2026 Results of the Busher Stakes

Exotic Payouts:

• $1.00 Exacta (3-1): $7.37
• $0.50 Trifecta (3-1-5): $5.32
• $0.10 Superfecta (3-1-5-2): $2.44

Watch the 2026 Busher Stakes

History of the Busher Stakes

The Busher Stakes is a stakes race for three year old fillies held at Aqueduct Racetrack. First run in 1978, the race was named in honor of Busher, a Hall of Fame filly who was named Horse of the Year in 1945. From its beginnings, the race has provided a platform for developing fillies to compete at a higher level during the winter and early spring racing season in New York.

The race has been contested at different distances over time, but in its current form it is run at one mile on dirt. Its timing on the calendar makes it an early opportunity for three year old fillies to earn experience in stakes company while beginning to establish their credentials for larger races later in the spring. The Busher Stakes has consistently attracted competitive fields from regional and national barns.

In recent years, the Busher Stakes has become part of the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. The race awards qualifying points that can help fillies move into contention for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. While it offers fewer points than some of the later prep races, it remains an important early stepping stone on the Oaks trail.

Throughout its history, the Busher Stakes has served as a launching pad for fillies on the rise. Strong performances at Aqueduct often signal that a horse is ready to take on tougher competition in the weeks ahead, making the race an important part of the spring prep season for fans and bettors alike.

All Time Results of Busher Stakes