Riggs Handicap
The Riggs Handicap is a discontinued American Thoroughbred horse race at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland which was first run in 1926 as a race for horses age three and older and named in honor of the late William P. Riggs, Secretary of the Maryland Jockey Club.[1]
| Discontinued race | |
| Location | Pimlico Race Course Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1926 - 2000 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1 1⁄2 miles (12 furlongs) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | left-handed |
| Qualification | Three-year-olds and up |
The Riggs Handicap was run on dirt until 1949 when it was placed on hiatus. It was revived in 1956 as a race on turf. The race had its final running in 2000. Following the introduction of the Graded stakes system in the United States, the Riggs would be a Grade III event from 1973 through 1992.[2]
Among the Riggs winners are Buck's Boy (1998) and Little Bold John (1987, 1988) who won it twice on the turf.[3] [4] On dirt, the race attracted top runners such as Pilaster (1949), Stymie (1945), Polynesian (1946), Double Jay, (1947), Seabiscuit (1937) in track record time, Crusader (1926) and Bostonian (1927) won it on dirt.[5] [6] [7]
References
- Daily Racing Form June 11, 1926 article titled "W. P. Riggs Memorial" Retrieved August 8, 2018
- Pimlico Race Course previously graded races Retrieved August 8, 2018
- Baltimore Sun May 24, 1998 article titled "'Boy' has to work for Riggs win" Retrieved August 8, 2018
- Laurel Park article titled "Maryland Million Winner Little Bold John 'Hated to Lose" Retrieved August 8, 2018
- The Cumberland (Maryland) News November 18, 1949 page 30 article Retrieved August 8, 2018
- Seabiscuit at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Retrieved August 8, 2018
- November 9, 1946 page 19 article titled Polynesian Wins Riggs Handicap Retrieved August 8, 2018