Commonwealth Turf Cup
The Commonwealth Turf Cup is an American Thoroughbred horse race held each year since 2015 at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. It was previously known as the Colonial Turf Cup when it was held at Colonial Downs race track in New Kent County, Virginia. It is raced on turf at a distance of one mile and is open to horses aged three years old and up. The current purse is $200,000.
| Location | Laurel Park Laurel, Maryland |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 2005 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred – Flat racing |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1 mile |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | Three-year-olds and up |
| Weight | Allowance conditions |
| Purse | $200,000 (2016)[1] |
In 2009, the race was upgraded from a Grade III to a Grade II event.[2] In 2011, the race changed its conditions to allow entry of older horses. This change caused the race to lose its graded status until 2013, when it again became a Grade II event.
From 2005 to 2013, the race was run at 1+3⁄16 miles. For the 2015 renewal, the distance was shortened to 1+1⁄8 miles, and in 2016 to 1 mile.[1]
Records edit
Fastest time:
- 1+3⁄16 miles : 1:52.98 Showing Up (2006)
Most wins by an owner:
- 1 – No owner has won the Colonial Turf Cup more than once
Most wins by a jockey:
- 1 – No jockey has won the Colonial Turf Cup more than once
Most wins by a Trainer:
- 2 – Todd Pletcher (2005, 2012)
Winners of the Commonwealth Turf Cup edit
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Distance (Miles) | Time | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Blacktype | 5 | Trevor McCarthy | Christophe Clement | Jump Sucker Stable | 1 | 1:33.43 | II | |
| 2015 | Mr. Speaker | 3 | José Ortiz | Shug McGaughey | Phipps Stable | 1-1/8 | 1:47.30 | II | |
| 2014 | Race not held | ||||||||
| 2013 | London Lane | 6 | Horatio Karamanos | Lawrence Murray | Howard M. Bender | 1-3/16 | 1:55.40 | II | |
| 2012 | Turbo Compressor | 4 | Joe Bravo | Todd A. Pletcher | P & G Stable | 1-3/16 | 1:55.00 | ||
| 2011 | Rahystrada | 7 | Sheldon Russell | Byron Hughes | Robert Courtney | 1-3/16 | 1:54.68 | ||
| 2010 | Paddy O'Prado | 3 | Kent Desormeaux | Dale Romans | Donegal Racing | 1-3/16 | 1:54.20 | II | |
| 2009 | Battle of Hastings | 3 | Tyler Baze | Jeff Mullins | Michael House | 1-3/16 | 1:57.79 | II | |
| 2008 | Sailor's Cap | 3 | Alan Garcia | James J. Toner | Team Valor International | 1-3/16 | 2:04.42 | III | |
| 2007 | Summer Doldrums | 3 | Jose Lezcano | Richard A. Violette Jr. | Klaravich Stables | 1-3/16 | 1:55.68 | III | |
| 2006 | Showing Up | 3 | Cornelio Velásquez | Barclay Tagg | Lael Stables | 1-3/16 | 1:52.98 | ||
| 2005 | English Channel | 3 | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | James T. Scatuorchio | 1-3/16 | 1:56:37 | ||