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Apple Blossom Handicap

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Apple Blossom Handicap
Grade I race
LocationOaklawn Park
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Inaugurated1958 (as Apple Blossom Purse)
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Websitewww.oaklawn.com
Race information
Distance1+1⁄16 miles
SurfaceDirt
Trackleft-handed
QualificationFillies & Mares, four-years-old and older
WeightHandicap
Purse$1,250,000 (2024)

The Apple Blossom Handicap is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares that are four years old or older, run under handicap conditions over a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt track held annually in April at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The 2024 running carried a purse of $1,250,000.

History

[edit]

The race over the years has become the premier event for distaffers in the Spring, however its beginnings were inconsistent and were far from what we see today.

Nonetheless, the inaugural running was on 21 March 1958, as the Apple Blossom Purse, for horses three-years-old or older over the current distance and was won by the three year old colt Count De Blanc in a time of 1:432⁄5.[1] The event at that time was a preparatory event for the Arkansas Derby because in his next start Count De Blanc duly proceeded to win that event. The current preparatory event for the Arkansas Derby is the Rebel Stakes but that event was not first run until 1962.

The event was not held again until 1963. Oaklawn Park acknowledges in their records that the event was won by Verna Lea Farm's four year old Submerge.[2] Outside resources indicate that the event was held on 6 March 1963 as a claiming race for horses four years old or older over a distance of six furlongs.[3] The event again was idle until 1968 when it was held as the Apple Blossom Purse for three year olds and older.[4] The following year in 1969 the event was held as the Apple Blossom Handicap.[5]

In 1973 the administration of Oaklawn Park modified the conditions of the event to allow only for fillies and mares that are four years old or older to start.[6]

In 1975 the distance of the event was increased to one mile and seventy yards. That year the Champion Susan's Girl won the event in her only visit to the track in her 63 race career.[7] The win would bring her career winnings to close to the record $1 million which would be first for a US filly or mare.[8]

The American Graded Stakes Committee in 1977 upgraded the event to Grade III status and in quick succession upgraded it again to Grade II the following year.[9]

In 1980 the distance of the event was increased slightly by 40 yards to one and one-sixteenth miles.[9] The purse for the event had risen substantially to over $200,000 by 1981 and with the best female competitors entering the event the status of the race had been set at Grade I.[9]

The list of champions who had won the event in the 20th century was impressive, includes: Susan's Girl, Canadian champion Northernette, Track Robbery, North Sider, Argentine bred Bayakoa, Paseana from Argentina who won the event twice and was third as an eight-year-old in 1995 to the 1994 US Three-Year-Old Champion filly Heavenly Prize, Escena and Banshee Breeze.

In the 2000s Allen E. Paulson's Champion mare Azeri won the event for a record three times becoming the US Horse of the Year of 2002, and the US Champion Older Female Horse three years running: 2002, 2003, and 2004. In her honor Oaklawn Park in 2005 renamed the Oaklawn Breeders' Cup Stakes to the Azeri Stakes.[10]

The champion mare Zenyatta won the event twice (2008, 2010) during her phenomenal nineteen race winning streak. In 2010 Oaklawn Park president Charles J. Cella was negotiating with the owners of the two top females in U.S. racing in 2009, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta to have a purse of $5 million if both horses were to start.[11] However, the day after a loss by Rachel Alexandra in the New Orleans Ladies at the Fair Grounds her connections announced that she would not run in the Apple Blossom.

The 2019 winner Midnight Bisou continued winning four more events before finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Santa Anita Park. Nonetheless, her record during the year was strong enough to have her crowned US Champion Older Female Horse for the year.

The prize money of the event was scheduled to increase from $750,000 to $1,000,000 in 2020 but was reduced to $600,000 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States reducing fan attendance. In 2021, the purse was increased to $1,000,000 to attract champions Monomoy Girl and Swiss Skydiver.

