Twilight Derby

Twilight Derby
Grade II race
LocationSanta Anita Park
Arcadia, California, United States
Inaugurated1969 (as Volante Handicap)
Race typeThoroughbred – Flat racing
WebsiteSanta Anita Park
Race information
Distance1+1⁄8 miles (9 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
Weight124 lbs.
Purse$200,000 (since 2024)

The Twilight Derby is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three years olds over the distance of one-and-one-eighth miles on the turf scheduled annually in late October at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The event currently carries a purse of $200,000.

History

The event was inaugurated on 18 October 1969 as the Volante Handicap at the Oak Tree Racing Association meeting at Santa Anita Park and was won by the Mrs. Howard B. Keck's entry Tell who was ridden by US Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker carrying the imposing weight of 130 pounds by 3⁄4 of a length over Noholme Jr. in a time of 1:464⁄5.[1] The event was named for Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin's 1885 American Derby winner, Volante, who was ridden to victory by jockey Isaac Burns Murphy. Lucky Baldwin had built the original Santa Anita Racetrack Track in 1907 and Volante was buried at the track.[2]

When the grading of races began as a Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association project in 1973 the event was classified as Grade III, however, the event was not held that year due to a strike by pari-mutual clerks.[3]

In 1988 and 1989 the event was upgraded to Grade II before returning to Grade III.[4] In 1996 the event was once again upgraded to Grade II.[5]

In 1997 the event was renamed to the Oak Tree Derby after the Oak Tree Racing Association. [4] In 2012 with the Oak Tree Racing Association abandoning the Santa Anita Track the event was renamed to the Twilight Derby.[5]

The event has been held on the undercard of the Saturday Breeders' Cup card in 2008, 2009, 2016, 2019 and 2023.

Records

Time record:

  • 1:44.48 – The Usual Q.T. (2009)

Margins:

  • 4+1⁄4 lengths - Daytona (IRE) (2007)

