Spendthrift Farm to sponsor Grade 1 Hopeful
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Spendthrift Farm today announced it has entered into a multi-year agreement for the storied farm to serve as the title sponsor of the Grade 1, $300,000 Spendthrift Farm Hopeful.
The seven-furlong sprint for 2-year-olds anchors the Closing Day program of the 40-day summer meet on Monday, September 1, at Saratoga Race Course. One of the oldest and most prestigious races for juveniles, the Hopeful had its inaugural edition in 1903 and was won by Delhi, who went on to win the Belmont Stakes the following year and become the first of more than a dozen Hopeful winners who triumphed in the “Test of the Champion.” Hopeful winners Whirlaway, Secretariat and Affirmed would all go on to capture the Triple Crown the following year.
In recent years, the Hopeful was won by current Spendthrift Farm stallions Basin [2019], Jackie’s Warrior [2020], who went on to be named 2021 Champion Male Sprinter, and Forte [2022], who took honors that same year as Champion 2-Year-Old Colt.
"The Hopeful is one of America’s most storied races for 2-year-olds, and we are honored to be its sponsor,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift Farm general manager. “For generations, this race has played a key role in shaping champions - many of whom have gone on to stand at Spendthrift, including Forte and Jackie’s Warrior today. This partnership allows us to support a race that embodies the excitement, promise, and rich tradition of 2-year-old racing. We also commend NYRA for its steadfast commitment to the sport, ensuring that Saratoga remains the pinnacle of racing and a launching pad for the next generation of great horses."
The Spendthrift Farm Hopeful is one of three Grade 1s on Closing Weekend at the Spa along with the $300,000 Spinaway on Saturday, August 30 and the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup on Sunday, August 31.
“Spendthrift Farm is central to the fabric of thoroughbred racing here in New York and across the country,” said Kevin Quinn, NYRA Vice President of Sales & Hospitality. “Beyond their record of achievement in the sport’s most important races, Spendthrift is committed to elevating historic races like the Hopeful for the benefit of the sport broadly. We appreciate this investment in the Spendthrift Farm Hopeful and look forward to a thrilling edition at Saratoga in 2025.”
For additional information and the complete Saratoga stakes schedule, please visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/racing/stakes-schedule/.
About the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)
NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact.
NYRA is the parent company of NYRA Bets, LLC, the national advanced deposit wagering platform launched in 2016 and currently available to customers in 36 states. NYRA Bets provides bettors the opportunity to wager on tracks worldwide from anywhere at any time. The NYRA Bets app is available for download on iOS and Android at NYRABets.com.
About Spendthrift Farm
Spendthrift Farm is one of the most influential, historic, and innovative thoroughbred breeding and racing operations in the world, with a rich legacy of producing champions since 1937.
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Spendthrift Farm has long been an industry leader and is currently home to 29 stallions – tops in the world – including the sport’s perennial leading sire, Into Mischief, his Kentucky Derby winning son, Authentic, among many other champions.
Spendthrift Farm is committed to the future of the Thoroughbred breeding industry and horse racing, with a mission of continuing to positively shape the landscape of the sport and the Thoroughbred breed.