Stakes Race (Horse Racing)

A stakes race in horse racing is a type of race where the horse owners contribute funds to create a prize pool, which is then awarded to the top finishers of the race. This type of race is typically reserved for top-level horses and is often divided into different categories based on the amount of the prize pool.

Stakes races are generally more prestigious and offer higher payouts than other types of races. The most famous stakes races include the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes, and the Preakness Stakes, which together make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States.

Stakes races can be further classified as either graded or non-graded. Graded stakes races are assigned a grade (I, II, or III) by an independent panel of handicappers based on the quality of the field, the size of the purse, and other factors. The higher the grade, the more prestigious the race and the higher the purse.

In addition to the prize money, winning a stakes race can also increase a horse's value as a breeding prospect, making stakes races an important part of the horse racing industry.