Fall Highweight Handicap
The Fall Highweight Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually near the end of November at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York. Currently run at a distance of 6 furlongs (1,207 m), it is open to horses three years of age and older. The race is a real test for speed and strength in that the top-weighted horse is assigned a minimum of 140 pounds (63.5 kg). The race was given its current Grade III status in 2009 by the American Graded Stakes Committee.
Run at Belmont Park from its inception in 1914 to 1959 and again from 1963 to 1993, the race was open to horses of any age until 1959 when it was changed to its present format. It was raced on a straight course prior to 1921, from 1926 to 1939, and again from 1942 to 1957. A large field resulted in the 1976 edition being run in two divisions.
The first edition of the Fall Highweight Handicap was a remarkable victory for Comely who was not only a filly that defeated male rivals, but the only two-year-old to ever win the race. The Comely Stakes were named in honor of her achievement.
Aqueduct Racetrack Graded Stakes Races
Stakes Race | Grade | Purse |
---|---|---|
Discovery Handicap | III | $100,000 |
Fall Highweight Handicap | III | $100,000 |
Go For Wand Handicap | II | $150,000 |
Demoiselle Stakes | II | $200,000 |
Remsen Stakes | II | $200,000 |
Gazelle Stakes | I | $250,000 |
Cigar Mile Handicap | I | $250,000 |