The Mount Vernon Stakes is an American

Thoroughbred horse race Thoroughbred racing is a sport and industry involving the racing of Thoroughbred horses. It is governed by different national bodies. There are two forms of the sport – flat racing and jump racing, the latter known as National Hunt racing in ...

held annually near the end of May at

Belmont Park Belmont Park is a thoroughbred racing, thoroughbred horse racetrack in Elmont, New York, just east of New York City limits best known for hosting the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United Stat ...

Elmont, New York Elmont is an unincorporated Hamlet (New York), hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located in northwestern Hempstead, New York, Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, Nassau County, New York, United States, along its border with the borough ...

. Contested on

turf Sod is the upper layer of turf that is harvested for transplanting. Turf consists of a variable thickness of a soil medium that supports a community of turfgrasses. In British and Australian English, sod is more commonly known as ''turf'', ...

at a distance of a mile (8

furlong A furlong is a measure of distance in imperial units and United States customary units equal to one-eighth of a mile, equivalent to any of 660 foot (unit), feet, 220 yards, 40 rod (unit), rods, 10 chain (unit), chains, or a ...

s), it is restricted to

Fillies A filly is a female horse that is too young to be called a mare. There are two specific definitions in use: *In most cases, a ''filly'' is a female horse under four years old. *In some nations, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, th ...

and

mare A mare is an adult female horse or other equidae, equine. In most cases, a mare is a female horse over the age of three, and a filly is a female horse three and younger. In Thoroughbred horse racing, a mare is defined as a female horse more th ...

s age three and older who were

bred A breed is a specific group of breedable domestic animals having homogeneous appearance (phenotype), homogeneous behavior, and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species. In literature, there exist seve ...

in the

State of New York New York, also called New York State, is a state in the northeastern United States. Bordered by New England to the east, Canada to the north, and Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the south, its territory extends into both the Atlantic Ocean and ...

The Mount Vernon Stakes is named for the city of

Mount Vernon Mount Vernon is the former residence and plantation of George Washington, a Founding Father, commander of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War, and the first president of the United States, and his wife, Martha. An American landmar ...

Westchester County, New York Westchester County is a County (United States), county located in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of New York (state), New York, bordering the Long Island Sound and the Byram River to its east and the Hudson River on its west. The c ...

. Since inception in 1979, the race has been contested at various distances: * 1 mile : 2014–present * miles : 1979–1982, 1989–1996, 2008–2013 * miles : 1997–2007 * miles : 1983–1988 Due to course conditions, the race was switched to dirt in 1988, 1990 and 2003. The Mount Vernon was run in two divisions in 1989, 1992, 2002, 2004, and 2005.

Historical notes

Ángel Cordero Jr. Ángel Tomás Cordero Jr. (born November 8, 1942) is a Puerto Rican jockey. He is known for being one of the winningest Thoroughbred horse racing jockeys of the late 20th-century and the first Puerto Rican to be inducted into the United States' ...

won this race as a jockey three times (1980, 1982, 1989) and as a trainer in 1996.

Records

Speed record: * 1:32.87 – Invading Humor (2015) (at current distance of 8 furlongs) * 1:40.00 – Her Favorite (1992) (at previous distance of miles) Most wins: * 2 – Gitchee Goomie (2011, 2012) * 2 – Fifty Five (2019, 2020) Most wins by an owner: * 4 – Michael Dubb (2013, 2017, 2018, 2023) Most wins by a

jockey A jockey is someone who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase (horse racing), steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing. The word "jockey" originated from England and was used ...

: * 4 – José A. Santos (1987, 1991, 2000, 2005) * 4 –

Javier Castellano Javier Castellano (born October 23, 1977) is a Venezuelan jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing. Castellano won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey four times in a row from 2013 to 2016. In 2023 he won two legs of the American Tripl ...

