Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
WHAT IS THE FIRST HORSE TO SET THE RECORD FOR THE LARGEST MARGIN WIN IN THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO STAKES?
6/17/2021
The San Juan Capistrano Stakes was inaugurated in 1935. From its inception until 1953 it was run on the dirt . It changed distances several times through 1949. In 1950 it was extended to 1 and ¾ miles and has been run at that distance since then. In 1942-1944 and in 1947-1948 it was not run. In 1954 it was first run on the turf at the 14-furlong distance, a surface it continues to be run on. Three horses have won the race with a margin of victory of 7 lengths. The most recent was in 1992 when Fly Till Dawn ridden by Pat Valenzuela won it. Ten years earlier trainer Laz Berrera of Affirmed fame conditioned Lehmi Gold to win in 1982. However, the first to do so was Seabiscuit when 1937 scored by 7 lengths in a mile and an eighth event. The shorter distance makes the feat even more special.