**Cliff Hanger Stakes**
**Definition**
The Cliff Hanger Stakes is a Thoroughbred horse race held annually in the United States, typically featuring turf runners competing at a middle distance. It is recognized for attracting competitive fields and serving as a preparatory event for higher-profile turf races.
—
# Cliff Hanger Stakes
The Cliff Hanger Stakes is a prominent American Thoroughbred horse race conducted on turf, usually at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles (8.5 furlongs). Traditionally held at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey, the race is open to horses aged three years and older. It is part of the summer racing calendar and often serves as a stepping stone for horses targeting major turf events later in the season.
## History
The Cliff Hanger Stakes was inaugurated in 1977 and has since become a fixture of the Monmouth Park summer meet. Named to evoke the excitement and suspense associated with close finishes, the race has grown in prestige over the decades. Initially run at a shorter distance, the race distance was adjusted to its current length to better suit turf specialists and to align with other important turf races in the region.
Throughout its history, the Cliff Hanger Stakes has been contested by many notable horses, some of which have gone on to achieve success in Grade 1 turf events. The race has also seen changes in grading status, reflecting its evolving importance within the American turf racing circuit.
## Race Conditions
### Eligibility
The Cliff Hanger Stakes is open to Thoroughbred horses aged three years and older. Both male and female horses are eligible to compete, although the race typically attracts a majority of male entrants. The race is run under allowance or stakes conditions, with weight assignments varying based on age and sex.
### Distance and Surface
The race is contested over a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles (8.5 furlongs) on a turf course. Monmouth Park’s turf course is known for its fair and well-maintained surface, which provides a true test of speed and stamina for participating horses.
### Timing and Venue
Traditionally held in late spring or early summer, the Cliff Hanger Stakes is part of Monmouth Park’s summer racing schedule. The race is run on a left-handed turf track, consistent with most North American turf courses.
## Significance and Role in Racing Calendar
The Cliff Hanger Stakes holds significance as a preparatory race for horses aiming to compete in higher-grade turf events later in the summer and fall. Its timing and distance make it an ideal stepping stone for horses transitioning from allowance or listed stakes company to graded stakes competition.
The race often attracts horses that have demonstrated turf aptitude but are still developing their form or seeking to establish themselves at the stakes level. Success in the Cliff Hanger Stakes can enhance a horse’s reputation and increase its value as a turf competitor.
## Notable Winners and Records
Over the years, the Cliff Hanger Stakes has been won by several distinguished horses, some of whom have gone on to achieve graded stakes success nationally. The race has occasionally served as a launching pad for turf stars who later competed in Grade 1 events such as the United Nations Stakes or the Sword Dancer Invitational.
### Speed Records
The fastest recorded time for the Cliff Hanger Stakes at the current distance is approximately 1:39.00, though exact times have varied depending on track conditions and weather.
### Multiple Winners
Certain trainers and jockeys have enjoyed repeated success in the Cliff Hanger Stakes, underscoring their expertise with turf horses and familiarity with Monmouth Park’s course. Some horses have also won the race more than once, demonstrating consistency and affinity for the event.
## Impact on Breeding and Sales
Winning or placing in the Cliff Hanger Stakes can positively influence a horse’s breeding value, particularly for turf-oriented stallions and broodmares. Success in this race signals durability and turf proficiency, traits highly sought after in breeding programs.
The race’s status as a stakes event ensures that it is closely watched by breeders, owners, and buyers, especially during the summer sales season when racing performance can affect yearling and broodmare valuations.
## Monmouth Park Racetrack
### Overview
Monmouth Park Racetrack, located in Oceanport, New Jersey, is a historic venue known for its summer racing meets and high-quality turf racing. Established in 1870, the track has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, maintaining its reputation as a premier racing destination on the East Coast.
### Turf Course
The turf course at Monmouth Park is a one-mile oval with a wide, sweeping layout that favors horses with tactical speed and the ability to sustain a strong closing run. The course’s condition can vary with weather, but it is generally regarded as fair and consistent.
## Race Day and Attendance
The Cliff Hanger Stakes is typically run on a day featuring multiple stakes races, drawing a crowd of racing enthusiasts, owners, trainers, and industry professionals. The event contributes to the overall excitement of the summer meet at Monmouth Park and is often accompanied by wagering interest and media coverage.
## Sponsorship and Purse
The race purse has varied over the years, reflecting economic conditions and sponsorship arrangements. In recent years, the purse has ranged from $100,000 to $150,000, making it an attractive target for turf competitors seeking both prize money and prestige.
Sponsorships have occasionally been associated with the race, helping to enhance its profile and financial incentives.
## Conclusion
The Cliff Hanger Stakes remains an important fixture in American turf racing, particularly within the Mid-Atlantic region. Its role as a competitive middle-distance turf race for three-year-olds and older ensures that it continues to attract quality fields and serve as a valuable stepping stone toward higher-level stakes competition. With a rich history and consistent presence at Monmouth Park, the Cliff Hanger Stakes contributes to the vibrancy and tradition of Thoroughbred racing in the United States.
—
**Meta Description:**
The Cliff Hanger Stakes is a notable American turf horse race held annually at Monmouth Park, featuring middle-distance competition for horses aged three and older. It serves as a key event in the summer racing calendar and a stepping stone to higher-grade turf stakes.