Records

[edit]

Speed record:

  • 1+1⁄16 miles – 1:40.20 Heatherten (1984) (New race and track record)
  • 1 mile and 70 yards – 1:40.60 Summertime Promise (1976)

Margins:

  • 6+1⁄2 lengths – By Land by Sea (1988)

Most wins:

  • 3 – Azeri (2002, 2003, 2004)

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

[edit]
Year
 Winner
 Age
 Jockey
 Trainer
 Owner
 Distance
 Time
 Purse
 Grade
 Ref
Apple Blossom Handicap
2024 Adare Manor 5 Juan J, Hernandez Bob Baffert Michael Lund Petersen 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.48 $1,250,000 I [12]
2023 Clairiere 5 Joel Rosario Steven M. Asmussen Stonestreet Stables 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.36 $1,000,000 I [13]
2022 Letruska 6 José Ortiz Fausto Gutierrez St George Stables 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.22 $980,000 I [14]
2021 Letruska 5 Irad Ortiz Jr. Fausto Gutierrez St George Stables 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.14 $1,000,000 I [15]
2020 Ce Ce 4 Victor Espinoza Michael W. McCarthy Bo Hirsch 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.14 $600,000 I [16]
2019 Midnight Bisou 4 Mike E. Smith Steven M. Asmussen Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables & Allen Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.88 $750,000 I [17]
2018 Unbridled Mo 5 Ricardo Santana Jr. Todd A. Pletcher Red Oak Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.94 $700,000 I [18]
2017 Stellar Wind 5 Victor Espinoza John W. Sadler Hronis Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.75 $600,000 I [19]
2016 Forever Unbridled 4 John R. Velazquez Dallas Stewart Charles E. Fipke 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.08 $600,000 I [20]
2015 Untapable 4 John R. Velazquez Steven M. Asmussen Winchell Thoroughbreds 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.96 $600,000 I [21]
2014 Close Hatches 4 Joel Rosario William I. Mott Juddmonte Farms 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.75 $588,000 I [22]
2013 On Fire Baby 4 Joe M. Johnson Gary G. Hartlage Anita Cauley 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44.13 $500,000 I [23]
2012 Plum Pretty 4 Rafael Bejarano Bob Baffert Peachtree Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.64 $490,000 I [24]
2011 Havre de Grace 4 Ramon A. Dominguez J. Larry Jones Fox Hill Farms 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.19 $490,000 I [25]
2010 Zenyatta 6 Mike E. Smith John Shirreffs Jerry & Ann Moss 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.71 $490,000 I [26]
2009 Seventh Street 4 Rajiv Maragh Kiaran P. McLaughlin Darley Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.13 $490,000 I [27]
2008 Zenyatta 4 Mike E. Smith John Shirreffs Jerry & Ann Moss 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.64 $500,000 I [28]
2007 Ermine 4 Eddie Castro Ronny W. Werner Oxbow Racing 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44.02 $500,000 I [29]
2006 Spun Sugar 4 Michael J. Luzzi Todd A. Pletcher Stronach Stables 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.59 $500,000 I [30]
2005 Dream of Summer 6 Pat Valenzuela Juan J. Garcia James Weigel 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.86 $500,000 I [31]
2004 Azeri 6 Mike E. Smith D. Wayne Lukas Allen E. Paulson 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.20 $500,000 I [32]
2003 Azeri 5 Mike E. Smith Laura de Seroux Allen E. Paulson 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.00 $500,000 I [33]
2002 Azeri 4 Mike E. Smith Laura de Seroux Allen E. Paulson 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.75 $500,000 I [34]
2001 § Gourmet Girl 6 Calvin H. Borel Alcides Pico Perdomo Gary A. Tanaka 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.15 $500,000 I [35]
2000 Heritage of Gold 5 Shane Sellers Thomas M. Amoss Jack Garey 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.22 $500,000 I [36]
1999 Banshee Breeze 4 Jerry D. Bailey Carl A. Nafzger Jayeff B. Stable & James B.Tafel 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.64 $500,000 I [37]
