2025 Haskell Stakes Recap and What Lies Ahead in 2026

Amory Haskell and the Race That Bears His Name

Amory L. Haskell was born into a wealthy New Jersey family in 1893; his father held top executive roles at E.I. du Pont and General Motors. A gentleman sportsman and master of hounds, Haskell became the driving force behind the resurrection of thoroughbred racing in the Garden State during the late 1930s. After a decades‑long ban on parimutuel wagering left New Jersey racing dormant, he led a relentless political and social charge that legalized betting and revived the sport. When the modern Monmouth Park Jockey Club opened in 1946, Haskell served as its first president and chairman until his death in 1966. In honor of his unmatched impact, Monmouth Park introduced the Haskell Stakes just two years after his passing, naming the event for the man who saved the sport.

The Haskell’s Transformation Over Five Decades

When the race first ran in 1968, it was called the Haskell Invitational Handicap and was intended for older horses. The format shifted dramatically in 1981 when the track re‑imagined the event as a 1 ⅛‑mile contest exclusively for three‑year‑olds, turning it into a premier stepping stone for Triple Crown hopefuls. The word “Invitational” was dropped entirely in 2020, cementing its new identity as the Haskell Stakes. Over the years, legends such as Holy Bull (1994), Serena’s Song (1995), Skip Away (1996), Point Given (2001), Rachel Alexandra (2009) and American Pharoah (2015) have all added their names to the race’s illustrious roll call.

Monmouth Park: The Jersey Shore’s Racing Hub

The historic Monmouth Park course sits in Oceanport, New Jersey, roughly 50 miles south of New York City and right next to the Jersey Shore. Since its opening in 1870, the track has anchored many of the nation’s biggest summer racing cards, hosting both thoroughbred events and a variety of stakes races. Today, it is best known for the Haskell Stakes, a Grade 1 contest that regularly features Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes contenders, drawing top trainers and jockeys each summer.

2025 Haskell Stakes: Journalism’s Come‑From‑Behind Triumph

Returning to Monmouth in 2025, the Haskell showcased a classic story of perseverance with the colt Journalism taking the spotlight. Trained by Michael McCarthy and guided by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism was the 2‑to‑5 favorite after competing in all three legs of the Triple Crown. After breaking poorly and sitting near the back of the pack early, the colt unleashed a furious rally down the center of the stretch, overtaking Gosger and Goal Oriented by a half‑length margin in a time of 1:48.15.

Bob Baffert: The Trainer Who Dominates Haskell History

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert holds an unrivaled record at the Haskell, claiming nine victories—more than any other coach. His most recent triumph came with Authentic in 2020, and his stable has produced a string of elite performers at this midsummer showcase. Baffert’s personal connection to the Jersey Shore locale, combined with his strategic approach, has made him a constant threat whenever the race is run.

With nine victories to his name, Baffert’s résumé at the Haskell reads like a who’s who of modern racing greatness. His latest win with Authentic in 2020 cemented his reputation as the trainer who consistently pushes the elite three‑year‑old colt to peak performance on the Monmouth stretch. Fans and analysts alike credit Baffert’s meticulous preparation and deep understanding of pacing tactics for his sustained success in this Grade 1 showcase.

2026 Haskell Stakes: The Contenders Shaping Up Early

The 59th running of the Haskell already has a roster of high‑profile hopefuls setting the stage for a intense tactical battle. Napoleon Solo, the reigning Preakness Stakes victor, is featured under a new ownership structure after a high‑profile post‑Triple Crown sale, and will rely on Pacheco’s local advantage at Monmouth. Iron Honor, a colt trained by Chad Brown, is being pointed specifically toward this race and is expected to employ a classic stalker pattern that could capitalize if the early pace is elevated. Crude Velocity, another Baffert entry, is being stretched to two turns for the first time, hinting that his classic one‑turn brilliance may evolve into early speed over the 1 ⅛‑mile distance. Finally, Baby Vino, trained by Lindsay Schultz, brings a hard‑charging front‑running style that could disrupt the anticipated pace if left in control.

Haskell Stakes Logistics for Fans

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 18, 2025, as Monmouth Park stages the ultimate midsummer party on the Jersey Shore. The race itself is slated for a post time of approximately 5:45 PM ET, with the overall card opening at 12:00 PM ET across five graded stakes. Contestants will tackle the classic 1 ⅛‑mile (9 furlongs) distance on the main dirt track, and fans can watch the action via national television on NBC, Peacock and NYRA Bets.