Riggs Handicap

Riggs Handicap
Discontinued race
LocationPimlico Race Course
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Inaugurated1926 - 2000
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Race information
Distance1+12 miles (12 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
Trackleft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds and up

The Riggs Handicap is a discontinued American Thoroughbred horse race at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland which was first run in 1926 as a race for horses age three and older and named in honor of the late William P. Riggs, Secretary of the Maryland Jockey Club.[1]

The Riggs Handicap was run on dirt until 1949 when it was placed on hiatus. It was revived in 1956 as a race on turf. The race had its final running in 2000. Following the introduction of the Graded stakes system in the United States, the Riggs would be a Grade III event from 1973 through 1992.[2]

Among the Riggs winners are Buck's Boy (1998) and Little Bold John (1987, 1988) who won it twice on the turf.[3] [4] On dirt, the race attracted top runners such as Pilaster (1949), Stymie (1945), Polynesian (1946), Double Jay, (1947), Seabiscuit (1937) in track record time, Crusader (1926) and Bostonian (1927) won it on dirt.[5] [6] [7]