1998 Escena 5 Jerry D. Bailey William I. Mott Allen E. Paulson 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.95 $500,000 I [38]
1997 § Halo America 7 Calvin H. Borel Bobby C. Barnett John A. Franks 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.60 $500,000 I [39]
1996 Twice the Vice 5 Chris McCarron Ronald W. Ellis Martin & Pam Wygod 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.60 $500,000 I [40]
1995 Heavenly Prize 4 Pat Day Claude R. McGaughey III Ogden Phipps 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.60 $500,000 I [41]
1994 Nine Keys 4 Mike E. Smith Angel A. Penna Jr. Lazy F Ranch 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.00 $500,000 I [42]
1993 Paseana (ARG) 6 Chris McCarron Ron McAnally Sidney H. Craig 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.80 $500,000 I [43]
1992 Paseana (ARG) 5 Chris McCarron Ron McAnally Sidney H. Craig 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.00 $500,000 I [44]
1991 Degenerate Gal 6 Pat Day Burk Kessinger Jr. Ronald W. McDonald 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.20 $500,000 II [45]
1990 Gorgeous 4 Eddie Delahoussaye Neil D. Drysdale Robert N. Clay 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.40 $350,000 II [46]
1989 Bayakoa (ARG) 5 Laffit Pincay Jr. Ron McAnally Janis & Frank Whitham 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.60 $250,000 I [47]
1988 By Land by Sea 4 Fernando Toro Gary F. Jones Gary F. Jones & Jayeff B. Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.20 $250,000 I [48]
1987 § North Sider 5 Angel Cordero Jr. D. Wayne Lukas Paul Paternostro & D. Wayne Lukas 1+1⁄16 miles 1:41.20 $270,500 I [49]
1986 Love Smitten 5 Chris McCarron Edwin J. Gregson Gail & Del Chase 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.40 $270,300 I [50]
1985 Sefa's Beauty 6 Pat Day William I. Mott Farid Sefa 1+1⁄16 miles 1:42.20 $269,500 I [51]
1984 Heatherten 5 Sam Maple William I. Mott John A. Franks 1+1⁄16 miles 1:40.20 $279,000 I [52]
1983 Miss Huntington 6 Jorge Velasquez D. Wayne Lukas Eugene V. Klein 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44.80 $287,700 I [53]
1982 Track Robbery 6 Eddie Delahoussaye Robert L. Wheeler Summa Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:45.20 $268,400 I [54]
1981 Bold 'n Determined 4 Eddie Delahoussaye Neil D. Drysdale Saron Stable 1+1⁄16 miles 1:44.20 $219,700 II [55]
1980 Billy Jane 4 John Lively Mitch Shirota Albert A. Savill 1+1⁄16 miles 1:43.60 $177,150 II [56]
1979 Miss Baja 4 Eddie Maple Joseph B. Cantey Lockhart Spears 1 mile & 70 yards 1:43.00 $178,000 II [57]
1978 Northernette (CAN) 4 Don Brumfield Claude R. McGaughey III Peter M. Brant 1 mile & 70 yards 1:42.00 $123,550 II [58]
1977 Hail Hilarious 4 Donald R. Pierce Neil D. Drysdale Saron Stable 1 mile & 70 yards 1:41.40 $137,150 III [59]
1976 Summertime Promise 4 Darrel G. McHargue Jack Van Berg Kenneth Opstein 1 mile & 70 yards 1:40.60 $59,600 [60]
1975 Susan's Girl 6 James D. Nichols James L. Newman Fred W. Hooper 1 mile & 70 yards 1:42.40 $61,200 [8]
1974 Big Dare 4 Bobby Ussery Joseph P. Dorignac III Joseph P. Dorignac Jr. 6 furlongs 1:11.80 $31,750 [61]
1973 Levee Night 5 Danny Gargan Roy T. Gillem John T. Shouse 6 furlongs 1:11.00 $20,000 [62]
1972 Plenty Old 5 Robert. L. Baird Dewey P. Smith Audley Farms 6 furlongs 1:09.60 $20,000 [63]
1971 Sir Realist 5 Harlon Dalton Olen Battles Mrs. Herman Udouj 6 furlongs 1:10.20 $20,000 [64]
1970 ♯§ Zuke's Bad Boy 4 Robert Mundorf Robert L. Irwin Marion Van Berg Stable 6 furlongs 1:11.00 $15,000 [65]
1969 Jay Roam 4 Larry Snyder Robert L. Irwin Marion Van Berg Stable 6 furlongs 1:10.20 $12,500 [5]
Apple Blossom Purse
1968 †Roman K 4 Hector Viera Jean O. Brennan Dr. Keith Knapp 6 furlongs 1:10.80 $10,000 3YO+[4]
1964–1967 Race not held
1963 Submerge 4 Danny Weiler Arthur W. Beuzeville Verna Lea Farm 6 furlongs 1:15.20 $2,400 ‡4YO+[3]
1959–1962 Race not held
1958 Count De Blanc 3 Johnny Sellers Charles C. Norman Charles W. & Jake H. Riedinger 1 mile & 70 yards 1:43.40 $2,600 3YO+[1]

