Black Gold Stakes
The Black Gold Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race currently run over a distance of seven and half furlongs on the main track at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses of either gender, it takes place in February of the year and currently offers a purse of $50,000.
The Black Gold Stakes is named for Black Gold who won the 1924 Louisiana Derby as well as that year's Kentucky Derby, one of only two horses ever to do so. Black Gold was buried in the Fairgrounds infield near Pan Zareta, one of the great racing mares. It is now a tradition for the winning jockey of the Black Gold to place a wreath of flowers on Black Gold's grave.
Past winners
- 2016 - Oscar Nominated (Robby Albarado)
- 2015 - Tuba (Jose Riquelme)
- 2014 - NOT RUN
- 2013 - Up With the Birds (Shaun Bridgmohan)
- 2012 - Icon Ike (Rosie Napravnik)
- 2011 - Trubs (Jesse M. Campbell)
- 2010 - Royal Express (James Graham)
- 2009 - Turfiste (Jamie Theriot)
- 2008 - Amazing Results (Julien Leparoux)
- 2007 - Probation Ready (Robby Albarado)
- 2006 - Kingsfield (Run at Louisiana Downs due to Hurricane Katrina)
- 2005 - Straw Hat
- 2004 - Shiloh Bound
- 2003 - Prince Alphie (Shane Sellers)
- 2002 - Private Emblem
- 2001 - Rahy's Secret
- 2000 - Blushing Irish
- 1999 - Show Me the Stage (filly)
- 1998 - Captain Maestri
- 1997 - Smoke Glacken
- 1996 - Palikar
- 1994 - Fly Cry
- 1993 - Premier Cheer
- 1992 - Fighting K
- 1991 - Brother Meme
- 1990 - Jamie Boy
- 1989 - Marfa Missile
- 1984 - Taylors Special
- 1982 - Linkage
- 1981 - Honor King
- 1980 - Sun Catcher
- 1978 - Schottis
- 1977 - Tudor Tambourine
- 1976 - Colonial Power
- 1975 - Full Swing
- 1974 - Honey Jay
- 1973 - Honey Jay
- 1972 - Honey Jay
- 1971 - Assumption
- 1970 - Tudor Scott
- 1969 - Port Digger
- 1968 - Cabildo
- 1966 - Mikes Red
- 1965 - Herb Scott
- 1964 - Wait There
- 1963 - Hoop Bound
- 1962 - Eight Again
- 1960 - Marys Potential
- 1959 - Charlies Boy
- 1958 - Gay Vista (Australian Sprint Champion)
Of Interest
There is also a Black Gold Stakes held at Sam Houston Race Park run each year in December and a Black Gold Handicap held at the Fair Grounds. The winner of the 2006 Sam Houston Black Gold was Cab (Jose Figueroa up), for a purse of $25,000.