Cliff Hanger Stakes

The Cliff Hanger Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, in May. Open to horses age three and older, it is now contested on turf over a distance of miles. As of 2023, the purse is $102,000.

Known as the Cliff Hanger Handicap until 2008, it was raced on dirt from 1978 through 1981 and again in 1985 and 1987. Prior to 1982, it was restricted to horses bred in the State of New Jersey.

Records

Speed record:

• 8.5 Furlongs – 1:39 2/5 – Wanderkin (1988), Dixie Bayou (1997)
• 9 Furlongs – 1:46.16 – Winning Cause (2014)

Most wins:

• 2 – Erin's Tiger (1982, 1983)
• 2 – Late Act (1984, 1985)’

Most wins by an owner:

• 2 – Greentree Stable (1984, 1985)
• 2 – Live Oak Racing (1994, 2006)

Most wins by a jockey:

• 3 – Jorge Velásquez (1980, 1982, 1983)

Most wins by a trainer:

• 3 – Christophe Clement (2013, 2015, 2023)
• 2 – Joseph H. Pierce Jr. (1980, 1987)
• 2 – Richard Nieminski (1982, 1983)
• 2 – Jonathan Sheppard (1987, 1989)
• 2 – H. Graham Motion (2016, 2024)

Winners since 1999

Earlier winners

• 1998 – Mi Narrow
• 1997 – Dixie Bayou
• 1996 – Thorny Crown
• 1995 – Mighty Forum
• 1994 – Binary Light
• 1993 – Excellent Tipper
• 1992 – Roman Envoy
• 1991 – Finder's Choice
• 1990 – Chas' Whim
• 1989 – Ten Keys
• 1988 – Wanderkin
• 1987 – Silver Comet
• 1987 – Foligno
• 1986 – Explosive Darling
• 1985 – Late Act
• 1984 – Late Act
• 1984 – Cozzene
• 1983 – Erin's Tiger
• 1982 – Erin's Tiger
• 1982 – Acaroid
• 1981 – Bill Wheeler
• 1980 – Quality T. V.
• 1979 – Exclusively Mine
• 1978 – Mr. Lincroft
• 1977 – Dan Horn

References

• History and winners details of the Cliff Hanger Handicap as at 2007 at a Meadowlands website
• Cliff Hanger Stakes at Pedigree Query