The Empire Distaff was inaugurated in 2014 as a female counterpart race to the Empire Classic – the traditional feature race of the annual Empire Showcase Day for New York-breds. The first running was won by Barry Schwartz’s homebred filly Princess Violet who became a Grade 1 winner the following year. The 2015 Empire Distaff was won by Wonder Gal, who was already multiple Grade 1-placed. In 2016, Bar of Gold captured the Empire Distaff one year before capturing the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.
$250,000.00 1 1/8 (Dirt) Grade:
Year
Horse
Age
Weight
Time
Owner
Trainer
Jockey
Value
2024
Venti Valentine
5
126
1:50.43
NY Final Furlong Racing Stable and Parkland Thoroughbreds
Jorge R. Abreu
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
$137,500
2023
Know It All Audrey
4
122
1:51.57
Three Player's Stable and Barrera, III, Oscar S.
Oscar Barrera III
Javier Castellano
$137,500
2022
Let Her Inspire U
3
118
1:51.88
CHC INC.
Todd A. Pletcher
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
$137,500
2021
Sharp Starr
4
122
1:44.23
Barry K. Schwartz
Horacio DePaz
Jose L. Ortiz
$137,500
2020
Lucky Move
6
120
1:43.36
Ten Strike Racing
Juan Carlos Guerrero
Irad Ortiz Jr.
$96,250
2019
Ratajkowski
5
118
1:35.45
Gary Broad
Brian A. Lynch
Jose L. Ortiz
$137,500
2018
Bonita Bianca
4
118
1:43.18
Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables LLC & Micheal Imperio
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Gambling Problems? The New York Racing Association encourages responsible wagering. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you care about, help is available 24 hours a day. Scan here to talk with someone now about your gambling. Or call toll-free 1-877-8-HOPE-NY.