Cliff Hanger Stakes
The Cliff Hanger Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, in May. Open to horses age three and older, it is now contested on turf over a distance of miles. As of 2023, the purse is $102,000.
Known as the Cliff Hanger Handicap until 2008, it was raced on dirt from 1978 through 1981 and again in 1985 and 1987. Prior to 1982, it was restricted to horses bred in the State of New Jersey.
Records
Speed record:Most wins:
- 2 – Erin's Tiger
- 2 – Late Act ’
- 2 – Greentree Stable
- 2 – Live Oak Racing
- 3 – Jorge Velásquez
- 3 – Christophe Clement
- 2 – Joseph H. Pierce Jr.
- 2 – Richard Nieminski
- 2 – Jonathan Sheppard
- 2 – H. Graham Motion
Earlier winners
- 1998 – Mi Narrow
- 1997 – Dixie Bayou
- 1996 – Thorny Crown
- 1995 – Mighty Forum
- 1994 – Binary Light
- 1993 – Excellent Tipper
- 1992 – Roman Envoy
- 1991 – Finder's Choice
- 1990 – Chas' Whim
- 1989 – Ten Keys
- 1988 – Wanderkin
- 1987 – Silver Comet
- 1987 – Foligno
- 1986 – Explosive Darling
- 1985 – Late Act
- 1984 – Late Act
- 1984 – Cozzene
- 1983 – Erin's Tiger
- 1982 – Erin's Tiger
- 1982 – Acaroid
- 1981 – Bill Wheeler
- 1980 – Quality T. V.
- 1979 – Exclusively Mine
- 1978 – Mr. Lincroft
- 1977 – Dan Horn