First Flight Handicap
The First Flight Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in late June/early July at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. A Grade II event open to fillies and Mares, ages three and older, it is contested on dirt over a distance of seven furlongs.
The race is named in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney's American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of 1946. First Flight won the Matron Stakes, and beat male opponents in winning the Belmont Futurity Stakes.
Inaugurated in 1978, the race has been hosted by Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Park:
- Aqueduct - 1978-1989, 1991-2002, 2004-2006
- Belmont - 1990, 2001, 2003, 2007-present
Records
Speed record:
Most wins:
- 2 - Twist Afleet
- 2 - Country Hideaway
- 2 - Shine Again
Most wins by a jockey:
Most wins by a trainer:
Most wins by an owner:
