Turfway's big race has new name: Jack Cincinnati Casino Spiral Stakes
FLORENCE, Ky. – Turfway Park officials are hoping that their marquee race by any other name will be just as sweet – because it’s getting yet another name change.
The $500,000 Jack Cincinnati Casino Spiral Stakes is the new name for the traditional Turfway showcase for 3-year-olds. Inaugurated in 1972, the Grade 3 race remains a key prep for the Kentucky Derby, with its 46th running on March 25, 2017, once again being worth 50 eligibility points to the winner.
Turfway general manager Chip Bach said the change coincides with the latest sponsor, Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati, having been renamed since the race was last run in April. Jack Entertainment LLC, which owns the casino and Turfway, had been known as Rock Gaming before being rebranded in June.
These are the names the Turfway race has carried: Spiral Stakes, 1972-81; Jim Beam Stakes, 1982-98; Galleryfurniture.com Stakes, 1999; Turfway Spiral Stakes, 2000-01; Lane’s End Stakes, 2002-10; Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes, 2011-12; and Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes, 2013-16. In 2006, the 1 1/8-mile race was first run on Polytrack, which remains in use today.
Meanwhile, Bach said the installation of the slots-like Instant Racing machines at Turfway is imminent, but that no timetable is yet established.
“It’s in the hands of the lawyers and bankers right now,” said Bach, who ascended to his current position in January 2012. “It’s a normal part of the process. We take it as a positive that they’re doing their due diligence.”