What is the Haskell Invitational?
The Haskell Invitational, officially known today as the Haskell Stakes, is one of the premier summertime horse races for three-year-olds in the United States. Held annually at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey, the race is run at a distance of 1â…› miles (9 furlongs) on dirt.
First contested in 1968, the Haskell has grown into one of the most prestigious non-Triple Crown races for sophomores, offering a major purse and often attracting some of the best three-year-olds in the country. Winners frequently include horses who competed in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, or Belmont Stakes earlier in the season.
Today, the race is a key stepping stone for horses aiming for the Breeders' Cup Classic or other major fall targets.
History of the Race
The Haskell was originally named in honor of Amory L. Haskell, a former president and chairman of Monmouth Park who played a major role in reviving horse racing in New Jersey in the mid-20th century. It started as a handicap race but later evolved into an invitational format, drawing top talent by offering rich purses and national prestige.
Over the years, it has featured some of racing’s biggest stars, including horses like Serena’s Song, Point Given, Big Brown, Rachel Alexandra, American Pharoah, and Authentic.
In 1981, the race was formally renamed the Haskell Invitational Handicap, and it shifted to a more modern, stakes-style structure focused on attracting elite three-year-olds. It remains one of Monmouth Park’s signature events.
Why the Haskell Matters
The Haskell serves as a major summer target for three-year-olds coming out of the Triple Crown trail. It gives top horses a chance to continue building their résumés, especially if they skipped parts of the spring campaign or are prepping for longer, more demanding fall races.
Winning the Haskell can also be an important credential for Eclipse Award voting and stud value. The race is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, meaning the winner typically earns an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Because the field often includes horses that have matured and improved since the spring, the Haskell can sometimes offer a reshuffling of the division’s pecking order.
Famous Moments
The Haskell has produced many memorable performances, including:
- Rachel Alexandra’s victory in 2009, when she beat the boys following her Preakness win.
- American Pharoah’s 2015 win, coming shortly after he became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.
- Authentic’s 2020 win, setting the stage for his later victories in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic.
The race often draws huge crowds and national TV coverage, making it one of the few non-Triple Crown races to command major public attention.
Final Thoughts
The Haskell Invitational is where the summer championship season truly begins for three-year-olds. With a prestigious history, rich purse, and a tendency to crown stars, it stands as one of the can’t-miss events of the racing year.
Want to track Haskell winners and other rising stars across the U.S. racing scene? Visit the EquinEdge Results page for updated race outcomes from Monmouth Park and beyond.
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