The Pucker Up Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race for 3-year-old fillies held annually in early August at Ellis Park Race Course near Henderson, Kentucky. A Listed event, it is contested over a distance of 9 furlongs (1 1/8 miles) on turf.
The race was named in honor of Ada L. Rice's filly, Pucker Up. Pucker Up was one of five champions trained by U.S. Racing Hall of Fame trainer James P. Conway.
The race was inaugurated in 1961 and was run on the main track until 1974 and again in 1976. In 1974–75, it was run at miles; in 1979 and 1986, the distance was miles.
After the closure of Arlington Park in 2022 the event was scheduled to be moved to Churchill Downs, however the event was cancelled by Churchill Downs in an effort to limit racing on their newly laid turf course.
In 2023, the event was moved to Ellis Park and resumed running annually.
In 2026 the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association downgraded the event from Grade III to Listed.
Winners since 2000 Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Time2025Destino d'OroLuan MachadoBrad H. CoxSteve Landers Racing LLC1:45.642024Waves of MischiefBrian Hernandez Jr.Brendan WalshQatar Racing LLC1:47.502023SafeenLuis SaezEddie KenneallyFergus Galvin and Rebbeca Hillen1:46.832022Race Not Run2021ShantisaraFlavien PratChad BrownMichael Dubb, Madaket Stables and Robert LaPenta1:51.912020Race Not Run2019Cafe AmericanoIrad Ortiz Jr.Chad BrownPeter M. Brant1:47.422018Secret MessageIrad Ortiz Jr.H. Graham MotionMadaket Stables, et al.1:50.012017Fault Miguel MenaMichelle Lovell Agave Racing1:50.082016Noble BeautyFlorent GerouxChad Brown Great Point Stables1:50.092015Miz MoneyRobby AlbaradoPatti MillerL.T.B. Inc./Hillerich Racing1:49.802014Sistas StrollDrayden Van DykeThomas F. ProctorFive Fillies Stable 1:55.132013I'm Already SexyFlorent GerouxWayne CatalanoHit The Board Stables1:48.122012Leading AstrayEduardo PérezChris BlockTeam Block1:49.282011Marketing MixJunior AlvaradoThomas F. ProctorGlen Hill Farm1:49.242010Dade BabeFlorent GerouxDanny L. MillerLawrence G. Peifer1:51.772009Hot Cha ChaJames Graham Philip SimsNelson McMakin1:47.672008Closeout Jamie TheriotThomas F. ProctorGlen Hill Farm1:53.222007Dreaming of AnnaE. T. BairdWayne CatalanoFrank C. Calabrese1:48.202006VacareCarlos Marquez, Jr.Chris BlockLathenbach Stables1:49.712005Royal CopenhagenShaun BridgmohanLaura de SerouxRichard L. Duchossois1:48.762004Ticker TapeKent DesormeauxJames M. CassidyD. Pearson/J. Sweesy1:48.632003AudBrian PeckAnthony ReinstedlerWillmott Stables1:49.162002Little TreasureRene R. DouglasLaura De SerouxPort Trust et al.1:49.822001Snow DanceCraig PerretJohn Ward Jr.John Oxley1:47.932000SolvigPat DayCarl NafzgerBentley Smith Trust1:52.40
References
The Pucker Up Stakes at Pedigree Query