Ben Ali Stakes


The Ben Ali Stakes is an American race for Thoroughbred horses run annually since 1937 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Open to 4-year-olds and up, it is currently a Grade 3 event set at a distance of a mile and one eighth on the dirt course. As of 2025 it offers a purse of $350,000.
According to the official history at Keeneland racetrack, the Ben Ali is named for James Ben Ali Haggin, a lawyer who made a fortune during the California Gold Rush and who used much of that money to create the biggest horse breeding farm in the world: the Rancho Del Paso near Sacramento, California. He also owned Elmendorf Farm in Lexington, Kentucky with its thousands of acres of prime Kentucky bluegrass. Haggin became a noteworthy breeder of great racehorses and a fervent supporter of the sport. Haggin owned the Hall of Famers, Salvator and the filly, Firenzi.
The first running of the Ben Ali Handicap took place in 1917 at the Lexington Race Course where it was raced through 1932 after which the track closed. It was not run again until the race name was revived at Keeneland in 1937.
Decidedly, the winner of the 1962 Kentucky Derby, won this race in 1963.

Records

Speed records:
  • 1:25.40 - Fulcrum at 7.0278 furlongs
  • 1:41.40 - Decidedly at 1
  • 1:46.63 - Wise Dan at
  • 1:56.48 - Rattle N Roll at
Most wins:
  • 3 - Knight Counter
Most wins by a jockey:
Most wins by a trainer:
  • 5 - Neil J. Howard
Most wins by an owner: