Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series > Pocahontas Stakes
Pocahontas Stakes Race Facts
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- Inaugural Race: 1969
- Distance: 1 & 1/16 miles (8.5 furlongs)
- Track Type: Left-handed, Dirt
- Age Qualifications: Three Year Olds
- 2021 Purse: $300,000
- 2021 Race Date: Saturday, September 18th
2021 Pocahontas Stakes Race Results
| POST | HORSE | JOCKEY / TRAINER | WIN / PLACE / SHOW |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Hidden Connection | Reylu Gutierrez / W. Bret Calhoun | $5.60 / $4.00 / $3.20 |
| 3 | Mama Rina | Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. / Kenneth G. McPeek | $21.40 / $7.80 |
| 2 | Goddess of Fire | Javier Castellano / Todd A. Pletcher | $4.20 |
| 1 | Code for Success | Rafael Bejarano / Victoria H. Oliver | |
| 5 | Majestic d'Oro | Martin Garcia / Brendan P. Walsh | |
| 4 | Ontheonesandtwos | Ricardo Santana, Jr. / Norm W. Casse | |
| 8 | Miss Chamita | Gregory Romero / Michel Douaihy | |
| 7 | Kneesnhips | James Graham / Thomas M. Amoss | |
| 6 | Maxine Machine | Florent Geroux / Brad H. Cox | |
| 10 | Lemieux | Tyler Gaffalione / Mark E. Casse |
Exotic Payoffs:
- $2.00 Exacta (9-3) Paid: $191.20
- $0.50 Trifecta (9-3-2) Paid: $228.00
- $0.10 Superfecta (9-3-2-1) Paid: $302.43
Watch the 2021 Pocahontas Stakes
Pocahontas Stakes Race History
First run on Thanksgiving Day in 1969 at the legendary Churchill Downs, the Pocahontas Stakes was aptly named for the Native-American woman who aided early American settlers as well as English mare regarded as one of the most influential Thoroughbreds in horse racing history.
While the race has been contested at 1 mile, 1 1/16th and 7/8ths miles, at its current length Hidden Connection set the speed record with a time of 1:43.78 in 2021. Hall of fame jockey Pat Day has a record 7 wins at the race, including both divisions of the 1983 edition. For most wins by a trainer, we have a 3-way tie between Dale L. Romans, D. Wayne Lukas, and Pete Vestal, who all have three wins each.
As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” Series, winners are automatically entered into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
Pocahontas Stakes Past Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey / Trainer | Distance / Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Hidden Connection | Reylu Gutierrez / W. Bret Calhoun | 1 1/16 M / 1:43.78 |
| 2020 | Girl Daddy | Joseph Talamo / Dale Romans | 1 M / 1:34.94 |
| 2019 | Lazy Daisy | Abel Cedillo / Doug F. O'Neill | 1 1⁄16 M / 1:44.89 |
| 2018 | Serengeti Empress | Corey J. Lanerie / Thomas M. Amoss | 1 1⁄16 M / 1:45.47 |
| 2017 | Patrona Margarita | Brian Hernandez Jr. / W. Bret Calhoun | 1 1⁄16 M / 1:46.35 |
| 2016 | Daddys Lil Darling | Corey J. Lanerie / Kenneth G. McPeek | 1 1⁄16 M / 1:47.19 |
| 2015 | Dothraki Queen | Corey J. Lanerie / Kenneth G. McPeek | 1 1⁄16 M / 1:45.80 |
| 2014 | Cristina's Journey | Miguel Mena / Dale L. Romans | 1 1⁄16 M / 1:46.37 |
| 2013 | Untapable | Rosie Napravnik / Steven M. Asmussen | 1 1⁄16 M / 1:44.38 |
| 2012 | Sign | Rosie Napravnik / Albert Stall Jr. | 1 M / 1:38.63 |
| 2011 | On Fire Baby | Joe M. Johnson / Gary G. Hartlage | 1 M / 1:37.17 |
| 2010 | Dancinginherdreams | Julien R. Leparoux / John T. Ward Jr. | 1 M / 1:38.59 |
| 2009 | Sassy Image | Robby Albarado / Dale L. Romans | 1 M / 1:38.62 |
| 2008 | Sara Louise | Robby Albarado / Dale L. Romans | 1 M / 1:34.57 |
| 2007 | Pure Clan | Julien R. Leparoux / Robert E. Holthus | 1 M / 1:38.30 |
