Mint Julep Handicap Mint Julep Handicap The Mint Julep Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Usually run in May or June, the Grade III event is open to fillies and mares age three and older. It is contested on Turf over a distance of one and one sixteenth miles (8.5 furlongs). The race is named for the Mint Julep, a popular drink with racing fans at Churchill Downs, particularly seen on Kentucky Derby day. Beginning in 2001, the Mint Julep Handicap became the Old Forester Mint Julep Handicap for sponsorship reasons. It currently
Turf Classic Stakes Turf Classic Stakes The Turf Classic Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race run in early May at Churchill Downs open to horses four years old and up. It is raced on turf at a distance of one and one-eighth miles and currently offers a purse of $500,000. Formerly known as the Early Times Turf Classic Stakes, it is now sponsored by Old Forester. A major springtime race, it has been a grade I event since 1998. Male horses who have recently won a Grade I race carry 124 pounds – other horses are given reduced weights (allowances). The 1987