First run at Keeneland in 1962 as a 4 ½ furlong dirt race, the Bewitch Stakes made a dramatic switch in 1979 when it became a 1 1/16 mile dirt race then made another major change when it switched to turf a few years later. The race made an even bigger transformation from its origins in 1995 when the race became a 1 ½ mile (12 furlongs) turf race. The race is open to fillies and mares 4 and up and at its current distance the 1999 winner Bursting Forth set the race record when stopping the clock at 2:27.40.
First run at Keeneland in 1962 as a 4 ½ furlong dirt race, the Bewitch Stakes made a dramatic switch in 1979 when it became a 1 1/16 mile dirt race then made another major change when it switched to turf a few years later. The race made an even bigger transformation from its origins in 1995 when the race became a 1 ½ mile (12 furlongs) turf race. The race is open to fillies and mares 4 and up and at its current distance the 1999 winner Bursting Forth set the race record when stopping the clock at 2:27.40. Winners of the race include Bold ‘n Determined, Heatherten, Sweetest Thing, Lady Shakespeare, Keertana and Kitten’s Point.