Coaching Club American Oaks

Coaching Club American Oaks
Grade I race
LocationSaratoga Race Course
Saratoga Springs, New York, United States
Inaugurated1917
Race typeThoroughbredFlat racing
Websitewww.nyra.com/saratoga/racing/stakes-schedule/coaching-club-american-oaks
Race information
Distance1+18 miles (9 furlongs)
SurfaceDirt
Trackleft-handed
QualificationThree-year-old fillies
Weight121 lb (54.9 kg)
Purse$500,000

The Coaching Club American Oaks is a race for thoroughbred three-year-old fillies and the second leg of the Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing. Originally run at Belmont Park, the Grade I $500,000 stakes race was moved to Saratoga Race Course in 2010.

Run as a handicap prior to 1928, the race is named in honor of the Coaching Club of New York. One of the requirements for membership in this club was the ability to handle a coach and four horses with a single group of reins. August Belmont Jr. set the original conditions in order to emulate The Oaks in England.

From 1963 to 1967 the Coaching Club American Oaks was run at Aqueduct Racetrack. Over the years, it has been raced at various distances:

  • 1917, 2010–present: 9 furlongs
  • 1990–1997, 2003–2009: 10 furlongs
  • 1919–1941, 1944–1958: 11 furlongs
  • 1942–1943, 1971–1989, 1998–2003: 12 furlongs