The WOODWARD is named in memory of William Woodward, a pillar of racing, who was chairman of the Jockey Club from 1930 to 1950. Woodward's famous Belair Stud colors were carried to victory 631 times from 1923 to 1953, were second 568 times, and third 540 times. His horses, running in this country, earned $3,593,416 in the days before inflated purses. He also maintained a successful string of horses in England.
Run as a handicap in 1954, 1955, and in 1976 and 1977; from 1957 through 1975 it was a weight-for-age event, and was run as an allowance stakes from 1977 through 1987. It was returned to a andicap in 1988, 1989, and 1990. It became a weight-for-age race again in 1991. Run at Aqueduct in 1959, 1960, and from 1962 to 1967. Run at one mile in 1954; at a mile and a quarter from 1956 to 1971, 1978 to 1980, and in 1988 and 1989; at a mile and a half from 1972 to 1975. Run as the Woodward Stakes from 1954 to 1975 and from 1978 to 1987. In 1971, Cougar II finished first but was disqualified and placed third. In 1980, the race was run with the conditions that the winner receive 30% of the purse and all nomination and starting fees.
Spectacular Bid’s victory in 1980 was the first American walkover since Calumet Farm's Coaltown won the 1949 running of the Edward Burke Handicap at Havre de Grace, Maryland.