Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, Ky. has teamed up with Monmouth Park Racetrack to sponsor "The Taylor Made Matchmaker Stakes," a grade III event worth $150,000 to be run on Haskell Day, Sunday, Aug. 7, this year."We're extremely pleased to have a first class farm like Taylor Made sponsor the Matchmaker," said Mike Dempsey, racing secretary at Monmouth Park. "Their reputation in the industry of standing some of the nation's top stallions, and producing the highest quality runners is well known. We believe that with Taylor Made sponsoring the Matchmaker the value of the race for the first three finishers has just been elevated to a new level."The deal between Taylor Made Stallions and Monmouth Park is for the next two years, with the stallion nominations to the top three Matchmaker finishers to be determined. Currently, at its Nicholasville facility, Taylor Made stands Forestry, Northern Afleet , Our Emblem, Real Quiet and Unbridled's Song.
The Matchmaker originated at Atlantic City Race Course in 1967 with the top three finishers choosing a mating with one of three stallions. The winner selects first, with the place horse second and the show finisher third."In years past, the Matchmaker has played host to some of the nations top fillies and mares including numerous champions," said Ben Taylor, vice president of Taylor Made Stallions. "We're looking forward to this new venture."Champions who have competed in the Matchmaker include Gamely, Gallant Bloom, Office Queen, Numbered Account, Susan's Girl, Desert Vixen and Just A Game.