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The Haskell Invitational
Stakes - For
3-year-old thoroughbreds; 1 mile and 1/8
(10 furlongs)
Race type: Thoroughbred - Flat racing
Purse: $1,000,000 US
Location: Monmouth Park Jockey
Club - Oceanport, New Jersey USA
Inaugurated: 1968
Track: Dirt, Left-handed
Website: The
Haskell Invitational
 The
Haskell is named for the first president and chairman
of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club who served two
decades until his death in 1966.
The track on the Jersey Shore has had more ups and
downs than the stock market since opening on July
4, 1870. By 1890, it was completely rebuilt. But
the following year, Monmouth's meeting was moved
to Jerome Park in New York because of repressive
legislation against gambling. Then the track was
shuttered for more than half a century.
It wasn't until 1980 that the present-day Haskell
Invitational Handicap became a fixture for three-year-olds
and Monmouth Park officially dates the race back
to 1968.
Amory L. Haskell, vice president in charge of General
Motors' export division after serving in the Navy
during World War I, led a successful fight in 1939
to legalize pari-mutuel wagering in New Jersey.
Although World War II delayed construction of a
new facility, it opened in '46.
In '68, Monmouth directors honored his memory with
the Haskell Handicap for older horses. In '81, the
race was made an invitation-only stakes for 3-year-olds
at 1 1/8 miles with a purse of $200,000. |
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