(2006, 2017, 2019, 2020) Most wins by a trainer: * 5 – Chad Brown (2013, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023)

Winners

{, class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%" , - ! style="width:38px" , Year
! style="width:140px" , Winner
! Age
! style="width:150px" , Jockey
! style="width:150px" , Trainer
! style="width:170px" , Owner
! Time , - , 2025 , Spinning Colors , 5 , John R. Velazquez , Mark A. Hennig , Bourbon Lane Stables, HGS Thoroughbreds & Mark A. Hennig , 1:43.27 , - , 2024 , Sliver Skillet , 4 ,

Joel Rosario Joel Rosario (born January 14, 1985) is a Dominican jockey who mainly competes in American thoroughbred horse racing, originally from the Dominican Republic. In the space of five weeks in 2013 he rode the winners of the Dubai World Cup and the Ke ...

Christophe Clement Christophe Clement (November 1, 1965 – May 25, 2025) was an American Thoroughbred horse trainer, who won the 2014 Belmont Stakes with Tonalist. Racing background Clement initially acquired his training skills from his father, Miguel, a lead ...

, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tango Uniform Racing & Steven Rocco , 1:37.55 , - , 2023 , Marvelous Maude , 5 , Irad Ortiz Jr. , Chad Brown , Michael Dubb, The Elkstone Group and Michael J. Caruso , 1:34.08 , - , 2022 , Giacosa , 5 ,

Luis Saez Luis Saez (born May 19, 1992) is a Panamanian jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing. Saez rode Maximum Security to finish first in the 2019 Kentucky Derby but was subsequently disqualified due to interference. The two later won the world's ...

, H. James Bond , Bond Racing Stable , 1:34.05 , - , 2021 , Robin Sparkles , 4 , José Ortiz , Bruce R. Brown , Michael Schrader , 1:16.72 , - , 2020 , Fifty Five , 6 ,

, Chad Brown , Peter M. Brant , 1:34.45 , - , 2019 , Fifty Five , 5 ,

, Chad Brown , Peter M. Brant , 1:34.09 , - , 2018 , Feeling Bossy , 5 , Irad Ortiz Jr. ,

Jason Servis Jason J. Servis (born April 2, 1957) is an American trainer of thoroughbred racehorses and a convicted felon. A multiple graded stakes-winning trainer, Servis is best known for having trained Maximum Security, who finished first in the 2019 K ...

, Michael Dubb , 1:36.42 , - , 2017 , Fourstar Crook , 6 ,

, Chad Brown , Michael Dubb, Bethleham Stables LLC, & Aisquith , 1:37.33 , - , 2016 , The Tea Cups , 6 ,

, Jeremiah C. Englehart , Kendel D. Standlee , 1:36.40 , - , 2015 , Invading Humor , 5 ,

Rajiv Maragh Rajiv Maragh (born July 9, 1985) is a Jamaican jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing. An Indo-Jamaican, he is the son of a jockey who rode in Jamaica before relocating to Florida where he began a career as a horse trainer. Rajiv Maragh r ...

, Bruce N. Levine , Bloodlines Racing Partnerships , 1:32.87 , - , 2014 , Mah Jong Maddnes , 5 , Taylor B. Rice , John Morrison , Very Un Stable , 1:34.42 , - , 2013 , Shakeira , 5 ,

, Chad Brown , Michael Dubb & Bethlehem Stable , 1:35.75 , - , 2012 , Gitchee Goomie , 5 , Alan Garcia , Rick Violette , Patsy C Symons , 1:38.64 , - , 2011 , Gitchee Goomie , 4 , Alan Garcia , Rick Violette , Patsy C Symons , 1:35.36 , - , 2010 , Chestoria , 6 , David Cohen , William Badgett Jr. , E El R Stable , 1:42.89 , - , 2009 , I Lost My Choo , 4 ,

Jose Lezcano Jose Lezcano (born April 20, 1985) is a Panamanian jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing. He rides in New York in the spring, summer and fall and spends the winter in Florida. His big break came in 2008 when he won a Breeders' Cup race. Ca ...

