The Jeff Ruby Steaks (a homophone of the word Stakes, for commercial reasons)[1] is a Grade III American thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds at a distance of a one and one-eighth miles on the synthetic track in late March at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky. The event currently offers a purse of $700,000.

Jeff Ruby Steaks
Grade III race
LocationTurfway Park
Florence, Kentucky
Inaugurated1972 (as Latonia Spiral Stakes)
Race typeThoroughbredFlat racing
SponsorJeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment (since 2018)
WebsiteTurfway Park
Race information
Distance1+18 miles
SurfaceTapeta
Trackleft-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
WeightColts and Geldings 123 lbs
Fillies 118 lbs
Purse$700,000 (as of 2023)

History

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The event was inaugurated on 1 April 1972 as the Latonia Spiral Stakes over a distance of one mile, established by the General Manager of the Latonia race track John Battaglia for horses "spiraling up" to the Kentucky Derby.[2]

The race in its infancy attracted many entries and the administration of the track decided to run the event in two divisions in the following years: 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, and 1980.[3]

In 1982, bourbon whiskey maker Jim Beam acquired naming rights sponsorship and the race was renamed the Jim Beam Spiral Stakes. That year the distance of event was increased to 1+116 miles.[4] Two years later the event was named the Jim Beam Stakes. The sponsorship deal lasted for 17 years and during that time the event attracted many of the prominent three year olds.[2]

In 1984, the event was upgraded to Grade III status, then, following the sale of the track to Jerry Carroll that led to the track's renaming to Turfway Park in 1986, featured a substantial purse increase in 1988, was upgraded to a Grade II race.[4]

In 1988, the distance of the event was increased to 1+18 miles. The horse breeding facility Lane's End Farm took over sponsorship of the event in 2003 for eight years.[4]

The event was downgraded back to Grade III status in 2011.[5]

In 2013, the event was sponsored by the Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati. Currently, the Spiral Stakes is sponsored by Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, owner of Jeff Ruby's Steakhouses. As part of the sponsorship, the race is referred to as the Jeff Ruby Steaks (similar to other sporting events named for a product).[1]

On 30 March 1991, Hansel set a new track record while winning the Jim Beam Stakes.[6] In 1995, future Hall of Famer Serena's Song became the first and only filly to win the race. Other horses to win who went on to capture at least one of the American Classic Races includes Summer Squall (1990),[7] Lil E. Tee (1992),[8] Prairie Bayou (1993),[9] and Animal Kingdom (2011).[10] In 2021, as part of the Turfway Park renovation, the race was moved from the old Polytrack surface to the newly installed Tapeta surface, the race was also included as a high-profile Championship series event on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.[11]

Records

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Speed record

  • 1+18 miles – 1:46.60 Hansel (1991)
  • 1+116 miles – 1:42.00 Banner Bob (1985)
  • 1 mile – 1:36.60 Major Run (1980)

Margins

  • 15 lengths – Bootlegger's Pet (1973)
  • 13 lengths – Five Star General (1980)
  • 12+34 lengths – Balto Star (2001)

Most wins by an owner

  • 4 – Golden Chance Farm (1977, 1978, 1980 (2))

Most wins by a jockey

  • 5 – Pat Day (1984, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1992)

