Originally named the Firecracker Stakes when it started in 1983, the Firecracker took a break from 1985 to 1993 and was bumped to one mile on the turf instead of seven furlongs on dirt. In 2016, the race was renamed to the Wise Dan Stakes after two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan, who won the race in 2011 and 2013 and changed to 1 1/16 miles (8 ½ furlongs). Horses such as Kitten’s Joy, Miesque’s Approval and Thorn Song have all won the race as well.
Originally named the Firecracker Stakes when it started in 1983, the Firecracker took a break from 1985 to 1993 and was bumped to one mile on the turf instead of seven furlongs on dirt. In 2016, the race was renamed to the Wise Dan Stakes after two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan, who won the race in 2011 and 2013 and changed to 1 1/16 miles (8 ½ furlongs). Horses such as Kitten’s Joy, Miesque’s Approval and Thorn Song have all won the race as well.