, Phil Serpe , Flying Zee Stable , 1:42.52 , - , 2008 , Them There Eyes , 4 , Jose Espinoza , Kathleen Feron , Akindale Farm , 1:44.06 , - , 2007 , Factual Contender , 6 ,

Eibar Coa Eibar Coa Monteverde (born February 15, 1971) is a Venezuelan jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing. Coa was born and raised in Venezuela. A five-time judo champion in his teens, he attended jockey school from 1989 to 1991 then began his ...

Barclay Tagg Barclay Tagg (born December 30, 1937, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania) is an American Thoroughbred horse trainer. Tagg graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1961. Tagg is best known for conditioning Kentucky ...

, Thomas Farone Jr. , 1:48.66 , - , 2006 , Sabellina , 5 ,

, Joseph Aquilino , Jay A. Lieberman , 1:48.00 , - , 2005 , Lady Bi Bi , 6 , José A. Santos , John O. Hertler , Tri County Stables , 1:49.12 , - , 2005 , Kevin's Decision , 5 ,

Edgar Prado Edgar S. Prado (born June 12, 1967) is a retired Peruvian jockey in thoroughbred horse racing. Prado's big break came in 1997 when he won 536 races, making him the fourth rider in history to win 500 races in one year. Much of that success was ga ...

, Carlos F. Martin , Flying Zee Stable , 1:49.06 , - , 2004 , Big Tease , 4 ,

Richard Migliore Richard Migliore (born March 14, 1964, in Babylon, New York) is a retired American jockey. He now works as a racing analyst for XBTV. He was nicknamed "The Mig," which is a type of Russian fighter jet, for his tenacious style of riding. He live ...

, Gary C. Contessa , Maggi Moss , 1:48.67 , - , 2004 , Brandala , 6 , Jose Espinoza , Thomas M. Walsh , Sorin Stables , 1:49.56 , - , 2003 , Princess Dixie , 4 ,

, H. James Bond , James F. Edwards , 1:49.41 , - , 2002 , Shopping for Love , 5 ,

Jerry Bailey Jerry D. Bailey (born August 29, 1957) is a retired American Hall of Fame jockey and current NBC Sports thoroughbred racing analyst. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time. Early years Bailey was born in Dallas, Texas bu ...

, Kenneth Nesky , George D'Archangelo , 1:46.80 , - , 2002 , Eventail , 5 ,

, Richard Schosberg , Gallagher's Stud , 1:46.55 , - , 2001 , Truebreadpudding , 6 ,

John Velazquez John R. Velazquez (born November 24, 1971) is a Puerto Rican jockey in Thoroughbred horse race, Thoroughbred horse racing. He began his career in Puerto Rico and moved to New York in 1990. In 2004 and 2005 he was the United States Champion Jockey ...

, Gary Sciacca , Coffee Pot Stables , 1:48.05 , - , 2000 , Office Miss , 6 , José A. Santos , Gary Sciacca , Sam F. Morrell , 1:48.20 , - , 1999 , Highland Strike , 6 , Jose Espinoza , Richard DeStasio , Wayne R. Ewald , 1:47.20 , - , 1998 , Dancewiththebride , 3 ,

, Gary P. Gullo , Aaron Beecher , 1:48.60 , - , 1997 , Darlin Danika , 5 , Joe Bravo , Thomas M. Walsh , Dan-Dev Stable , 1:48.60 , - , 1996 , Rogues Walk , 4 ,

, M.Dinmore et al. , 1:42.40 , - , 1995 , Tiffany's Taylor , 6 ,

, Leo O'Brien , Theresa Maher , 1:40.40 , - , 1994 , Irish Actress , 7 , Mike E. Smith , Leo O'Brien , Austin Delaney , 1:40.80 , - , 1993 , McKaymackenna , 4 ,

Jorge Velásquez Jorge Velásquez (born December 28, 1946) is a Panamanian retired thoroughbred horse racing jockey. Jorge Velasquez's career in thoroughbred racing began in his native Panama but as a teenager moved to the United States. In 1967 he won more race ...