Most wins by a trainer

Winners

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Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Distance Time Purse Grade Ref
Jeff Ruby Steaks
2024 Endlessly Umberto Rispoli Michael W. McCarthy Amerman Racing 1+18 miles 1:50.15 $700,000 III [12]
2023 Two Phil's Jareth Loveberry Larry Rivelli Patricia's Hope & Philip Sagan 1+18 miles 1:49.03 $694,000 III [13]
2022 Tiz The Bomb Brian Hernandez Jr. Kenneth G. McPeek Magdalena Racing 1+18 miles 1:48.60 $600,000 III [14]
2021 Like the King Drayden Van Dyke Wesley A. Ward M. Racing Group 1+18 miles 1:50.22 $243,325 III [15]
2020 Field Pass Irad Ortiz Jr. Michael J. Maker Three Diamonds Farm 1+18 miles 1:49.34 $217,175 III [16]
2019 Somelikeithotbrown Tyler Gaffalione Michael J. Maker Skychai Racing & Sand Dollar Stable 1+18 miles 1:52.05 $200,000 III [17]
2018 Blended Citizen Kyle Frey Doug F. O'Neill Greg Hall & Sanjay Racing 1+18 miles 1:50.15 $200,000 III [18]
Spiral Stakes
2017 Fast and Accurate Tyler Gaffalione Michael J. Maker Kendall E. Hansen 1+18 miles 1:50:96 $500,000 III [19]
2016 Oscar Nominated Brian Hernandez Jr. Michael J. Maker Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey 1+18 miles 1:51.12 $500,000 III [20]
2015 Dubai Sky Jose Lezcano William I. Mott Three Chimneys Farm & Besilu Stables 1+18 miles 1:50.26 $535,750 III [21]
2014 We Miss Artie John R. Velazquez Todd A. Pletcher Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey 1+18 miles 1:51.98 $518,950 III [22]
2013 Black Onyx Joe Bravo Kelly J. Breen Sterling Racing 1+18 miles 1:51.98 $550,000 III [23]
2012 Went the Day Well John R. Velazquez H. Graham Motion Team Valor & Mark Ford 1+18 miles 1:51.33 $500,000 III [24]
2011 Animal Kingdom Alan Garcia H. Graham Motion Team Valor 1+18 miles 1:52.32 $500,000 III [25]
Lane's End Stakes
2010 Dean's Kitten Cornelio Velasquez Michael J. Maker Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey 1+18 miles 1:50.59 $500,000 II [26]
2009 Hold Me Back Kent J. Desormeaux William I. Mott WinStar Farm 1+18 miles 1:49.63 $500,000 II [27]
2008 Adriano Edgar S. Prado H. Graham Motion Courtlandt Farms 1+18 miles 1:50.20 $500,000 II [28]
2007 Hard Spun Mario G. Pino J. Larry Jones Fox Hill Farms 1+18 miles 1:49.41 $500,000 II [29]
2006 With A City Brice Blanc Michael J. Maker Equirace.com 1+18 miles 1:51.11 $500,000 II [30]
2005 Flower Alley Jorge F. Chavez Todd A. Pletcher Melnyk Racing Stables 1+18 miles 1:50.33 $500,000 II [31]
2004 Sinister G Paul R. Toscano John T. Toscano Jr. John T. Toscano III, Kim Corrado & Yamile Carlat 1+18 miles 1:50.71 $500,000 II [32]
2003 New York Hero Norberto Arroyo Jr. Jennifer Pedersen Paraneck Stable 1+18 miles 1:50.68 $500,000 II [33]
Spiral Stakes
2002 Perfect Drift Eddie Delahoussaye Murray W. Johnson Stonecrest Farm 1+18 miles 1:48.83 $500,000 II [34]
2001 Balto Star Mark Guidry Todd A. Pletcher Anstu Stable 1+18 miles 1:47.23 $600,000 II [35]
2000 Globalize Francisco C. Torres Jerry Hollendorfer Jerry Hollendorfer, Howard Litt & George Todaro 1+18 miles 1:49.16 $600,000 II [36]
Galleryfurniture.com Stakes
1999 Stephen Got Even Shane Sellers Nicholas P. Zito Stephen Hilbert 1+18 miles 1:49.03 $750,000 II [37]
Jim Beam Stakes
1998 Event of the Year Russell Baze Jerry Hollendorfer Golden Eagle Farm 1+18 miles 1:47.00 $600,000 II [38]
