Cliff Hanger Stakes

The Cliff Hanger Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey in May. Open to horses age three and older, it is now contested on turf over a distance of $1 1/16$ miles. As of 2023, the purse is $102,000.

Known as the Cliff Hanger Handicap until 2008, it was raced on dirt from 1978 through 1981 and again in 1985 and 1987. Prior to 1982, it was restricted to horses bred in the State of New Jersey.

Records
Speed record: Most wins:
 * 8.5 Furlongs – 1:39 2/5 – Wanderkin (1988), Dixie Bayou (1997)
 * 9 Furlongs – 1:46.16 – Winning Cause (2014)
 * 2 – Erin's Tiger (1982, 1983)
 * 2 – Late Act (1984, 1985)’

Most wins by an owner:
 * 2 – Greentree Stable (1984, 1985)
 * 2 – Live Oak Racing (1994, 2006)

Most wins by a jockey:
 * 3 – Jorge Velásquez (1980, 1982, 1983)

Most wins by a trainer:
 * 2 – Joseph H. Pierce Jr. (1980, 1987)
 * 2 – Richard Nieminski (1982, 1983)
 * 2 – Jonathan Sheppard (1987, 1989)
 * 2 – Christophe Clement (2013, 2015)

Earlier winners

 * 1998 – Mi Narrow
 * 1997 – Dixie Bayou
 * 1996 – Thorny Crown
 * 1995 – Mighty Forum
 * 1994 – Binary Light
 * 1993 – Excellent Tipper
 * 1992 – Roman Envoy
 * 1991 – Finder's Choice
 * 1990 – Chas' Whim
 * 1989 – Ten Keys
 * 1988 – Wanderkin
 * 1987 – Silver Comet
 * 1987 – Foligno
 * 1986 – Explosive Darling
 * 1985 – Late Act
 * 1984 – Late Act
 * 1984 – Cozzene
 * 1983 – Erin's Tiger
 * 1982 – Erin's Tiger
 * 1982 – Acaroid
 * 1981 – Bill Wheeler
 * 1980 – Quality T. V.
 * 1979 – Exclusively Mine
 * 1978 – Mr. Lincroft
 * 1977 – Dan Horn