Shoemaker Mile Stakes

The Shoemaker Mile Stakes is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race for horses age three years old and older over a distance of one mile on the turf held annually in late May at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, USA. The event currently carries a purse of $300,000.

History
Inaugurated in 1938 as the Premiere Handicap over a distance of six furlongs at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California.

In 1950, there were two separate races, one in the Spring called Preview Handicap at six furlongs and the autumn race as The Premiere Handicap at seven furlongs.

In 1984 & 1985, the event was run in two divisions and held on the turf for the first time.

In 1990 it was renamed to honor U.S. Racing Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker.

In 2014 when Hollywood Park Racetrack closed the race was moved to Santa Anita Park.

Distance
Since inception, the race has been contested at a variety of distances:
 * 1 mile on turf: 1988–1991, 1993–present
 * $1 1/16$ miles: 1978–1980 on main track, 1986–87 on Turf
 * 7 furlongs on main track: 1950 in Autumn Meet (Premiere Handicap)
 * 6 furlongs on main track: 1938–1941, 1944–1947, 1949, 1950 as Spring renewal (Preview Handicap), 1951–1977
 * Not run in 1942–1943, 1948, 1981–1983, 1992

Other earlier winners

 * 1968 – Kissin' George
 * 1953 – Pet Bully