Horse race
The Las Cienegas Stakes is a Grade III American thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age four and up over a distance of about six and one-half furlongs on the Hillside Turf Course held annually in January at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California , USA . The event currently offers a purse of US$100,000.
History
The inaugural running of the event was on 17 February 1974 as the Las Cienegas Handicap , a sprint over the Downhill turf course over a distance of about 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs for horses that were four-years-old or older. The event was won by Woodland Pines who was ridden by US Hall of Fame jockey Donald R. Pierce in a time of 1:13 flat.[ 1]
The following year the event was not held.[ 2]
In 1976 the event was run with conditions for three-year-olds only on the dirt track over a distance of six furlongs. The event was won by Life's Hope who later that year would win the Grade 1 Jersey Derby . In 1977 the event was scheduled in April as with handicap conditions for fillies and mares age four and up over a distance of six and one-half furlongs on the Downhill turf course. The event continued to be scheduled usually in April until 2017 when it was moved to January.[ 3]
The event was upgraded in 1992 by the American Graded Stakes Committee to Grade III race.[ 3] In 2013 the event's conditions were changes to a stakes allowance race and the name modified to Las Cienegas Stakes .[ 3]
The event has been moved to the dirt due to weather conditions in 1979, 1982, 1983, 1986, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2019.[ 3]
In 2012 the event was moved to the dirt track and was won by Mizdirection . Mizdirection later that year would return to Santa Anita and win the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint . Mizdirection would repeat the unique double in 2013 again winning both events. Mizdirection is the only dual winner of the event.[ 4]
Due to poor state of the Downhill turf course in 2020 and 2021 the event was held on the proper turf course at a shorter distance.[ 2]
On 11 January 2020, the Las Cienegas Stakes was run for the first time at a distance of 5+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs on turf. Brazilian import Jolie Olimpica, making her first start in the United States, set a new Santa Anita Park course record of 1:01 flat for that distance.[ 5]
In the 2021 running of the event Charmaine's Mia set a new course record for the 6 furlong distance.[ 6]
Records
Speed record:
about 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs on turf: 1:11.66 – Elusive Diva (2005)
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs on dirt: 1:14.40 – Excitable Lady (1982)
Margins:
8+ 1 ⁄2 lengths – Watch This Cat (2015)
Most wins:
Most wins by a jockey :
Most wins by a trainer :
Most wins by an owner:
Winners
Year
Winner
Age
Jockey
Trainer
Owner
Distance
Time
Purse
Grade
Ref
Las Cienegas Stakes
2025
Toupie
4
Flavien Prat
H. Graham Motion
Wertheimer et Frère
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.97
$101,500
III
[ 7]
2024
Honey Pants
6
Frankie Dettori
Philip D'Amato
Bakster Farm & Gerald Isbister
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.40
$103,000
III
[ 8]
2023
Amy C (GB)
5
Umberto Rispoli
Philip D'Amato
Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb & Robert V. LaPenta
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.76
$101,500
III
[ 9]
2022
Zero Tolerance
4
Flavien Prat
Ruben Alvarado
Custom Truck Accessories, Jason Hall, Joe Kelly & Michael Riordan
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.26
$101,000
III
[ 10]
2021
Charmaine's Mia
4
Drayden Van Dyke
Philip D'Amato
Agave Racing Stable
6 furlongs
1:07.81
$99,000
III
[ 6]
2020
Jolie Olimpica (BRZ)
4
Mike E. Smith
Richard E. Mandella
Fox Hill Farms
5+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:01.00
$100,000
III
[ 11]
2019
Belvoir Bay (GB)
6
Flavien Prat
Peter L. Miller
Gary Barber
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:15.06
$98,000
Listed
Off turf [ 12]
2018
Coniah
5
Kent J. Desormeaux
William E. Morey
James W. & Tammy M. McKenney
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.17
$100,690
III
[ 13]
2017
Watch This Cat
5
Corey Nakatani
Richard Baltas
Harry Bederian, Harout Kamberian & Hagop Nakkashian
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:16.41
$98,000
Listed
Off turf [ 14]
2016
Dreamologist
4
Flavien Prat
Richard E. Mandella
LNJ Foxwoods
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:15.56
$100,690
III
Off turf [ 15]
2015
Home Journey
5
Rafael Bejarano
Mike Puype
GGG Stables & Russell J. Sarno
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.09
$100,750
III
[ 16]
2014
Tribal Spy
4
Joseph Talamo
Adam Kitchingman
Triple B Farms
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.12
$100,500
III
[ 17]
2013
Mizdirection
5
David R. Flores
Mike Puype
Jungle Racing, Danny Grohs, William Strauss, Borris Beljak, KMN Racing et al.