| 2006 | Change Up | Garrett K. Gomez / Steven B. Flint | 1 M / 1:35.97 |
| 2005 | French Park | Mark Guidry / Helen Pitts-Blasi | 1 M / 1:37.19 |
| 2004 | Punch Appeal | Pat Day / Steven M. Asmussen | 1 M / 1:37.77 |
| 2003 | Stellar Jayne | Cornelio Velásquez / D. Wayne Lukas | 1 M / 1:38.97 |
| 2002 | Belle of Perintown | Mark Guidry / Eddie Kenneally | 1 M / 1:36.52 |
| 2001 | Lotta Rhythm | Marlon St. Julien / Hal R. Wiggins | 1 M / 1:37.96 |
| 2000 | Unbridled Elaine | Shane Sellers / Dallas Stewart | 1 M / 1:34.82 |
| 1999 | Crown of Crimson | Robby Albarado / Bob Baffert | 1 M / 1:37.81 |
| 1998 | The Happy Hopper | Willie Martinez / Robert E. Holthus | 1 M / 1:37.73 |
| 1997 | Mission Park | Calvin H. Borel / Peter M. Vestal | 1 M / 1:38.55 |
| 1996 | Water Street | Craig Perret / Peter M. Vestal | 1 M / 1:36.90 |
| 1995 | Birr | Pat Day / W. Elliott Walden | 1 M / 1:36.84 |
| 1994 | Minister Wife | Pat Day / D. Wayne Lukas | 1 M / 1:38.64 |
| 1993 | At the Half | Shane Sellers / Carl Bowman | 1 M / 1:38.13 |
| 1992 | Coni Bug | Shane Sellers / Anthony J. Granitz | 1 M / 1:37.85 |
| 1991 | Fretina | James Edward Bruin / Peter M. Vestal | 1 M / 1:40.25 |
| 1990 | Middlefork Rapids | Roberto M. Gonzalez / Terry Knight | 1 M / 1:38.00 |
| 1989 | Crowned | Mike E. Smith / William I. Mott | 1 M / 1:39.80 |
| 1988 | Solid Eight | Randy Romero / D. Wayne Lukas | 1 M / 1:40.60 |
| 1987 | Epitome | Pat Day / Philip M. Hauswald | 1 M / 1:38.20 |
| 1986 | Bestofbothworlds | Patricia Cooksey / Irvin Jack | 1 M / 1:42.60 |
| 1985 | Prime Union | Darrell Ellis Foster / Thomas M. Upton | 1 M / 1:38.40 |
| 1984 | Gallant Libby | Pat Day / Mickey A. Goldfine | 1 M / 1:41.80 |
| 1983 (Division 1) | Geevilla | Pat Day / William I. Mott | 1 M / 1:40.20 |
| 1983 (Division 2) | Flippers | Pat Day / Steven C. Penrod | 1 M / 1:39.80 |
| 1982 (Division 1) | Brindy Brindy | Julio C. Espinoza / Jack Van Berg | 1 M / 1:38.20 |
| 1982 (Division 2) | Weekend Surprise | Don Brumfield / Del W. Carroll II | 1 M / 1:37.80 |
| 1981 (Division 1) | Majestic Gold | Julio C. Espinoza / William E. Adams | 7 F / 1:26.80 |
| 1981 (Division 2) | Taylor Park | James McKnight / Stanley M. Rieser | 7 F / 1:26.40 |
| 1980 (Division 1) | Kathy T. | Larry Melancon / Doug Udouj | 7 F / 1:27.60 |
| 1980 (Division 2) | Masters Dream | Gerland Gallitano / William E. Adams | 7 F / 1:27.40 |
| 1979 | Dancing Blade | Anthony Black / Hoss Inman | 7 F / 1:26.80 |
| 1978 (Division 1) | Starclock | Richard Depass / Charles R. Werstler | 7 F / 1:25.40 |
| 1978 (Division 2) | Safe | Earlie Fires / Joseph M. Bollero | 7 F / 1:25.60 |
| 1977 (Division 1) | Plains and Simple | Alexander L. Fernandez / John T. Ward Jr. | 7 F / 1:25.20 |
| 1977 (Division 2) | Rainy Princess | Larry Snyder / Frank L. Brothers | 7 F / 1:25.20 |
| 1976 (Division 1) | Sweet Alliance | Chris McCarron / Bud Delp | 7 F / 1:25.60 |
| 1976 (Division 2) | Ciao | William Gavidia / Alice Chandler | 7 F / 1:27.00 |
| 1975 | Alvarada | Don Brumfield / Don Combs | 7 F / 1:27.60 |
| 1974 | My Juliet | Alan Hill / Steve A. Long | 7 F / 1:23.60 |
| 1973 (Division 1) | Fairway Fable | David Whited / John J. Greely III | 7 F / 1:26.00 |
| 1973 (Division 2) | Shoo Dear | Donald Brumfield / George T. Poole | 7 F / 1:27.80 |
| 1972 | Vaguely Familiar | German Vasquez / Mickey Goldfine | 7 F / 1:25.80 |
| 1971 | Candid Catherine | Earl J. Knapp / Everett W. King | 7 F / 1:25.80 |
| 1970 | Fair Ye Well | David Niblick / Harvey L. Vanier | 7 F / 1:22.40 |
| 1969 | Artists Proof | Doug Richard / Del W. Carroll | 7 F / 1:24.20 |