The AQUEDUCT Handicap is named for the old track where it was first run in 1902, on the site of the present “Big A”, which was opened in 1959. The Aqueduct was traditionally run on Labor Day. The late champion Kelso won it for the second straight time in 1964. It was his first stakes victory of the year in which he made his successful bid for his fifth straight Horse of the Year title.
THE AQUEDUCT HANDICAP was run at Belmont Park in l96l. Not run from l9l0 to l9l6, in l924, from l956 to l958, from l969 to l972, and in l974, l975, and l979. Run as the Aqueduct Stakes from 1962 to 1965 and in 1967 and 1968. Limited to 2 year olds in l973. Run at the distance of a mile and five sixteenths from l920 to l925; at a mile and an eighth from l9l7 to l9l9, from l926 to l932, and from 1961 to 1973; at one mile in 1976. In 1930, Sun Edwin finished first but was disqualified. In 1933, Dominus finished first but was disqualified. In 1988, King's Swan finished first but was disqualified. In 1992, Shots Are Ringing finished first, but was disqualified.