Pilgrim Stakes

Breeders' Cup Challenge Series > Pilgrim Stakes

Pilgrim Stakes Race Facts

• Location: Belmont At The Big A, Ozone Park, NY
• Inaugural Race: 1979
• Distance: 1 1⁄16 miles (8.5 furlongs)
• Track Type: Left-Handed, Turf
• Age Qualifications: Two-year-olds
• 2023 Purse: $200,000
• 2023 Race Date: Wednesday, October 4th

2023 Pilgrim Stakes Race Results

Exotic Payoffs:

• $1.00 Exacta (3-8) Paid: $31.50
• $0.50 Trifecta (3-8-1) Paid: $63.75
• $0.50 Trifecta (3-8-9) Paid: $29.87
• $0.10 Superfecta (3-8-1-9) Paid: $97.25
• $0.10 Superfecta (3-8-9-1) Paid: $70.60

Watch the 2023 Pilgrim Stakes

Pilgrim Stakes Race History

The Pilgrim Stakes is a Grade II thoroughbred horse race run each year at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Inaugurated in 1979 at Aqueduct, the race was named for Pilgrim, the winner of the 1919 Remsen Stakes. Pilgrim was owned by Joseph E. Widener, a renowned art collector and major figure in horse racing in the early 20th century. After finding success as an owner of champion-caliber horses (in both flat and steeplechase events), he went on to acquire a sizable portion of Belmont's breeding stock, as well as a majority stake in the track itself. He served as the track president from 1925 to 1939.

In 2022, the event was temproarily moved to its original home at Aqueduct due to redevelopment work at Belmont Park. 

Jockey John Velazquez has a record five victories to his name and trainer Todd A. Pletcher has a record six wins. The last win for Velazquez came in 2007 atop The Leopard, which happened to be Pletcher's first win at the race.

As part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series, the winner automatically qualifies for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Pilgrim Stakes Past Winners