Metropolitan Handicap

Metropolitan Handicap
Grade 1 race
LocationBelmont Park
Elmont, New York, USA
Inaugurated1891
Race typeThoroughbredFlat racing
WebsiteMetropolitan (NYRA)[1]
Race information
Distance1 mile (8 furlongs)
SurfaceDirt
Trackleft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds & up
WeightHandicap
Purse$1,000,000 (2024)

The Metropolitan Handicap, frequently called the "Met Mile", is an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Open to horses age three and older, it is contested on dirt over a distance of one mile (8 furlongs). Starting in 2014, it is now run on the same day as the Belmont Stakes in early June.

The Met Mile is one of the most prestigious American races outside of the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup. It is known as a "stallion-making race" as the distance of a mile often displays the winner's "brilliance", referring to an exceptional turn of foot. Winners of the race who went on to become notable stallions include Tom Fool (1953), Native Dancer (1954), Buckpasser (1967), Fappiano (1981), Gulch (1987–88), and Ghostzapper (2005).[2]

  1. ^ "Metropolitan". NYRA. February 22, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  2. ^ Russo, Nicole. "Met Mile still a source of successful stallions | Daily Racing Form". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved June 10, 2017.