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.61
$100,000
III
[ 18]
Las Cienegas Handicap
2012
Mizdirection
4
David R. Flores
Mike Puype
Jungle Racing, William Strauss, Danny Gohs, Borris Beljak, & Kevin Nish
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:16.50
$98,000
Listed
Off turf [ 19]
2011
Separate Forest
4
Pat Valenzuela
Doug F. O'Neill
Suarez Racing, Westside Rentals.com & Darin Tsukashima
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.64
$100,000
III
[ 20]
2010
Unzip Me
4
Joseph Talamo
Martin F. Jones
Harris Farms, Per Antonsen, Marin Jones & Donald Valpredo
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.80
$100,000
III
[ 21]
2009
Gotta Have Her
5
Tyler Baze
Jenine Sahadi
Green Lantern Stables
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:11.92
$100,000
III
[ 22]
2008
† Lightmyfirebaby
5
Alex O. Solis
Barry Abrams
Richard O'Neill Trust
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.25
$112,700
III
[ 23]
2007
River's Prayer
4
Clinton L. Potts
Paula S. Capestro
Bantry Farms, Paula Capestro & Martin Racing Stable
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.99
$108,700
III
[ 24]
2006
Cambiocorsa
4
Jon Court
Doug F. O'Neill
Leatherman Racing & Ran Jan Racing
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.60
$112,900
III
[ 25]
2005
Elusive Diva
4
Pat Valenzuela
Mark Glatt
Allen & Susan Branch, John Konecny et al.
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:11.66
$111,100
III
[ 26]
2004
Etoile Montante
4
Javier Santiago
Robert J. Frankel
Juddmonte Farms
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.32
$112,800
III
[ 27]
2003
Heat Haze (GB)
4
Jose Valdivia Jr.
Robert J. Frankel
Juddmonte Farms
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.11
$110,000
III
[ 28]
2002
Rolly Polly (IRE)
4
Kent J. Desormeaux
Robert J. Frankel
Wildenstein Stable
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.55
$108,500
III
[ 29]
2001
Go Go
4
Eddie Delahoussaye
Warren Stute
Alan B. & Paula Thomas
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.54
$109,500
III
[ 30]
2000
Evening Promise (GB)
4
Danny Sorenson
Kathy Walsh
Richard Duggan & James R. Vreeland
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.66
$106,400
III
[ 31]
1999
§ Desert Lady (IRE)
4
Corey Nakatani
Richard E. Mandella
The Thoroughbred Corporation
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.65
$109,400
III
[ 32]
1998
Dance Parade
4
Kent J. Desormeaux
Neil D. Drysdale
H.R.H. Prince Fahd bin Salman
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.60
$108,000
III
[ 33]
1997
Advancing Star
4
Gary L. Stevens
Richard E. Mandella
Golden Eagle Farm
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.50
$156,550
III
[ 34]
1996
Ski Dancer
4
Gary L. Stevens
Gary F. Jones
Kallenberg Thoroughbreds
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:14.59
$104,300
III
[ 35]
1995
Marina Park (GB)
5
Alex O. Solis
Ian P. D. Jory
Greenland Park
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.77
$103,175
III
[ 36]
1994
Mamselle Bebette
4
Chris McCarron
Jack Van Berg
Big Train Farm
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.05
$87,225
III
[ 37]
1993
Glen Kate (IRE)
6
Corey Black
Bill Shoemaker
Wayne Gretzky & Bruce McNall
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.71
$104,350
III
[ 38]
1992
Heart of Joy
5
Chris McCarron
Gary F. Jones
Golden Eagle Farm
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:12.72
$103,475
III
[ 39]
1991
Flower Girl (GB)
4
Eddie Delahoussaye
Hector O. Palma
William J. Gredley
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.20
$83,400
Listed
[ 40]
1990
Stylish Star
4
Chris McCarron
Dan L. Hendricks
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Cavanagh
abt. 6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.00
$80,850
[ 41]
1989
Imperial Star (GB)
5
Robbie Davis
Robert J. Frankel
Robert B. Trussel Jr.
