The ALEX M. ROBB was inaugurated in honor of Mr. Alex M. Robb for his contributions to New York State Breeding. In 1932, Mr. Robb became associated with New York breeder Willis Sharpe Kilmer and took charge of his racing and breeding interests. In 1942, Robb became first Executive Secretary of the Thoroughbred Racing Association and in 1946 he was invited by George D. Widener to be Secretary Treasurer of Westchester Racing Association and General Manager of Belmont Park. When the New York tracks merged in 1955 he stayed with the New York Racing Association, and in 1962, he was invited by Ashley T. Cole to rehabilitate New York breeding, and was named Director of the Thoroughbred Breeders Service Bureau. Alex M. Robb passed away in 1985.

In 1997, More To Tell finished first but was disqualified.

* The 2000 edition was scheduled for December 31st, but adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of that day’s card. As such, the race was contested on January 6, 2001.