The Rich History of the Diana Stakes at Saratoga

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The Diana Stakes, an American Thoroughbred horse race, has been a critical event at Saratoga Race Course since its inception in 1939. 

Named for the mythological goddess Diana, this prestigious race is open to fillies and mares aged three and up, covering 1 1/8 miles on turf. 

Initially run on dirt, the Diana Stakes switched to turf in 1973, enhancing its appeal and competitiveness. In 2003, the race became a Grade I event and now offers a purse of $500,000.

The Diana Stakes is a highlight of the horse racing schedule at Saratoga, as it features elite turf runners and often includes several Grade 1 winners. Offtrack betting enthusiasts find the Diana Stakes particularly exciting due to the high caliber of competitors and the unpredictable outcomes.

Legendary trainer Chad Brown has dominated the Diana Stakes recently, winning multiple times since 2011. His notable winners include Lady Eli, Sistercharlie, and Rushing Fall. Sistercharlie’s back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019 are among the race’s memorable moments.

Half a Million Dollars

The race has seen its purse grow significantly over the years, now offering $500,000, which ensures a competitive field each year. Juddmonte-owned Whitebeam, last year’s winner but not this year’s favorite according to horse racing odds, aims to join Sistercharlie and Forever Together as a two-time winner, adding to Juddmonte’s tally of victories.

From 1939 to 1973, the race was run on Saratoga Race Course’s dirt track. Due to large fields, it was split into two divisions in 1973, 1982, and 1983. The race was also held at Belmont Park from 1943 to 1945 because of travel restrictions during World War II.

The Diana Stakes has also been a stepping stone to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, with winners often performing well in the Breeders’ Cup. 

This year’s field is solid, with Chad Brown entering five horses. Key contenders include Moira, a consistent performer with over $1.4 million in earnings; Didia, with 11 wins and over $1.5 million in revenues; and last year’s winner, Whitebeam.

Here is the entire field for the 2024 Diana Stakes

1. Moira (8-1): Trained by Kevin Attard, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, $1,413,999 in earnings.
2. Coppice (6-1): Trained by Chad Brown, ridden by Frankie Dettori, $271,800 in earnings.
3. Mission of Joy (15-1): Trained by Graham Motion, ridden by John Velazquez, $460,792 in earnings.
4. Didia (4-1): Trained by Ignacio Correas IV, ridden by Jose Ortiz, $1,533,484 in earnings.
5. Gina Romantica (8-1): Trained by Chad Brown, ridden by Manny Franco, $1,236,103 in earnings.
6. Whitebeam (6-1): Trained by Chad Brown, ridden by Flavien Prat, $580,589 in earnings.
7. Fluffy Socks (6-1): Trained by Chad Brown, ridden by Joel Rosario, $1,263,580 in earnings.
8. Neecie Marie (10-1): Trained by Robert Reid Jr., ridden by Luis Saez, $511,950 in earnings.
9. Evvie Jets (20-1): Trained by Mertkan Kantarmaci, ridden by Dylan Davis, $807,768 in earnings.
10. Chili Flag (7-2): Trained by Chad Brown, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., $1,003,377 in earnings.

The Diana Stakes continues to be a crucial part of Saratoga’s racing season. It offers a rich history, competitive fields, and significant implications for future races.