1997 Concerto Carlos H. Marquez Jr. John J. Tammaro III Kinsman Stable 1+18 miles 1:48.20 $600,000 II [39]
1996 Roar Mike E. Smith Claude R. McGaughey III Claiborne Farm & Adele B. Dilschneider 1+18 miles 1:49.60 $600,000 II [40]
1995 ƒ Serena's Song Corey Nakatani D. Wayne Lukas Bob & Beverly Lewis 1+18 miles 1:49.60 $600,000 II [41]
1994 Polar Expedition Curt C. Bourque Hugh H. Robertson James B. Cody 1+18 miles 1:49.00 $600,000 II [42]
1993 Prairie Bayou Chris McCarron Thomas K. Bohannan Loblolly Stable 1+18 miles 1:50.80 $600,000 II [43]
1992 Lil E. Tee Pat Day Lynn S. Whiting W. Cal Partee 1+18 miles 1:53.40 $500,000 II [44]
1991 Hansel Jerry D. Bailey Frank L. Brothers Lazy Lane Farm 1+18 miles 1:46.60 $500,000 II [45]
1990 Summer Squall Pat Day Neil J. Howard Dogwood Stable 1+18 miles 1:49.40 $500,000 II [46]
1989 Western Playboy Pat Day Harvey L. Vanier Nancy Vanier 1+18 miles 1:49.00 $500,000 II [47]
1988 Kingpost Eugene J. Sipus Jr. Dianne Carpenter Mark Warner 1+18 miles 1:50.80 $500,000 II [48]
1987 J. T.'s Pet Pat Day Lynn S. Whiting W. Cal Partee 1+116 miles 1:42.80 $500,000 III [49]
1986 Broad Brush Vincent Bracciale Jr. Richard W. Small Robert E. Meyerhoff 1+116 miles 1:44.20 $350,000 III [50]
1985 Banner Bob K. Keith Allen Jerome J. Sarner Jr. Sharon E. & William J. Walsh 1+116 miles 1:42.00 $350,000 III [51]
1984 At the Threshold Pat Day Lynn S. Whiting W. Cal Partee 1+116 miles 1:42.80 $300,000 III [52]
Spiral Stakes
1983 Marfa Jorge Velasquez D. Wayne Lukas Barry Beal, Robert French Jr. & D. Wayne Lukas 1+116 miles 1:42.40 $233,500 [53]
1982 Good n' Dusty Michael Moran Jasper Adams Larry R. Lehmann 1+116 miles 1:44.60 $188,500 [54]
1981 Mythical Ruler Keith Wirth Fred V. Wirth Al Risen Jr. & Paxton Price 1 mile 1:38.00 $60,350 [55]
1980 Major Run Mark S. Sellers William E. Adams Golden Chance Farm 1 mile 1:36.60 $31,025 Division 1[56]
Spruce Needles Julio C. Espinoza William E. Adams Golden Chance Farm 1:37.20 $31,025 Division 2[57]
1979 Lot o' Gold Don Brumfield William E. Adams Frederick E. Lehmann 1 mile 1:37.60 $48,000 [58]
1978 Five Star General Julio C. Espinoza William E. Adams Robert N. Lehmann 1 mile 1:38.80 $21,000 Division 1[59]
Raymond Earl Julio C. Espinoza William E. Adams Golden Chance Farm 1:37.80 $21,600 Division 2[60]
1977 Smiley's Dream W. Destefano William E. Adams Golden Chance Farm 1 mile 1:39.40 $21,312 Division 1[61]
Bob's Dusty Julio C. Espinoza William E. Adams Robert N. Lehmann 1:38.80 $21,362 Division 2[62]
1976 Inca Roca William Nemeti Albert T. Skinner Charles Raymond Jarrell 1 mile 1:37.40 $31,300 [63]
1975 Naughty Jake German Vasquez Jake Bachelor Mildred Bachelor 1 mile 1:40.00 $26,400 Division 1[64]
Ambassador's Image Eddie Snell Donald L. Ball Donamire Farm 1:38.40 $26,450 Division 2[65]
1974 King of Rome Keith Wirth Fred V. Wirth Fred V. Wirth 1 mile 1:45.40 $18,575 Division 1[66]
Aglorite John Beech Jr. Rose Bramble August Muckler 1:44.60 $18,675 Division 2[67]
1973 Jacks Chevron Billy Phelps Carl Sitgraves W. C. Hines & Mrs. Carl Sitgraves 1 mile 1:41.00 $16,207 Division 1[68]
Bootlegger's Pet Mickey Solomone Charles C. Patrick Charles C. Patrick, G. McGinnis & V. Victor 1:42.00 $16,107 Division 2[69]
1972 Big Dot Jim Murchison James Eckrosh Everett Lowrance 1 mile 1:38.80 $11,525 [70]

