 2:29.60
1998Yaqthan (IRE)Brian Dale Peck / Anthony L. Reinstedler1 1⁄2 M / 2:27.60
1996–1997Race not held
1995LassignyPat Day / William I. Mottabt. 1 1⁄2 M / 2:30.60
1994Lindon LimeShane Sellers / W. Elliott Waldenabt. 1 1⁄2 M / 2:31.40
1993Know Heights (IRE)Kent Desormeaux / Robert B. Hess Jr.abt. 1 1⁄2 M / 2:25.60
1992Drummer BoyGarrett Gomez / Dennis W. Ebertabt. 1 1⁄2 M / 2:28.40
1991Silver MedallionCraig Perret / Philip M. Hauswaldabt. 1 1⁄2 M / 2:31.30
1990Slow FuseRandy P. Romero / J. Bert Sonnierabt. 1 1⁄2 M / 2:33.60