Most wins by an owner:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners

Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
At Santa Anita Park – Twilight Derby
2024 Atitlan Hector Berrios John A. Shirreffs John M. B. O'Connor 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.12 $201,000 II [6]
2023 Seal Team (GB) Umberto Rispoli Richard E. Mandella Perry R. & Ramona S. Bass 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.29 $254,000 II [7]
2022 Cabo Spirit Joe Bravo George Papaprodromou Kretz Racing 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.46 $201,500 II [8]
2021 Subconscious Juan Hernandez Richard E. Mandella LNJ Foxwoods 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.00 $202,500 II [9]
2020 Smooth Like Strait Umberto Rispoli Michael W. McCarthy Cannon Thoroughbreds 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.89 $202,000 II [10]
2019 Mo Forza Joel Rosario Peter L. Miller Bardy Farm & OG Boss 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.18 $202,106 II [11]
2018 River Boyne (IRE) Flavien Prat Jeff Mullins Red Baron's Barn & Rancho Temescal 1+1⁄8 miles 1:45.36 $201,380 II [12]
2017 Sharp Samurai Gary L. Stevens Mark Glatt Mark Glatt, Red Barron's Barn & Rancho Temescal 1+1⁄8 miles 1:45.36 $201,380 II [13]
2016 Frank Conversation Mario Gutierrez Doug F. O'Neill Reddam Racing 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.81 $201,725 II [14]
2015 Om Gary L. Stevens Dan L. Hendricks Sareen Family Trust 1+1⁄8 miles 1:45.90 $200,750 II [15]
2014 Long On Value Rosie Napravnik William I. Mott Watchtel Stables & George J. Kerr 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.82 $201,500 II [16]
2013 Rookie Sensation Victor Espinoza John Shirreffs Stronach Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.54 $152,000 II [17]
2012 Grandeur (IRE) William T. Buick Jeremy Noseda Yvonne Jacques 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.78 $150,000 II [18]
Oak Tree Derby
2011 Ultimate Eagle Martin A. Pedroza Michael Pender B. J. Wright 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.03 $150,000 II [19]
At Hollywood Park
2010 Fantastic Pick (GB) Corey Nakatani James Lloyd Jim Ford, Robert Maycock & Ken Smole 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.51 $150,000 II [20]
At Santa Anita Park
2009 The Usual Q. T. Victor Espinoza James M. Cassidy Don Van Racing, Michael Nentwig, George Saadeh, Thomas H. Braden 1+1⁄8 miles 1:44.48 $150,000 II [21]
2008 Muny David R. Flores Mike Puype Robert Bone, Don Johnson, Richard S. Trontz, Brewer Racing Stable & Robinson 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.69 $150,000 II [22]
2007 Daytona (IRE) Mike E. Smith Dan L. Hendricks Jeff Davenport, Tom Lenner, Jess Ravich & Thomas W. Murray 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.40 $150,000 II [23]
2006 Dark Islander (IRE) Jose Valdivia Jr. John W. Hills Donald M. Kerr 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.21 $150,000 II [24]
2005 Aragorn (IRE) Pat Valenzuela Neil D. Drysdale Ballygallon Stud 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.48 $150,000 II [25]
2004 Greek Sun Edgar S. Prado Robert J. Frankel Peter G. Angelos 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.08 $150,000 II [26]
2003 Devious Boy (GB) Julie Krone Kathy Walsh James R. Vreeland 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.92 $150,000 II [27]
2002 Johar Alex O. Solis Richard E. Mandella The Thoroughbred Corporation 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.00 $150,000 II [28]
2001 No Slip (FR) Kent J. Desormeaux Robert J. Frankel Amerman Racing Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.56 $150,000 II [29]
2000 Sign of Hope (GB) Alex O. Solis Neil D. Drysdale Relatively Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.71 $250,000 II [30]
1999 Mula Gula Gary L. Stevens Jerry Hollendorfer Steven J. Gula 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.67 $250,000 II [31]
1998 Ladies Din Gary L. Stevens Julio C. Canani J. Terrence Lanni, Bernard Schiappa & Mike Sloan 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.24 $250,000 II [32]
