Key Points
- Haskell Invitational, now Haskell Stakes, is an annual premier U.S. race for three-year-olds at Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey; 1â…› miles (9 furlongs), dirt, since 1968.
- A prestigious non-Triple Crown sophomore race, it offers a major purse, often draws Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont runners, and points toward major fall targets.
- Named for Amory L. Haskell, it began as a handicap; in 1981 it became the Haskell Invitational Handicap, evolving into an elite invitational/stakes event.
- The Haskell is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race; winners typically earn a Breeders’ Cup Classic berth, while boosting Eclipse Award credentials and stud value.
- Edge case: horses that skipped parts of the spring campaign or improved after Triple Crown races can use the Haskell to build résumés and reshuffle the division.
- Famous editions: Rachel Alexandra beat males in 2009 after the Preakness; American Pharoah won in 2015; Authentic’s 2020 Haskell preceded later Derby/Classic wins; track winners on EquinEdge Results.
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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FAQs
Is the Haskell Invitational the same race as the Haskell Stakes?
Yes. The race is officially known today as the Haskell Stakes, though many people still refer to it as the Haskell Invitational.Where is the Haskell run, and what are the race conditions?
It is held annually at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey. The race is run on dirt at 1â…› miles, or 9 furlongs.Which horses are eligible to compete in the Haskell?
The Haskell is for three-year-olds. It is one of the premier summer races in the U.S. for that age group.Why is the Haskell such an important race on the calendar?
It is a major summer target for horses coming out of the Triple Crown season and often helps define the division heading into the fall. A Haskell win can also boost Eclipse Award credentials and stud value.Does the Haskell usually include horses from the Triple Crown races?
Often, yes. The field regularly features horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, or Belmont Stakes earlier in the year.What does the winner of the Haskell typically receive besides the purse?
The race is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. That means the winner typically earns an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic.How has the race changed since it began?
First run in 1968, it began as a handicap race and later moved to an invitational format aimed at attracting elite three-year-olds. In 1981, it was formally renamed the Haskell Invitational Handicap and shifted toward a more modern stakes-style structure.Which famous horses have helped define the Haskell’s reputation?
The race has featured stars such as Serena’s Song, Point Given, Big Brown, Rachel Alexandra, American Pharoah, and Authentic. Memorable recent editions include Rachel Alexandra’s 2009 win and American Pharoah’s 2015 victory after his Triple Crown sweep.