Legend:
  All Weather Track   Dirt
Notes:
ƒ Filly

See also

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edit

References

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  1. ^ a b "Sponsorship Changes Spiral Stakes to 'Jeff Ruby Steaks'". The BloodHorse. January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Turfway Park Milestones" (PDF). Turfway Park Media Guide 2018–19. January 25, 2018. p. 2. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  3. ^ "SPIRAL STAKES (2ND DIV.) - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Jeff Ruby Steaks (Gr. 3)". www.equibase.com. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  5. ^ "SPIRAL STAKES - MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  6. ^ "Hansel wins Jim Beam Stakes". UPI. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
  7. ^ "Summer Squall profile (Results)". equibase.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  8. ^ "Lil E. Tee profile (Results)". equibase.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  9. ^ "Prairie Bayou profile (Results)". equibase.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  10. ^ "Animal Kingdom profile (Results)". equibase.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  11. ^ "Kentucky Derby leaderboard - April 25, 2021 update" (PDF). kentuckyderby.com. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  12. ^ "2024 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 – (race 12)". Equibase. March 23, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  13. ^ "2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 – (race 12)". Equibase. March 25, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  14. ^ "2022 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 - (race 12)". Equibase. April 2, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  15. ^ "2021 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 27, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  16. ^ "2020 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 14, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  17. ^ "2019 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 9, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  18. ^ "2018 Jeff Ruby Steaks Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 17, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  19. ^ "2017 Jack Cincinnati Casino Spiral Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 25, 2017. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  20. ^ "2016 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. April 2, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  21. ^ "2015 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  22. ^ "2014 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  23. ^ "2013 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 23, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  24. ^ "2012 Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 24, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  25. ^ "2011 Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 26, 2011. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  26. ^ "2010 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. March 27, 2010. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  27. ^ "2009 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 21, 2009. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  28. ^ "2008 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 12)". Equibase. March 22, 2008. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  29. ^ "2007 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 24, 2007. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  30. ^ "2006 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 25, 2006. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  31. ^ "2005 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. March 26, 2005. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  32. ^ "2004 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. March 20, 2004. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  33. ^ "2003 Lane's End Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 22, 2003. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  34. ^ "2002 Lane's End Spiral Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 23, 2002. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  35. ^ "2001 Turfway Spiral Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 24, 2001. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  36. ^ "2000 Turfway Spiral Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. March 25, 2000. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  37. ^ "1999 Galleryfurniture.com Stakes Grade 2 - (race 5)". Equibase. March 27, 1999. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  38. ^ "1998 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 29, 1998. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  39. ^ "1997 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 29, 1997. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  40. ^ "1996 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 30, 1996. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  41. ^ "1995 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. April 1, 1995. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  42. ^ "1994 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. April 2, 1994. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  43. ^ "1993 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 11)". Equibase. March 27, 1993. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  44. ^ "1992 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 28, 1992. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  45. ^ "1991 Jim Beam Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. March 30, 1991. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  46. ^ "Summer Squall wins Beam with a '110 percent effort' – (race 10: held 21 March 1990)". Miami Herald. The Associated Press. April 1, 1990. p. 29. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  47. ^ Wall, Maryjean (April 2, 1989). "Western Playboy Wins Jim Beam– (race 11: held 1 April 1989)". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. 25. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  48. ^ Rees, Jennie (April 3, 1988). "'Ugly' Kingpost pretty price in Beam – (race 11: held 2 April 1988)". The Courier-Journal. p. 17. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  49. ^ Rees, Jennie (March 30, 1987). "J. T.'s Pet is impressive in capturing Jim Beam – (race 11: held 29 March 1987)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 7, 9. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  50. ^ Rees, Jennie (March 24, 1986). "Broad Brush quits horsing around, wins Jim Beam by 2 – (race 11: held 23 March 1986)". The Courier-Journal. p. 21. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  51. ^ Murray, Jack (April 1, 1985). "Banner Bob Outduels 'Greatness' In Beam – (race 9: held 31 March 1985)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 9. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  52. ^ Murray, Jack (April 2, 1984). "At The Threshold Is On The Beam At Latonia – (race 9: held 1 April 1984)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 9. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  53. ^ Sowers, Richard (March 27, 1983). "Marfa zips in Spiral to merit acclaim – (race 9: held 26 March 1983)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 13, 17. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  54. ^ Sowers, Richard (March 28, 1982). "Good n' Dusty proves good and fast; Sprial's still a family affair – (race 9: held 27 March 1982)". The Courier-Journal. pp. 11, 20. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  55. ^ Murray, Jack (March 29, 1981). "Mythical Ruler Makes A Point With Spiral Stakes Runaway – (race 8: held 28 March 1981)". Cincinnati Enquirer. pp. 9, 22. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  56. ^ "Major Run, Spruce Needles share honors – (race 7: held 29 March 1980)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. March 30, 1981. p. 12. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  57. ^ Wall, Maryjean (March 30, 1981). "Adams Enjoys Double Victory In Latonia's Split Spiral Stakes – (race 8: held 29 March 1980)". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. 33. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  58. ^ Murray, Jack (April 1, 1979). "Lot O' Gold Picks Up More With Spiral Stakes Victory – (race 8: held 31 March 1979)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 37. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  59. ^ "Five Star General, Raymond Earl win Spiral: Golden Chance rules – (race 6: held 1 April 1978)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. April 2, 1978. p. 18. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  60. ^ Murray, Jack (April 2, 1978). "Adams' horses Sweep in Spiral – (race 8: held 1 April 1978)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 23. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  61. ^ "Adams-Trained Pair Cops Spiral Stakes – (race 8: held 2 April 1977)". Lexington Leader. The Associated Press. April 3, 1977. p. 34. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  62. ^ Bolus, Jim (April 3, 1977). "Adams' smiles: Three winners on Latonia card – (race 9: held 2 April 1977)". The Courier-Journal. p. 47. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  63. ^ Anzer, Bill (March 28, 1976). "Inca Roca's Stock Spirals – (race 9: held 27 March 1976)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 25. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  64. ^ Anzer, Bill (March 30, 1975). "Naughty Jake, Ambassador's Image; Latonia Stars Sing Bluegrass – (race 8: held 29 March 1975)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 40. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  65. ^ "Ambassador's Image, 'Jake' Derby hopefuls after victories – (race 9: held 29 March 1975)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. March 30, 1975. p. 36. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  66. ^ Anzer, Bill (March 31, 1974). "King of Rome, Aglorite Win Spiral – (race 7: held 30 March 1974)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 25. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  67. ^ Phelps, Frank (March 31, 1974). "Favored Aglorite, King Of Rome Score – (race 8: held 30 March 1974)". Lexington Herald. p. 24. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  68. ^ Phelps, Frank (April 1, 1973). "Bootlegger's Pet Wins Spiral by 15 Lengths – (race 8: held 31 March 1973)". Lexington Herald. p. 38. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  69. ^ Anzer, Bill (April 1, 1973). "Jacks Chevron, 'Pet' Split Latonia Loot – (race 8: held 29 March 1975)". Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 40. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  70. ^ "Big Dot Bags Spiral Event – (race 8: held 1 April 1972)". Cincinnati Enquirer. April 2, 1972. p. 21. Retrieved March 12, 2021.