1997 Lasting Approval Alex O. Solis Diane L. Perkins Wimborne Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:50.84 $250,000 II [33]
Volante Handicap
1996 Odyle Chris McCarron J. Paco Gonzalez Ron Brimacombe, Trudy McCaffery & John Toffan 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.83 $130,250 II [34]
1995 Helmsman Chris McCarron Wallace Dollase Horizon Stable, Jarvis & Taber, et al. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.98 $131,900 III [35]
1994 Run Softly Laffit Pincay Jr. Robert J. Frankel Juddmonte Farms 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.96 $109,800 III [36]
1993 Eastern Memories (IRE) Jerry D. Bailey Mark A. Hennig Team Valor, Amerman & Stibor 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.00 $111,800 III [37]
1992 Blacksburg Alex O. Solis D. Wayne Lukas Overbrook Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.00 $112,700 III [38]
1991 General Meeting Kent J. Desormeaux David E. Hofmans Golden Eagle Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.78 $114,500 III [39]
1990 In Excess (IRE) Gary L. Stevens Bruce L. Jackson Jack J. Munari 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.60 $110,300 III [40]
1989 Seven Rivers Robbie Davis Charles E. Whittingham Enemy Stable & Mandysland Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:45.80 $111,100 II [41]
1988 Coax Me Clyde Pat Valenzuela Barry Knight Vistas Stables 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.40 $135,000 II [42]
1987 The Medic Sandy Hawley Gary F. Jones Dr. Edward Giammarino 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.80 $84,050 III [43]
1986 Air Display Gary L. Stevens Darrell Vienna Apple, Forgnone, Levy, et al. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.00 $107,450 III [44]
1985 Justoneoftheboys Alex O. Solis Ron McAnally Morris Cohen & Dion Recachina 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.60 $110,000 III [45]
1984 Tights Chris McCarron Laz Barrera Mill House Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.60 $110,500 III [46]
1983 Mamaison Chris McCarron Richard E. Mandella Sam Bretzfield & Hal Oliver 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.80 $108,900 III [47]
1982 Lamerok Laffit Pincay Jr. LeRoy Jolley Peter M. Brant 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.20 $111,300 III [48]
1981 Seafood Marco Castaneda Ron McAnally Elmendorf Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:49.00 $85,450 III Dead heat[49]
Waterway Drive Jerry D. Bailey Robin Frank Eric Frank
1980 Pocketful in Vail Fernando Toro Jerry M. Fanning Kahn, Morcus & Rosburg 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.80 $66,400 III [50]
1979 Hyannis Port Bill Shoemaker Charles E. Whittingham Bell Bloodstock & Charles E. Whittingham 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.60 $54,800 III [51]
1978 Wayside Station Laffit Pincay Jr. John H. Adams El Peco Ranch 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.80 $57,100 III [52]
1977 Kulak Bill Shoemaker Charles E. Whittingham Mary Jones Bradley, Charles E. Whittingham & Buck Wynne Jr. 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.80 $33,300 III [53]
1976 Today 'n Tomorrow Laffit Pincay Jr. Roger E. Clapp Connie M. Ring 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.80 $32,950 III [54]
1975 § Messenger of Song Jerry Lambert Gordon C. Campbell Bernard J. Ridder 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.80 $43,450 III [55]
1974 Within Hail Bill Shoemaker Charles E. Whittingham Bwamazon Farm 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.40 $45,250 III [56]
1973 ‡ Race not held
1972 Bicker Glen Brogan Robert Wingfield Green Thumb Farm Stable 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.20 $33,150 [57]
1971 Vegas Vic Howard Grant Randy Sechrest Betty Sechrest & Charles Fritz 1+1⁄8 miles 1:48.20 $33,550 [58]
1970 Mickey McGuire Bill Shoemaker Paul K. Parker Vanguard Stable (Suzanne Reagan) & Anita Madden 1+1⁄8 miles 1:47.40 $25,450 [59]
1969 § Tell Bill Shoemaker Charles E. Whittingham Elizabeth A. Keck 1+1⁄8 miles 1:46.80 $57,500 [1]

