Swale Stakes
The Swale Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in early February at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. A Grade III sprint race for three-year-olds, it is run on dirt over a distance of 7 furlongs. It currently offers a purse of $150,000.
The Swale was inaugurated in 1985 as a seven furlong sprint but in 2007 was modified to 6.5 furlongs for two years.
The race was named in honor of Claiborne Farm's brilliant colt Swale who won the 1984 Florida Derby, Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but who died suddenly of a heart attack eight days after his Belmont victory.
In 2009, Big Drama set a new stakes and track record of 1:20.88 but was disqualified and placed second.
This race was upgraded to a Grade II for its 2014 running but then downgraded to Grade III in 2018.Records
Speed record:
- 7 furlongs - 1:20.88 - This Ones For Phil
- 6.5 furlongs - 1:15.06 - Eaton's Gift
Most wins by a jockey:
- 4 - Jerry D. Bailey
- 3 - Pat Day
Winners