Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes

Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes
Discontinued stakes race
LocationHollywood Park Racetrack
Inglewood, California, United States
Inaugurated1953 – 2011
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Websitewww.hollywoodpark.com
Race information
Distance5.5 furlongs
SurfaceDirt
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationTwo-year-olds
Weight120 lbs. Non-winners of a race other than claiming allowed 3 lbs. Maidens allowed 5 lbs.
PurseUS$75,000+
BonusesUS$22,500 for horses bred in California

The Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes was an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in late May at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. Open to two-year-old horses, it was contested on dirt over a distance of five and one half furlongs. The event offered a purse of US$75,000 added plus a $22,500 bonus for horses bred in the State of California. The race was discontinued with the closure of Hollywood Park

In 1999 and 2000, the race was contested at four and one half furlongs and at five furlongs from 2001 through 2005.

Inaugurated in 1953 as the Westchester Stakes, for that first year only it was restricted to fillies. From 1979 through 1982 the race was run as the First Act Stakes. There was no race in 1983 and in 1984 it reverted to its original Westchester Stakes title until 2000 when it was renamed to honor for long-time California trainer Willard L. Proctor who died in 1998.

The race was on hiatus from 1985 through 1994. In 1964 and 1976 it was run in two divisions.