Louisville, Kentucky, November 22, 2025
Rattle N Roll will aim to defend his title in the 151st Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs, held on November 28, 2025. The 6-year-old horse boasts a strong record at the venue, having won the race the previous year. With competitors like Hit Show and First Mission in the mix, this Grade II race promises a thrilling showdown as Rattle N Roll seeks victory against a talented field.
Louisville, Kentucky – Rattle N Roll is poised to defend his title in the 151st running of the $600,000 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs on Friday, November 28, 2025. This prestigious Grade II race, which covers a distance of 1 1/8 miles, will highlight the Fall Meet and is scheduled to take place as Race 11 at 5:54 p.m. Eastern Time.
Trained by Kenny McPeek, Rattle N Roll has demonstrated a solid record at Churchill Downs, having achieved 3 wins, 1 second, and 3 thirds in eight starts. The 6-year-old son of Connect is the reigning champion, having won last year’s Clark Stakes by finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of Most Wanted. His achievements extend beyond the U.S., with notable wins including the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (GIII) in Saudi Arabia. He recently secured a second place finish in the Fayette Stakes (GII), competing against fellow Clark contender Hit Show.
The Clark Stakes will feature a competitive field of nine other accomplished horses, including:
- Hit Show: A Dubai World Cup (GI) winner, trained by Brad Cox.
- First Mission: A multiple graded stakes winner, also trained by Brad Cox.
- Chunk of Gold: A graded stakes-winning 3-year-old.
- Gosger: Another graded stakes-winning 3-year-old.
- Magnitude: A graded stakes-winning 3-year-old.
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. will take the reins of Rattle N Roll from post position No. 6. The entire “Black Friday” program at Churchill Downs will commence at 1 p.m. Eastern Time and includes the 34th running of the $300,000 Mrs. Revere Stakes (GIII) for 3-year-old fillies, scheduled as Race 10 at 5:25 p.m.
The Clark Stakes boasts a remarkable history, featuring past winners such as Gun Runner, Will Take Charge, Wise Dan, Blame, Saint Liam, and Silver Charm. With a mix of seasoned competitors and rising stars, this year’s race is set to be an exciting event as Rattle N Roll aims to retain his title.
For more information on the Clark Stakes and other races at Churchill Downs, visit the official Churchill Downs website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Clark Stakes?
The Clark Stakes is a Grade II thoroughbred horse race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It covers a distance of 1 1/8 miles and is the highlight of the Fall Meet.
When is the 151st Clark Stakes scheduled?
The 151st Clark Stakes is scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025, at 5:54 p.m. Eastern Time, as Race 11 in the 12-race “Black Friday” program at Churchill Downs.
Who is Rattle N Roll?
Rattle N Roll is a 6-year-old thoroughbred trained by Kenny McPeek. He is the defending champion of the Clark Stakes, having won the race in 2024. He has also achieved international success, including a victory in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (GIII) in Saudi Arabia.
Who are the other notable horses in the 2025 Clark Stakes field?
Other notable horses include Hit Show, a Dubai World Cup (GI) winner trained by Brad Cox; First Mission, a multiple graded stakes winner also trained by Brad Cox; and graded stakes-winning 3-year-olds Chunk of Gold, Gosger, and Magnitude.
Where can I find more information about the Clark Stakes?
For more information on the Clark Stakes and other races at Churchill Downs, visit the official Churchill Downs website.
Key Features of the 151st Clark Stakes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Name | 151st Clark Stakes |
| Location | Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Date and Time | Friday, November 28, 2025, at 5:54 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Distance | 1 1/8 miles |
| Defending Champion | Rattle N Roll |
| Notable Competitors | Hit Show, First Mission, Chunk of Gold, Gosger, Magnitude |
| Race Schedule | Race 11 in the 12-race “Black Friday” program |
| Website for More Information | Official Churchill Downs website |
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