, Rene Araya , R Kay Stable , 1:40.60 , - , 1992 , Her Favorite , 4 ,

Eddie Maple Edward Retz "Eddie" Maple (born November 8, 1948, in Carrollton, Ohio) is a retired American thoroughbred horse racing jockey. One of eight siblings, he is an older brother to jockey Sam Maple, who won more than 2,500 races. Maple began riding ...

, Donna J. Freyer , Tanrackin Farm , 1:40.00 , - , 1992 , Talc's Coventry , 4 , Robbie Davis , Sarah A. Lundy , James F. Edwards , 1:41.00 , - , 1991 , Serene Nobility , 5 , José A. Santos , Henry S. White Jr. , Nauset Stable , 1:41.20 , - , 1990 , Banded , 4 ,

, Ramon M. Hernandez , Lucille Riccelli , 1:43.40 , - , 1989 ,

Capades Capades (foaled 1986 in New York) is a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse whom the July 24, 1989 edition of ''The New York Times'' called "one of the country's most accomplished 3-year-old grass fillies." Capades was sired by Overskate, a ...

, 3 ,

, Richard O'Connell , Poma Stable , 1:42.70 , - , 1989 , Stage View , 4 ,

, Roger Laurin , Richard A. DeStasio , 1:43.72 , - , 1988 , Comorin Cape , 3 ,

Brian Peck Brian Richard Peck (born July 29, 1960) is an American convicted sex offender and former dialogue coach and actor. From the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, he worked on popular children's shows produced by Nickelodeon and Disney Channel, including ...

, Leo O'Brien , Philip Dileo , 2:06.20 , - , 1987 , Lake Cecebe , 4 , José A. Santos , Kenneth Nesky , Bonnie Mike Stable , 2:07.40 , - , 1986 , Wendy Walker , 4 , Robert Thibeau Jr. , Sidney Watters Jr. , William C. MacMillen Jr. , 2:01.80 , - , 1985 , Wimborne Sky , 5 ,

Richard J. Lundy Richard is a male given name. It originates, via Old French, from Old Frankish and is a compound of the words descending from Proto-Germanic language">Proto-Germanic ''*rīk-'' 'ruler, leader, king' and ''*hardu-'' 'strong, brave, hardy', and i ...

, Virginia Kraft Payson , 2:04.20 , - , 1984 , Miss Audimar , 3 ,

Jean-Luc Samyn Jean-Luc Samyn (born November 6, 1956, in Bailleul, Nord, France) is a jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing. The son of a pastry chef, Jean-Luc Samyn was one of three children. At age thirteen, he went to work for the stable of trainer ...

, Philip G. Johnson , Hellson Stable , 2:02.40 , - , 1983 , Beech Island , 5 , Robbie Davis ,

Willard C. Freeman Willard Clark "Mike" Freeman (February 23, 1929 - April 17, 2013) was an American Thoroughbred horse racing steeplechase jockey and very successful trainer in flat racing. He is best remembered as the trainer of Anne Stone's Shuvee, a two-time ...

, Buckingham Farm , 2:03.00 , - , 1982 , Mademoiselle Ivor , 4 ,

, Larry Barrera , Lowell T. Hughes , 1:43.00 , - , 1981 , Move It Now , 4 , Ruben Hernandez , James W. Maloney , Snowberry Farm , 1:46.40 , - , 1980 , Adlibber , 3 ,

, Jan H. Nerud , Morton Fink , 1:41.40 , - , 1979 , Sweet Woodruff , 4 , Michael Venezia , Sidney Watters Jr. , William C. MacMillen Jr. , 1:42.20

References

The 2010 Mount Vernon Stakes at New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.
Turf races in the United States Horse races in New York (state) Mile category horse races for fillies and mares Horse races established in 1979 Belmont Park 1979 establishments in New York (state)