Top Contenders Vie for Charles Town Classic and Oaks Honors
The Charles Town Classic and Oaks, two of North America's premier horse racing events, have drawn an impressive roster of 72 nominated horses. Among the standout entries are Banishing, the reigning Charles Town Classic victor, and Skippylongstocking, a two-time winner of the same prestigious race. These nominations set the stage for an electrifying evening of competition, scheduled for August 28, which will feature a total of nine stakes races with a combined purse exceeding $2.8 million.
Banishing returns to defend his title, following a triumphant five-year-old season that included his Charles Town Classic win and a victory in the Godolphin Mile (G2) at Meydan. Trained by David Jacobson, Banishing aims to join an elite group of horses that have secured multiple Classic victories, having already demonstrated his formidable talent by entering the race on the heels of a win in the Jeff Hall Memorial Stakes. Skippylongstocking, under the guidance of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., is also a prominent contender, having previously won the Classic in 2023 and 2024. Despite a setback in the 2025 running due to an electrolyte imbalance, Skippylongstocking has since recovered, achieving a Grade 1 victory in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational. Joseph has further bolstered his stable's presence with additional nominees including Forged Steel, Navajo Warrior, and Full Screen, indicating a strong challenge from his camp. Other notable nominations include Willy D's, trained by Mike Maker, who was a runner-up in last year's Classic and recently won the Kentucky Cup Classic (G3); Barbadian Runner, nominated by Henry Walters after winning the Robert Hilton Memorial (L); and entries from acclaimed trainers like Brad Cox, who nominated Grade 1 winner Hit Show, and Steve Asmussen, who put forward Grade 2 winners Tiztastic and Gigante.
The Charles Town Oaks, now in its third year as a Grade 2 event, continues to be the richest dirt sprint stake for three-year-old fillies in North America. This year's nominations are led by Grade 2 winner My Miss Mo and Grade 3 winner Luv Your Neighbor, along with other accomplished stakes winners like Mashallah and West Virginia-bred At a Premium. With 12 stakes winners and three graded stakes-placed fillies among the 30 nominees, the Oaks promises a captivating display of emerging talent. Charlie McIntosh, Charles Town's director of racing operations, expressed enthusiasm for the exceptional caliber of this year's entries, highlighting the return of proven champions and the participation of numerous graded stakes performers as indicators of an outstanding night of racing. The event will also feature the $500,000 Robert Hilton Memorial and the $300,000 Misty Bennett Pink Ribbon Stakes, further enriching the night's program. In addition to the exhilarating races, the evening will culminate in a mandatory payout of the Charles Town 6-12 jackpot, with the pool expected to surpass $750,000, adding another layer of excitement for racing enthusiasts.
This gathering of exceptional equine athletes and their dedicated connections at Charles Town truly embodies the spirit of competition and excellence in horse racing. The event not only celebrates the prowess of these magnificent animals but also fosters a sense of community and shared passion among fans and participants alike. It reminds us of the dedication required to achieve greatness and the thrill of witnessing history in the making on the racetrack.