The Delta Jackpot Stakes was an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana between 2002 and 2017. A Grade III stakes open to two-year-old horses, it was raced in November over a distance of miles (8.5 Furlongs) on dirt.
History
The inaugural running of the Delta Jackpot took place in 2002. Run over a distance of one mile (1.6 km), it carried a purse of $500,000. For the following year, the race was lengthened to miles and the purse was increased to $1 million to make it the second-richest race for two-year-olds in North America behind only the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
The 2005 running of the Delta Jackpot Stakes was cancelled due to Hurricane Rita. The 2017 running was cancelled due to Hurricane Harvey. Delta Downs management discontinued the race after an agreement regarding the race's future could not be reached.Delta Jackpot Will Not Be Renewed in 2018
Sponsored by Boyd Gaming, the Delta Jackpot Stakes was run as a graded race for the first time in 2006. It was run on the same day as the Delta Princess Stakes for two-year-old fillies.
The 2007 running of the Delta Jackpot Stakes finished in the race's first dead heat, with Z Humor and Turf War stopping the timer in 1:45.43. As a result of the tie, both horses split $800,000 in purse money.
Due to the 2008 economic downturn, the purse was reduced in the 2008 and 2009 runnings from $1,000,0000 to $750,000. The purse was increased back to $1,000,0000 in 2010.
Records Speed record: 1:44.71 – Rise Up (2013)
Most wins by a jockey: 2 – Gerard Melancon 2 – Kent Desormeaux
Most wins by a trainer: No trainer has won this race more than once.
Most wins by an owner: No owner has won this race more than once.
Winners Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Time2017Race Not Ran2016 Gunnevera Javier Castellano Antonio Sano Peacock Racing1:45.152015ExaggeratorKent DesormeauxJ. Keith DesormeauxBig Chief Racing1:46.482014Ocho Ocho OchoMike E. SmithJames M. CassidyDP Racing1:45.472013Rise UpGerard MelanconThomas AmossVan Doren, Paul and Andrena1:44.712012GoldencentsKevin KriggerDoug F. O'NeillW.C. Racing/Kenney/RAP Racing1:44.892011SabercatGerard MelanconSteve AsmussenWinchell Thoroughbreds1:46.622010Gourmet DinnerSebastian MadridSteve StandridgeOur Sugar Bear Stable1:45.232009RuleJohn VelazquezTodd PletcherWinStar Farm1:45.632008Big DramaEibar CoaDavid FawkesHarold L. Queen1:44.722007Z Humor (DH)Garrett GomezWilliam I. MottZayat Stables1:45.432007Turf War (DH)Calvin BorelMark CasseWoodford Racing LLC1:45.432006BirdbirdisthewordRobby AlbaradoKenneth McPeekRaymond H. Cottrell, Sr.1:45.422005Race Not Ran2004TexcessVictor EspinozaPaul AguirreOmar Aldabbagh/P. Aguirre1:48.202003Mr JesterRoman ChapaSteve WrenKaren J. Biggs1:45.342002Outta HereKent DesormeauxBill CurrinB. Currin / Al Eisman1:37.77
DH – Dead Heat
See also Road to the Kentucky Derby
References
Delta Jackpot Stakes at Pedigree Query Delta Jackpot Stakes at the NTRA Video at YouTube of the 2006 Delta Jackpot Stakes