Grade II race | |
Location | Fair Grounds Race Course New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
---|---|
Inaugurated | 1992 (as Explosive Bid Handicap) |
Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
Website | www.fairgroundsracecourse.com |
Race information | |
Distance | 1+1⁄8 miles (9 furlongs) |
Surface | Turf |
Track | Left-handed |
Qualification | Four-years-old and older |
Weight | 124 lbs with allowances |
Purse | $300,000 (since 2014) |
Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for horses aged four and older at a distance of one and one-eighth miles on the turf run annually in early March at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $300,000.
History
The inaugural running of the event was on 28 March 1992 as the Explosive Bid Handicap named after the 1984 winner of the Louisiana Handicap, Explosive Bid.
In 1994 the event was run in two split divisions.
In 1996 the American Graded Stakes Committee upgraded the event to Grade III and once more to Grade II in 2001.
In December 2003 the Louisiana Racing Commission agreed to honor Mervyn R. Muniz, Jr., a longtime racing secretary at Fair Grounds Race Course who died in 2003 by renaming the event to the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap
There was no race in 2006 due to after effects of Hurricane Katrina which had damaged the Fair Grounds race track and moved the shortened meeting that season to Louisiana Downs.
The 2019 winner of the event Bricks and Mortar continued his successful undefeated season enroute to being crowned US Champion Male Turf Horse and US Horse of the Year.
In 2020 the conditions of the event were changed from handicap to stakes allowance with the name of the race modified to Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes.
Records
Speed record:
- 1:47.21 - Factor This (2020)
Margins:
- 6 lengths - Joyeux Danseur (1998)
Most wins:
- 2 - Proudinsky (GER) (2008, 2009)
Most wins by an owner:
- 3 - Gary A. Tanaka (2001, 2002, 2008)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 3 - Chad C. Brown (2012, 2019, 2024)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 4 - Robby Albarado (1998, 2001, 2004, 2007)
Winners
Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Distance | Time | Purse | Grade | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes | ||||||||||
2024 | I'm Very Busy | 4 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown | Team Hanley, Richard Schermerhorn & Paul Braverman | 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:47.57 | $300,000 | II | |
2023 | Spooky Channel | 8 | Joel Rosario | Jason Barkley | NBS Stable | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:54.11 | $300,000 | II | |
2022 | Two Emmys | 6 | James Graham | Hugh H. Robertson | Wolfe Racing & Hugh H. Robertson | 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.83 | $300,000 | II | |
2021 | Colonel Liam | 4 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd A. Pletcher | Lawana L. & Robert E. Low | 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:48.33 | $300,000 | II | |
2020 | Factor This | 5 | Shaun Bridgmohan | Brad H. Cox | Gaining Ground Racing | 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:47.21 | $300,000 | II | |
Muniz Memorial Handicap | ||||||||||
2019 | Bricks and Mortar | 5 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown | Klaravich Stables Inc. & William Lawrence | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.44 | $291,000 | II | |
2018 | Synchrony | 5 | Joe Bravo | Michael Stidham | Pin Oak Stable | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.59 | $300,000 | II | |
2017 | Enterprising | 6 | Tyler Gaffalione | Michael J. Maker | Maxis Stable | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:48.41 | $300,000 | II | |
2016 | Take the Stand (ARG) | 5 | Edgar S. Prado | William I. Mott | Earle I. Mack, Wachtel Stable & Brous Stable | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:47.80 | $300,000 | II | |
Mervin H. Muniz Jr Memorial Handicap | ||||||||||
2015 | Chocolate Ride | 5 | Joseph Talamo | Brad H. Cox | John Wentworth | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:48.18 | $291,000 | II | |
2014 | Skyring | 5 | Joseph Rocco Jr. | D. Wayne Lukas | Calumet Farm | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:52.01 | $288,000 | II | |
2013 | Amira's Prince (IRE) | 4 | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | Wachtel Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Gary Barber | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.76 | $400,000 | II | |
2012 | Casino Host | 4 | John R. Velazquez | Chad C. Brown | Mary & Gary West | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.87 | $400,000 | II | |
2011 | Smart Bid | 5 | Edgar S. Prado | H. Graham Motion | Augustin Stable | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.97 | $400,000 | II | |
2010 | Blues Street | 6 | Javier Castellano | Todd A. Pletcher | Anstu Stable | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.10 | $300,000 | II | |
2009 | Proudinsky (GER) | 6 | Victor Espinoza | Robert J. Frankel | Johanna Louise Glen-Teven | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.94 | $500,000 | II | |
2008 | Proudinsky (GER) | 5 | Garrett K. Gomez | Robert J. Frankel | Gary A. Tanaka | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.44 | $500,000 | II | |
2007 | Einstein (BRZ) | 5 | Robby Albarado | Helen Pitts-Blasi | Midnight Cry Stable | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.57 | $500,000 | II | |
2006 | Race not held | |||||||||
2005 | † A to the Z | 5 | Victor Espinoza | Paula S. Capestro | Andrew & Paula Capestro | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.99 | $500,000 | II | |
2004 | Mystery Giver | 6 | Robby Albarado | Richard R. Scherer | Team Block | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:48.29 | $500,000 | II | |
Explosive Bid Handicap | ||||||||||
2003 | Candid Glen | 6 | Elvis Joseph Perrodin | Andrew Leggio Jr. | Glen C. Warren | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:51.15 | $650,000 | II | |
2002 | Sarafan | 5 | Corey Nakatani | Neil D. Drysdale | Gary A. Tanaka | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:48.88 | $700,000 | II | |
2001 | Tijiyr (IRE) | 5 | Robby Albarado | Niall M. O'Callaghan | Gary A. Tanaka | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.72 | $600,000 | II | |
2000 | Brave Act (GB) | 6 | Cash Asmussen | Ron McAnally | Sidney Craig | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:48.98 | $600,000 | III | |
