The renamed OGDEN PHIPPS HANDICAP was run for the first time on Saturday, June 22, 2002. Phipps was a well-known philanthropist, sportsman, Thoroughbred owner and breeder, and the former chairman of the family-owned Bessemer Securities Corporation. He was a member and past chairman of The Jockey Club and a trustee emeritus of the New York Racing Association. He was actively involved with Thoroughbred racing for approximately 70 years and campaigned homebred stakes winners such as Buckpasser, Easy Goer and the undefeated Personal Ensign. He passed away at age 93 on April 22, 2002, after a short illness.
This race was previously run 33 times as the Hempstead Handicap (1961 to 2001). The Hempstead Handicap was run at 1 1/2 miles for both sexes in 1961; 6 furlongs in 1970 and 1971; a 1 1/8 miles from 1974 to 1994. It was run at Aqueduct from 1972 to 1974. It was not run from 1962 to 1969.