Legend:
  Fillies and mares
  Open company
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
† In the 1968 running Big Tim won the race but was disqualified to second after stewards ruled she had bumped and interfered with Roman K.
♯ In the 1970 running American Victory was first past the post but was disqualified by the stewards for interference on the fourth-place finisher Roaring Thunder after his jockey Louis Cacioppo lodged a complaint against Larry Snyder. Marion Van Berg's entry of Zuke's Bad Boy and Roaring Thunder was declared the winner and Royal Cap was moved to second. American Victory was moved to fourth.
‡ Claiming event

See also

[edit]
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Oaklawn Park Results – (race 6: held 20 March 1958)". Cincinnati Enquirer. The Associated Press. 21 March 1958. p. 50. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  2. ^ "2020 Oaklawn Park Media Guide" (PDF). Oaklawn Park. 2020. p. 88. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Oaklawn Park Results – (race 6: held 5 March 1963)". Lexington Herald. The Associated Press. 6 March 1963. p. 8. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Roman K. Wins Apple Blossom – (race 9: held 5 April 1968)". Shreveport Times. The Associated Press. 6 April 1968. p. 6. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Big Oaklawn Crowd See Jim Roam Win – (race 9: held 4 April 1969)". Springfield News-Leader. The Associated Press. 5 April 1969. p. 12. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  6. ^ "APPLE BLOSSOM HANDICAP - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  7. ^ "Susan's Girl". Equibase. 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Susan's Girl near $1 million – (race 8: held 2 April 1975)". Chicago Tribune. United Press International. 3 April 1975. p. 52. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  9. ^ a b c "Apple Blossom Handicap (Gr. 1)". www.equibase.com. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  10. ^ "AZERI STAKES - OAKLAWN PARK, AR". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  11. ^ Mary Rampellini (February 4, 2010). "Zenyatta, Rachel matchup worth $5M". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  12. ^ "2023 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 13 April 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  13. ^ "2023 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 15 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  14. ^ "2022 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 5)". Equibase. 23 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  15. ^ "2021 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 17 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  16. ^ "2020 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 18 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  17. ^ "2019 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 April 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  18. ^ "2018 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  19. ^ "2017 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  20. ^ "2016 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 15 April 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  21. ^ "2015 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 10 April 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  22. ^ "2014 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  23. ^ "2013 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 12 April 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  24. ^ "2012 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 13 April 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  25. ^ "2011 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  26. ^ "2010 Apple Blossom Invitational Stakes Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 9 April 2010. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  27. ^ "2009 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 4 April 2009. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  28. ^ "2008 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 5 April 2008. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  29. ^ "2007 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 7 April 2007. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  30. ^ "2006 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 8 April 2006. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  31. ^ "2005 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 9 April 2005. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  32. ^ "2004 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 3 April 2004. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  33. ^ "2003 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 8)". Equibase. 5 April 2003. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  34. ^ "2002 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 11)". Equibase. 6 April 2002. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  35. ^ "2001 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 8 April 2001. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  36. ^ "2000 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 9 April 2000. