Sunshine Millions Classic
The Sunshine Millions Classic is an American race for thoroughbred horses held annually in January at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California and at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Part of the eight-race Sunshine Millions series, half of the races are run at one track, and half at the other.
| Restricted race | |
| Location | Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California & Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, Florida, United States |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1981 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred – Flat racing |
| Website | sunshinemillions.com |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1 1⁄8 miles (9 furlongs) |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | Four-year-olds and up |
| Weight | Assigned |
| Purse | $200,000 |
The "Classic" is open to horses four-years-old and older willing to race one and one-eighth miles on the dirt. It is a restricted event currently offering a purse of $250,000.
The Sunshine Millions series races are restricted to horses bred either in Florida or in California.
The racing series was created by the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, Inc., Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, and Magna Entertainment Corporation.
Records
Speed record:
- 1 1⁄8 miles – 1:45.64 – Go Between (2008)
Most wins by a horse:
- 2 – Mucho Macho Man (2012, 2014)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 3 – Russell Baze (2009, 2011 & 2012)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 2 – Jenine Sahadi (2001 & 2002)
- 2 – Jerry Hollendorfer (2007 & 2012)
- 2 – Katherine Ritvo (2012 & 2014)
Winners Sunshine Millions Classic since 2003
| Year |
Winner |
Age |
State Bred |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Owner |
Time |
Purse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Jay's Way | 5 | FL | Emisael Jaramillo | Armando De la cerda | Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc. | 1:50.12 | $200,000 |
| 2017 | Hy Riverside | 5 | FL | José Ortiz | Antonio Sano | Mar Racing Stable | 1:49.39 | $200,000 |
| 2016 | Mexikoma | 5 | FL | John R. Velazquez | Michael Dilger | Team Valor International | 1:48.19 | $250,000 |
| 2015 | Sr. Quisqueyano | 5 | FL | Edgard J. Zayas | Peter R. Walder | Loooch Racing Stables | 1:50.09 | $250,000 |
| 2014 | Mucho Macho Man | 6 | FL | Gary Stevens | Kathy Ritvo | Reeves Racing | 1:48.76 | $400,000 |
| 2013 | Ron the Greek | 6 | FL | Jose Lezcano | William I. Mott | Brous Stable/Wachtel Stable | 1:49.19 | $400,000 |
| 2012 | Mucho Macho Man | 4 | FL | Ramon Domínguez | Kathy Ritvo | Reeves Racing/Dream One | 1:47.91 | $400,000 |
| 2011 | Tackleberry | 4 | FL | Javier Santiago | Luis Olivares | Luis Olivares | 1:48.52 | $500,000 |
| 2010 | Bold Chieftain | 7 | CA | Russell Baze | Bill Morey Jr. | Hall/Langbein/Robinson/Morey | 1:48.33 | $500,000 |
| 2009 | It's a Bird | 6 | FL | Julien Leparoux | Marty Wolfson | Edmund A. Gann | 1:49.35 | $1,000,000 |
| 2008 | Go Between | 5 | FL | Garrett Gomez | William I. Mott | Peter Vegso | 1:45.64 | $1,000,000 |
| 2007 | McCann's Mojave | 7 | CA | Frank Alvarado | Steve Specht | Mike Willman | 1:49.89 | $1,000,000 |
| 2006 | Lava Man | 5 | CA | Corey Nakatani | Doug O'Neill | STD Racing Stable & Wood | 1:49.98 | $1,000,000 |
| 2005 | Musique Toujours | 5 | CA | Jorge Chavez | John W. Sadler | L. DeBruycker/R. Glassman | 1:49.17 | $1,000,000 |
| 2004 | Southern Image | 4 | FL | Victor Espinoza | Mike Machowsky | Blahut Stables | 1:47.67 | $1,000,000 |
| 2003 | Best of the Rest | 8 | FL | Eibar Coa | Eddie Plesa Jr. | Bea Oxenberg | 1:49.40 | $1,000,000 |