The John Battaglia Memorial Stakes is a race for thoroughbred horses held in early March at Turfway Park. The race is open to three-year-olds willing to race one and one-sixteenth miles on the Tapeta surface. The race is an ungraded stakes with a current purse of $175,000.
Begun in 1982, the race is a prep to the Jeff Ruby Steaks.
It is currently worth 20 points to the winner for the Kentucky Derby point system. https://www.kentuckyderby.com/races/john-battaglia-memorial/
John Battaglia was the former general manager of the old Latonia Race Track (now Turfway). He also was the general manager of Miles Park (race track) in Louisville, Kentucky. His son, Mike Battaglia, served as the track announcer at Turfway until early 2016 and was also a racing analyst for NBC Sports.
Winners
The following list are the winners of the race.
2026 - Great White 2025 - California Burrito 2024 - Encino 2023 - Congruent 2022 - Tiz The Bomb 2021 - Hush of a Storm 2020 - Invador 2019 - Somelikeithotbrown 2018 - Magicalmeister 2017 - It's Your Nickel 2016 - Surgical Strike 2015 - Royal Son 2014 - Solitary Ranger 2013 - General Election 2012 - State of Play 2011 - Positive Response 2010 - Vow to Wager 2009 - Proceed Bee 2008 - Absolutely Cindy (filly) 2007 - Catman Running 2006 - Laity 2005 - Magna Graduate 2004 - Silver Minister 2003 - Champali 2002 - Request For Parole 2001 - Bonnie Scot 2000 - Nature 1999 - K One King 1998 - Daniel My Brother 1997 - Concerto 1996 - Beefchopper 1995 - Car Dealer 1994 - Mahogany Hall 1993 - Fafa Lemos 1992 - Quiet Enjoyment 1991 - Discover 1990 - Private School 1989 - Revive 1988 - Glory Affair 1987 - Lt. Lao (filly) 1986 - Blanford Park 1985 - Aggie's Best 1984 - Magic Ten 1983 - Runs Like A Prince 1982 - Baraco
The 2021 edition of the race was made a points race on the 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike finished fourth in the 2022 John Battaglia.
References
Turfway Park official site