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:15.60
$84,200
[ 42]
1988
Hairless Heiress
5
Gary L. Stevens
Noble Threewitt
Jawl Brothers
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:15.00
$85,500
[ 43]
1987
Lichi (CHI)
7
Gary Baze
Gary F. Jones
Preston Farm
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:14.40
$65,150
[ 44]
1986
Shywing
4
Laffit Pincay Jr.
Jerry M. Fanning
Cardiff Stud Farm
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:18.00
$64,550
Off turf [ 45]
1985
Danzadar
4
Dario A. Lozoya
Hector O. Palma
Granja Vista Del Rio Stable
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:14.00
$64,250
[ 46]
1984
Tangent (NZ)
4
Gustavo Barrera
Wayne Murty
Bacchus, Harrison, McGee, Murty Farm & Stewart
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:15.00
$66,600
[ 47]
1983
Faneuil Lass
4
Laffit Pincay Jr.
D. Wayne Lukas
Sam E. Stevens
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:17.40
$68,200
Off turf [ 48]
1982
Excitable Lady
4
Eddie Delahoussaye
Ron McAnally
Thomas E. Gentry
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:14.40
$67,650
Off turf [ 49]
1981
Wishing Well
6
Fernando Toro
Gary F. Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Lima
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.40
$56,750
[ 50]
1980
Great Lady M.
5
Pat Valenzuela
D. Wayne Lukas
Robert H. Spreen
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:14.80
$46,100
[ 51]
1979
Pressing Date
5
Angel Cordero Jr.
William J. Hirsch Jr.
King Ranch
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:16.40
$45,500
Off turf [ 52]
1978
Drama Critic
4
Darrel G. McHargue
Ron McAnally
Elmendorf
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:14.00
$45,800
[ 53]
1977
Dancing Femme
4
Bill Shoemaker
A. Thomas Doyle
Jack L. Finley
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.60
$42,600
[ 54]
1976
Life's Hope
3
Laffit Pincay Jr.
Laz Barrera
Harbor View Farm
6 furlongs
1:09.40
$34,500
3YOs[ 55]
1975
Race not held
1974
Woodland Pines
5
Donald R. Pierce
Cecil Jolly
Linda Briggs Smith
6+ 1 ⁄2 furlongs
1:13.00
$29,900
[ 1]
Legend:
Dirt
Turf
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
† In 2002, Bahama Mama (IRE ) won the race but was disqualified and place fourth after stewards ruled she had drifted in the straight. Lightmyfirebaby was declared the winner, Wake Up Maggie (IRE ) moved to second and Super Freaky to third.
See also
List of American and Canadian Graded races
External links
References
^ a b Abbott, Bion (18 February 1974). "Stewards Revers 5-Day Suspension of Don Pierce; Riders Assist Officials in Dropping Ban (1974 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 17 February 1974 )" . Los Angeles Times . p. 36. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ a b "LAS CIENEGAS STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS" . Thoroughbred Pedigree Online . 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021 .
^ a b c d "Stakes profile" . www.equibase.com . Retrieved 17 May 2020 .
^ Shinar, Jack (6 January 2013). "Hillside Ace Mizdirection Wins Monrovia Again; Jungle Racing's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint champ still perfect on Santa Anita course" . BloodHorse.com . Retrieved 28 December 2021 .
^ "Jolie Olimpica Sets Course Record in U.S. debut" . Thoroughbred Daily News, page 8. 2020-01-12. Retrieved 2020-07-01 .
^ a b "2021 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)" . Equibase . 9 January 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2025 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)" . Equibase . 19 January 2025. Retrieved 1 February 2025 .
^ "2024 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 13 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024 .
^ "2023 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 1)" . Equibase . 2 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023 .
^ "2022 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 9 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022 .