1999 | Lord Smith (GB) | 4 | Garrett K. Gomez | Bruce L. Jackson | Michael Boich, David & Linda Kruse | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:51.27 | $663,600 | III | |
1998 | Joyeux Danseur | 5 | Robby Albarado | Albert Stall Jr. | B. Wayne Hughes | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.30 | $373,300 | III | |
1997 | Always a Classic | 4 | Eddie Martin Jr. | Mark R. Frostad | Sam-Son Farm | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:54.83 | $219,950 | III | |
1996 | Kazabaiyn | 6 | Kent J. Desormeaux | Robert B. Hess Jr. | Jeremys Stable, et al | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.80 | $155,325 | III | |
1995 | Earl of Barking (IRE) | 5 | Goncalino Almeida | Richard J. Cross | Henry E. Pabst | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:52.01 | $155,625 | Listed | |
1994 | Pride of Summer | 6 | Robert King Jr. | Anthony J. Bizelia | TOC Stable, Patrick J. Purcell, et al | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.59 | $127,375 | Listed | Division 1 |
Snake Eyes | 4 | Brent E. Bartram | Steven L. Morguelan | Melvin Isenstein | 1:49.41 | $127,170 | Division 2 | |||
1993 | Coaxing Matt | 4 | Eddie Martin Jr. | Neil L. Pessin | Elmer E. Miller | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:50.80 | $78,350 | Listed | |
1992 | ‡ Slick Groom | 4 | Kirk Paul LeBlanc | Donald J. Cormier Sr. | Albert Pusch | abt. 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:52.60 | $52,650 | Listed |
Notes:
† In the 2005 running of the event longshot Rapid Proof was first past the post. However, after a positive test for dexamethasone Rapid Proof was disqualified, and A to the Z was declared the winner with all prizemoney redistributed according to the adjusted finishing order
‡ In the 1992 inaugural running, City Ballet was first past the post but was disqualified and place sixth for interference in the straight and Slick Groom was declared the winner.
See also
References
- "EXPLOSIVE BID (USA) ch. H, 1978 - 59 Starts, 17 Wins, 14 Places, 6 Shows Career Earnings: $488,147". 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ "Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes (Gr. 2)". www.equibase.com. 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- ^ "MERVIN H. MUNIZ JR. MEMORIAL HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "Meeting Notice - Louisiana Racing Commission (1 December 2003)" (PDF). 21 November 2003. p. 2.
- "2024 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
- "2023 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 25 March 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- "2022 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Presented by Horse Racing Nation Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
- "2021 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Grade 2 - (race 12)". Equibase. 20 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
- "2020 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 21 March 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2019 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. 23 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2018 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2017 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2016 Muniz Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2015 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2014 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2013 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. H. Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2012 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 1 April 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2011 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 26 March 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2010 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2009 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 March 2009. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2008 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 8 March 2008. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2007 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 10 March 2007. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2005 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 19 March 2005. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2004 Mervin Handicap Muniz Jr. Memorial H. Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 21 March 2004. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2003 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 March 2003. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2002 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 24 March 2002. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2001 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 25 March 2001. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "2000 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 26 March 2000. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1999 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 28 March 1999. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1998 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 29 March 1998. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1997 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 29 March 1997. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1996 Explosive Bid Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 24 March 1996. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1995 Explosive Bid Handicap Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 26 March 1995. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1994 (Mar) Explosive Bid Stakes Division 1 Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 March 1994. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1994 (Mar) Explosive Bid Stakes Division 2 Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 27 March 1994. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1993 Explosive Bid Stakes Listed - (race 9)". Equibase. 27 March 1993. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- "1992 Explosive Bid Stakes Listed - (race 10)". Equibase. 28 March 1992. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
- BloodHorse Staff (21 June 2005). "Rapid Proof DQ'd from Mervin Muniz Win". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 9 March 2021.