What is a stakes race?

A stakes race is a type of horse race where the horses compete for a larger purse, typically over $75,000. These races are usually reserved for high-caliber horses and typically have higher and more prestigious rankings than other horse races. Stakes races can be classified into different types, such as Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 races, which are determined by the quality of the horses and the purse size.

The horses in a stakes race are often required to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as age, sex, or past performance. For instance, some stakes races may require horses to have won at least one race before, while others may only permit fillies or colts.

Stakes races are usually sponsored by prominent individuals, horse farms, or organizations, and they are usually held at prestigious racetracks around the world. These races sometimes attract a great deal of public attention and media coverage and help to promote the sport of horse racing.