Washington, D.C. International Stakes

Turf race infobox
class = Grade I
horse race = Washington, D.C. International Stakes


caption =
location = Laurel Park Racecourse
Laurel, Maryland flagicon|USA
inaugurated = 1952
race type = Thoroughbred - Flat racing
website = [http://www.laurelpark.com/Default.htm Laurel Park Racecourse]
distance = 1½ miles (12 furlongs)
track = Grass, left-handed
qualification = 3-Year-Olds and Up
weight =
purse =
bonuses = The Washington, D.C. International was an American Grade I invitational horse race run over a distance of 1½ miles (12 furlongs). It was held annually from 1952 to 1994 in Laurel, Maryland.

When it was founded by John D. Schapiro, owner of the Laurel Park Racecourse, it was the only international horse race in the United States. Usually just called the "International," in the 1980s the race drew the best Thoroughbreds from the U.S. and Europe when it was part of a million dollar bonus for any horse who won it plus the Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and the Turf Classic at Belmont Park in New York.

The Washington, D.C. International Stakes was raced at a distance of 1½ miles from its inception in 1952 until 1986 when it was modified to 1¼ miles. With the exception of 1993 when it was raced at one mile, the International remained at 1¼ miles until its final running in 1994.

Run the Gantlet won the International in 1971 and his son, Providential, won it in 1979. Providential was owned by Bertram R. Firestone whose wife Diana won the race the following year with her filly, April Run.

U.S. Hall of Famer Kelso finished 2nd three times in a row before finally winning the International at age 7 in 1964.

Records

Most wins:
* 2 - Bald Eagle (1959, 1960), Fort Marcy (1967, 1970)

Most wins by an owner:
* 3 - Nelson Bunker Hunt (1973, 1975, 1976)

Most wins by a jockey:
* 3 - Manuel Ycaza (1959, 1960, 1967, Lester Piggott (1968, 1969, 1980)

Most wins by a trainer:
* 4 - Maurice Zilber (1973, 1975, 1976, 1980)
* 3 - J. Elliott Burch (1967, 1970, 1971)

Past winners of the Washington, D.C. International: