Golden Rod Stakes
The Golden Rod Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in late November at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. A Grade II event open to two-year-old fillies, it is currently contested on dirt over a distance of miles (8.5 furlongs). The namesake goldenrod is the official flower of the state of Kentucky. Historical notes. The inaugural running of the Golden Rod Stakes took place on October 20, 1910. It was established as a selling race and won by Helen Barbee. Heavy favorite Danger Mark finished sixth in the seven-horse field. It would  remain a selling race until 1919 when it became the Golden Rod Handicap. For that year only it was run at one mile (8 furlongs). The Edward R. Bradley filly Busy Signal ran away from 15 competitors and won by 12 lengths. The race remained a handicap event through 1927 when it was placed on hiatus. In 1962 it was revived as the Golden Rod Stakes. Records. Speed record: Most wins by a jockey: Most wins by an owner: