Roseben Handicap
Encyclopedia
The Roseben Handicap was an American Thoroughbred horse race
run annually from 1940 through 1995. Hosted by Belmont Park
in Elmont, New York
, it was open to horses age three and older. A Grade III event at the time of its cancellation, it was contested on dirt over a distance of six furlong
s.
Inaugurated in 1940, it was named in honor of U.S. Racing Hall of Fame
inductee, Roseben
. The race was run at Aqueduct Racetrack
from 1962 through 1982. During its tenure, it was contested at two distances:
The 1977 race had to be canceled as a result of a strike action
by unionized
racetrack employees.
Thoroughbred horse race
Thoroughbred horse racing is a worldwide sport and industry involving the racing of Thoroughbred horses. It is governed by different national bodies. There are two forms of the sport: Flat racing and National Hunt racing...
run annually from 1940 through 1995. Hosted by Belmont Park
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a major thoroughbred horse-racing facility located in Elmont in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, on Long Island adjoining New York City. It first opened on May 4, 1905...
in Elmont, New York
Elmont, New York
Elmont is an unincorporated census-designated place located in the northwest corner of the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, along its border with the borough of Queens in New York City...
, it was open to horses age three and older. A Grade III event at the time of its cancellation, it was contested on dirt over a distance of six furlong
Furlong
A furlong is a measure of distance in imperial units and U.S. customary units equal to one-eighth of a mile, equivalent to 220 yards, 660 feet, 40 rods, or 10 chains. The exact value of the furlong varies slightly among English-speaking countries....
s.
Inaugurated in 1940, it was named in honor of U.S. Racing Hall of Fame
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was founded in 1950 in Saratoga Springs, New York, to honor the achievements of American thoroughbred race horses, jockeys, and trainers...
inductee, Roseben
Roseben
Roseben was an American Thoroughbred Hall of Fame race horse who grew to such an enormous size he was known as "The Big Train." Because of his great size, he was slow to mature but when he finally got moving in his fourth, fifth and sixth years of racing, he began to be called the greatest...
. The race was run at Aqueduct Racetrack
Aqueduct Racetrack
Aqueduct Racetrack is a thoroughbred horse-racing facility and racino in Ozone Park, Queens, New York. Its racing meets usually are from late October/early November through April.-History:...
from 1962 through 1982. During its tenure, it was contested at two distances:
- 6 F : 1940-1953, 1981-1995
- 7 F : 1954-1980
The 1977 race had to be canceled as a result of a strike action
Strike action
Strike action, also called labour strike, on strike, greve , or simply strike, is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to work. A strike usually takes place in response to employee grievances. Strikes became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labour became...
by unionized
Trade union
A trade union, trades union or labor union is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with...
racetrack employees.
Records
Speed record:- at 6 furlongs:
- 1:08.20 Up Beat (1949)
- 1:08.20 For Really (1991)
- at 7 furlongs:
- 1:21.00 Lord Rebeau (1976)