First run in 1990 as the Sam Houston Stakes when Kentucky Downs was called Dueling Grounds, the Kentucky Cup Turf is held at 1 ½ miles on turf at the Franklin, Ky. track. Rochester was the first horse who to win the race twice. Da Big Hoss replicated the feat in 2015 and 2016 and then Arklow won the race in non-consecutive years in 2018 and 2020.
In 2023, the purse rose to $1.7 million.
First run in 1990 as the Sam Houston Stakes when Kentucky Downs was called Dueling Grounds, the Kentucky Cup Turf is held at 1 ½ miles on turf at the Franklin, Ky. track. Rochester was the first horse who to win the race twice. Da Big Hoss replicated the feat in 2015 and 2016 and then Arklow won the race in non-consecutive years in 2018 and 2020.
In 2023, the purse rose to $1.7 million.
Fastest Time (since 1976): 2:24:93
Greatest Winning Margin (since 1976): 6 3/4 lengths
