Stepping Stone Purse Stepping Stone Purse The Stepping Stone Purse was an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in the latter part of April at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Open to three-year-old horses, it was, along with the Derby Trial Stakes, one of two final prep races hosted by Churchill Downs running up to the Kentucky Derby. In 1959, Sword Dancer won the Stepping Stone Purse, then ran second in the Kentucky Derby before winning the Belmont Stakes. The following year, Bally Ache won this race then ran second in the Derby but won the Preakness Stakes. In 1969, future U.S. Racing
Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. A Grade II event, it is open to fillies and mares, aged three and older. Contested over a distance of one mile (8 furlongs) on turf, it currently offers a purse of $300,000. In 2009, this race was upgraded from a Grade III to a Grade II event. This race was inaugurated as the Twin Spires Stakes in 1983, and was run again in 1987 under that name. It was renamed Capital Holding