stakes race

noun

: a horse race in which the prize offered is made up at least in part of money (such as entry fees) put up by the owners of the horses entered

called also stake race

Examples of stakes race in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hardly a major stakes race takes place without one of their kids — or even their grandkids — in the starting gate. — Graham Cornwell, New York Times, 19 June 2026 The third stakes race of the afternoon was dominated by the Ortiz brothers. — Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026 This week’s episode digs into the high-stakes race between the companies, surfacing new details and doubts about whether either lander will be ready in time. — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 2 May 2026 Corporate Power's sire (Curlin) and dam (Road To Victory) both won graded stakes races on the Churchill Downs dirt. — Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stakes race

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stakes race was in 1895

Rhymes for stakes race

See All Rhymes for stakes race

Browse Nearby Words

stakerope
stakes race
stake truck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stakes race.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stakes%20race. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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