Golden Rod Stakes

2025 Results of the Golden Rod Stakes

Exotic Payouts:

• $2.00 Exacta (11-9): $58.50
• $0.50 Trifecta (11-9-3): $68.02
• $0.10 Superfecta (11-9-3-6): $32.56

Watch the 2025 Golden Rod Stakes

History of the Golden Rod Stakes

The Golden Rod Stakes was first run in 1910 at Churchill Downs, making it one of the oldest races in the United States for two year old fillies. The inaugural running took place on October 20, 1910 and was won by Helen Barbee. In its earliest years, the race was conducted as a selling race, a common format at the time, before evolving into a handicap event in 1919 as its importance and quality of competition increased.

After being contested regularly through the 1920s, the Golden Rod Stakes was placed on hiatus following the 1927 running. It was later revived in 1962, marking the beginning of its modern era as a significant stakes race for juvenile fillies. Since its revival, the race has typically been run at a route distance and has become a key late-season test of stamina, distinguishing it from many shorter juvenile races.

Over the decades, the Golden Rod Stakes has produced a number of outstanding winners who went on to major success. Among them is Rachel Alexandra, whose record-setting performance in the race helped foreshadow her championship three year old campaign. Other notable winners include top-class fillies who later competed in the Kentucky Oaks and at the highest levels of the sport, reinforcing the race’s reputation as a proving ground for future stars.

In the modern era, the Golden Rod Stakes is a Grade 2 event and part of the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, awarding qualifying points toward a start in the spring classic. Its placement on the late November calendar at Churchill Downs makes it one of the final major opportunities for two year old fillies to showcase their ability around two turns. Today, the race continues to offer fans and bettors an important glimpse into the next generation of elite fillies as they prepare to transition into their three year old campaigns.

All-Time Results of Golden Rod Stakes