The GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks purse has been raised to a record high $777,000, making it the richest race in the history of Turfway Park, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Monday.
Set to run Saturday, Mar. 22, the marquee day of the Turfway season will feature a 12:45 p.m. ET first post and tickets have now been released for sale. As part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the contest awards qualifying points to the top five finishers on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale, which makes it a vital path to a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May for many runners on the outside looking in.
Since 1980, 77 Kentucky Derby starters, and three winners, have taken the Jeff Ruby route, including most recently GISW Rich Strike (Keen Ice), who finished third in the 2022 running and later went on to wear the blanket of roses.
The 2024 edition produced eventual GI Preakness Stakes hero MGISW Seize the Grey (Arrogate)–who also finished third–and showcased GSW West Saratoga (Exaggerator), the runner-up who was recently purchased privately to continue his career in Dubai with trainer Doug Watson.
“Raising the Jeff Ruby Steaks purse to $777,000 reflects Turfway Park's ongoing commitment to elevating our stakes program and showcasing top talent on the Road to the Kentucky Derby,” said Matt Shehadi, general manager of Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. “This record-setting purse underscores the Jeff Ruby Steaks as the centerpiece of our season, continuing its legacy as a key test for Derby hopefuls.”
Jeff Ruby Steaks Day will also contest the Listed Bourbonette Oaks, a championship series race on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, on a busy afternoon that includes four other Listed and graded races.
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