^ "2020 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 3)" . Equibase . 11 January 2020. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2019 Las Cienegas Stakes Listed - (race 6)" . Equibase . 12 January 2019. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2018 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 20 January 2018. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2017 Las Cienegas Stakes Listed - (race 3)" . Equibase . 7 January 2017. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2016 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 4)" . Equibase . 10 April 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2015 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)" . Equibase . 11 April 2015. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2014 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 5)" . Equibase . 12 April 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2013 Las Cienegas Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)" . Equibase . 13 April 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2012 Las Cienegas Handicap Listed - (race 8)" . Equibase . 14 April 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2011 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)" . Equibase . 9 April 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2010 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)" . Equibase . 11 April 2010. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2009 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 12 April 2009. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2008 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)" . Equibase . 13 April 2008. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2007 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 15 April 2007. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2006 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 16 April 2006. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2005 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)" . Equibase . 10 April 2005. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2004 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)" . Equibase . 4 April 2004. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2003 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)" . Equibase . 5 April 2003. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2002 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 7 April 2002. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2001 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 8 April 2001. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "2000 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)" . Equibase . 15 April 2000. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1999 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 4)" . Equibase . 18 April 1999. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1998 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)" . Equibase . 19 April 1998. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1997 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 5)" . Equibase . 19 April 1997. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1996 Las Cienegas Handicap Grade 3 - (race 9)" . Equibase . 24 March 1996. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1995 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)" . Equibase . 8 April 1995. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1994 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)" . Equibase . 9 April 1994. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1993 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 7)" . Equibase . 3 April 1993. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1992 Las Cienegas Breeders' Cup Handicap Grade 3 - (race 3)" . Equibase . 4 April 1992. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "1991 Las Cienegas Handicap Listed - (race 8)" . Equibase . 23 March 1991. Retrieved 24 December 2021 .
^ "Santa Anita Charts (1990 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 24 March 1990 )" . Los Angeles Times . 25 March 1990. p. 97. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Imperial Star, Davis Win Las Cienegas Handicap (1989 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 26 March 1989 )" . Los Angeles Times . 27 March 1989. p. 46. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Hairless Heiress Wins (1988 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 9: held 26 March 1988 )" . San Bernardino County Sun . The Associated Press . 27 March 1988. p. 47. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Lichi, a 10-1 Shot Wins Santa Anita Feature by Head (1987 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 26 March 1987 )" . Los Angeles Times . Times Wire Services. 27 March 1987. p. 73. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Shywing Wins Las Cienegas Handicap (1986 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 17 March 1986 )" . Los Angeles Times . 18 March 1986. p. 36. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Danzadar, Apprentice Lozoya Win (1985 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 19 April 1985 )" . Los Angeles Times . 20 April 1985. p. 57. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Tangent Finishes Fast to Win Feature (1984 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 20 April 1984 )" . Los Angeles Times . 21 April 1984. p. 56. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Faneuil Lass scores victory in the Las Cienegas Handicap (1983 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 19 March 1983 )" . San Bernardino County Sun . The Associated Press . 20 March 1983. p. 40. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ "Excitable Lady wins 'Anita feature (1982 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 3 March 1982 )" . San Bernardino County Sun . The Associated Press . 4 March 1982. p. 74. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ Abbott, Bion (19 February 1981). "Toro Gets a Charge Out of Wishing Well (1981 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 18 February 1981 )" . Los Angeles Times . p. 44. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ Abbott, Bion (27 March 1980). "Juicy Stakes Win for Valenzuela; 17-Year-Old Jockey Brings Home Great Lady M. at $20 (1980 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 26 March 1980 )" . Los Angeles Times . p. 57. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ Abbott, Bion (29 March 1979). "Pressing Date Snaps Out of It (1979 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 28 March 1979 )" . Los Angeles Times . p. 62. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ Abbott, Bion (30 March 1978). "M'Hargue Sets Stakes Record With 14th Win (1978 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 29 March 1978 )" . Los Angeles Times . p. 46. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ Abbott, Bion (6 April 1977). "Dancing Femme Wins for Shoe (1977 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 5 April 1977 )" . Los Angeles Times . p. 55. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
^ Abbott, Bion (26 February 1976). "Life's Hope Does Best to Get Win (1976 Las Cienegas Handicap – race 8: held 25 February 1976 )" . Los Angeles Times . p. 44. Retrieved 25 December 2021 .
Information related to Las Cienegas Stakes