Legend:
  Turf
Notes:
§ Ran as an entry
‡ In 1973 the Volante Handicap was scheduled to be held on Saturday, 7 October 1973, opening day of the Oak Tree Racing Association's meeting at Santa Anita but was cancelled due to a three-day strike by the pari-mutuel clerks.[3]

See also

List of American and Canadian Graded races

References

  1. ^ a b Hebert, Bob (19 October 1969). "Shoe Scores With Tell, Rides 4 Winners (1969 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 18 October 1969)". Los Angeles Times. p. 62. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  2. ^ William-Ross, Lindsay (4 October 2008). "LAistory: Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin". Southern California Public Radio. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  3. ^ a b Neil, Fred (7 October 1973). "Clerks strike stalls Oak Tree opening". Long Beach Independent. p. 75. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b "TWILIGHT DERBY - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Qatar Twilight Derby (Gr. 2)". Equibase. 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  6. ^ "2024 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 26 October 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  7. ^ "2023 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 2)". Equibase. 4 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  8. ^ "2022 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  9. ^ "2021 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  10. ^ "2020 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 18 October 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  11. ^ "2019 Qatar Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 3)". Equibase. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  12. ^ "2018 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 4 November 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  13. ^ "2017 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 28 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  14. ^ "2016 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 4 November 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  15. ^ "2015 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 24 October 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  16. ^ "2014 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 4)". Equibase. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  17. ^ "2013 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 5)". Equibase. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  18. ^ "2012 Twilight Derby Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  19. ^ "2011 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  20. ^ "2010 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 16 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  21. ^ "2009 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  22. ^ "2008 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. 25 October 2008. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  23. ^ "2007 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 13 October 2007. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  24. ^ "2006 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 October 2006. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  25. ^ "2005 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 15 October 2005. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  26. ^ "2004 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 17 October 2004. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  27. ^ "2003 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 4)". Equibase. 4 October 2003. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  28. ^ "2002 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 13 October 2002. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  29. ^ "2001 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 13 October 2001. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  30. ^ "2000 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 6)". Equibase. 21 October 2000. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  31. ^ "1999 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 October 1999. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  32. ^ "1998 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 1 November 1998. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  33. ^ "1997 Oak Tree Derby Grade 2 - (race 4)". Equibase. 2 November 1997. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  34. ^ "1996 Volante Handicap Grade 2 - (race 5)". Equibase. 20 October 1996. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  35. ^ "1995 Volante Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 5 November 1995. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  36. ^ "1994 Volante Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 October 1994. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  37. ^ "1993 Volante Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 5 November 1993. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  38. ^ "1992 Volante Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 25 October 1992. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  39. ^ "1991 Volante Handicap Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 27 October 1991. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  40. ^ Mieszerski, Bob (22 October 1990). "Colt's Buddy System Pays Off (1990 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 21 October 1990)". Los Angeles Times. p. 48. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  41. ^ Hovdey, Jay (30 October 1989). "Seven Rivers Hold Up His End of Stable (1989 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 29 October 1989)". Los Angeles Times. p. 54. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  42. ^ "Coax Me Clyde Wins by Length at Santa Anita (1988 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 12 October 1988)". Los Angeles Times. The Associated Press. 13 October 1988. p. 11. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  43. ^ Christine, Bill (19 October 1987). "McCarron Gets Assist for Hawley's Win Aboard The Medic (1987 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 18 October 1987)". Los Angeles Times. p. 31. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  44. ^ Christine, Bill (19 October 1986). "Longshot Air Display Wins Volante (1986 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 18 October 1986)". Los Angeles Times. p. 65. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  45. ^ Christine, Bill (6 October 1985). "Justoneoftheboys Survives a Foul Claim (1985 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 5 October 1985)". Los Angeles Times. p. 57. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  46. ^ "Tights wins Volante 'Cap (1984 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 7 October 1984)". The San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 8 October 1984. p. 21. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  47. ^ Cannon, Pat (17 October 1983). "Wins by Mamaison Dims the Glow on Sunny's Halo (1983 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 16 October 1983)". Los Angeles Times. p. 29. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  48. ^ "Lamerok and Laffit Pincay Win Oak Tree Feature Before 46,194 (1982 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 3 October 1982)". Los Angeles Times. 4 October 1982. p. 40. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  49. ^ Abbott, Bion (12 October 1981). "Santa Anita Has a Rare Dead Heat - Seafood catches Waterway Drive at the Wire in the Volante (1981 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 11 October 1981)". Los Angeles Times. p. 50. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  50. ^ Abbott, Bion (20 October 1980). "A Big Surprise in 'Volante' - Pocketful in Vail Comes from Last for the Win (1980 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 19 October 1980)". Los Angeles Times. p. 44. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  51. ^ Abbott, Bion (8 October 1979). "Shoe Wins Aboard Hyannis Port (1979 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 7 October 1979)". Los Angeles Times. p. 52. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  52. ^ Abbott, Bion (9 October 1978). "Pincay and Longshot Win the Hard Way (1978 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 8 October 1978)". Los Angeles Times. p. 47. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  53. ^ Abbott, Bion (9 October 1977). "Shoe Rides Kulak to Record Victory (1977 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 8 October 1977)". Los Angeles Times. p. 60. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  54. ^ Abbott, Bion (9 October 1976). "Pincay Helps Hot Favorite Equal Stakes Record (1976 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 8 October 1976)". Los Angeles Times. p. 55. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  55. ^ Abbott, Bion (6 October 1975). "Messenger Of Song Scores Upset (1975 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 5 October 1975)". Los Angeles Times. p. 42. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  56. ^ "Messenger Of Song Scores Upset (1974 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 6 October 1974)". Long Beach Independent. 7 October 1974. p. 24. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  57. ^ Hebert, Bob (8 October 1972). "Bicker Wins Volante 'Cap Going Away (1972 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 7 October 1972)". Los Angeles Times. p. 58. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  58. ^ "Mr Copy Chief triumphs; Vegas Vic wins Volante (1971 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 20 October 1971)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 21 October 1971. p. 48. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
  59. ^ Hebert, Bob (22 October 1970). "Shoe 'in Form', Wins Stakes on McGuire (1970 Volante Handicap - race 8: held 21 October 1970)". Los Angeles Times. p. 60. Retrieved 3 October 2020.