One of the premier races for Thoroughbreds age 3 and older, this race is named for prominent racehorse owner George Nicholas Woodward and it is run at a 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs). From 2006 through 2020 it was hosted by Saratoga Race Course, but it switched back to Belmont Park in 2021.
First run in 1954, the Woodward has been won by equine greats such as Sword Dancer, Kelso, Forego, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Cigar, Curlin, and Rachel Alexandra. In addition, Spectacular Bid won the 1980 race in a walkover when no one was willing to face him.
One of the premier races for Thoroughbreds age 3 and older, this race is named for prominent racehorse owner George Nicholas Woodward and it is run at a 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs). From 2006 through 2020 it was hosted by Saratoga Race Course, but it switched back to Belmont Park in 2021.
First run in 1954, the Woodward has been won by equine greats such as Sword Dancer, Kelso, Forego, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Cigar, Curlin, and Rachel Alexandra. In addition, Spectacular Bid won the 1980 race in a walkover when no one was willing to face him.
Forego captured the Woodward trophy for four consecutive years, winning from 1974-1977 with two different jockeys. Also during that time frame, Bill Shoemaker and Angel Cordero had a stranglehold on the Woodward winner's circle, winning nine of the 10 Woodwards run from 1976-1985. Since 2005, John Velazquez has won three editions of the race.