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  37. ^ "1999 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 9 April 1999. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  38. ^ "1998 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 10)". Equibase. 10 April 1998. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  39. ^ "1997 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 11 April 1997. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  40. ^ "1996 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 12 April 1996. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  41. ^ "1995 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 21 April 1995. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  42. ^ "1994 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 22 April 1994. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  43. ^ "1993 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 16 April 1993. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  44. ^ "1992 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 1 - (race 9)". Equibase. 17 April 1992. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  45. ^ "1991 Apple Blossom Handicap Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 19 April 1991. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  46. ^ Rees, Jennie (19 April 1990). "Gorgeous stretch run beats Bayakoa – (race 9: held 18 April 1990)". The Courier-Journal. p. 53. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  47. ^ West, Gary (20 April 1989). "Bayakoa wins Apple Blossom by four lengths – (race 9: held 19 April 1989)". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 42. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  48. ^ West, Gary (21 April 1988). "By Land by Sea wins big in Apple Blossom Stakes – (race 9: held 20 April 1988)". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 45. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  49. ^ "By Land by Sea wins big in Apple Blossom Stakes – (race 9: held 15 April 1987)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 16 April 1987. p. 13. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  50. ^ "Love Smitten wins Apple Blossom by a neck – (race 9: held 16 April 1986)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 17 April 1986. p. 53. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  51. ^ "Day, Sefa's Beauty win Apple Blossom – (race 9: held 17 April 1985)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 18 April 1985. p. 53. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  52. ^ West, Gary (19 April 1984). "Apple Blossom; Franks' Heatherten a winner again – (race 9: held 18 April 1984)". Shreveport Times. p. 21. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  53. ^ West, Gary (14 April 1983). "Miss Huntington winner – (race 9: held 13 April 1983)". Shreveport Journal. p. 20. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  54. ^ "Track Robbery wins Apple Blossom 'Cap – (race 9: held 7 April 1982)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 8 April 1982. p. 53. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  55. ^ "Bold 'n Determined hangs on at Oaklawn – (race 9: held 8 April 1981)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 9 April 1981. p. 49. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  56. ^ "Billy Jane captures Apple Blossom;... – (race 9: held 9 April 1980)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 10 April 1980. p. 53. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  57. ^ "Baja upsets in Apple Blossom;... – (race 9: held 11 April 1979)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 12 April 1979. p. 48. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  58. ^ "...; Northernette wins at Oaklawn – (race 9: held 29 March 1978)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 30 March 1978. p. 40. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  59. ^ "Hail Hilarious Wins Apple Blossom – (race 8: held 30 March 1977)". Lexington Herald. The Associated Press. 31 March 1977. p. 24. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  60. ^ "Spa Special; 'Summertime' Wins Blossom – (race 8: held 30 March 1976)". Lexington Herald. The Associated Press. 1 April 1976. p. 35. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  61. ^ "Big Dare Captures Apple Blossom Race – (race 8: held 3 April 1974)". Lexington Leader. United Press International. 4 April 1974. p. 25. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  62. ^ "Levee Knight Tops Apple Blossom – (race 8: held 4 April 1973)". Springfield News-Leader. The Associated Press. 5 April 1973. p. 40. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  63. ^ "Plenty Old Topples Favorites at Oaklawn – (race 8: held 31 March 1972)". Springfield News-Leader. The Associated Press. 1 April 1972. p. 40. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  64. ^ "Sir Realist Tops Two in Oaklawn Thriller – (race 9: held 2 April 1971)". Springfield News-Leader. The Associated Press. 3 April 1971. p. 12. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  65. ^ "Foul Decides Oaklawn Feature – (race 9: held 3 April 1970)". Springfield News-Leader. The Associated Press. 4 April 1970. p. 12. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
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