The oldest stakes race in the country exclusively for fillies and mares, the LADIES HANDICAP was first run at Jerome Park in 1868. Prior to 1913, the race was restricted to three-year-old fillies. For all ages from 1913 to 1939. Since 1939 it has been open to older fillies and mares. Some of the best-known mares throughout history have won this race and many of them have races named after them in New York, including Beldame, Top Flight, Shuvee, Athenia, Flower Bowl, and Next Move.

The Ladies was run at Jerome Park prior to 1890; at Morris Park from 1890 to 1904; at Belmont Park from 1905 to 1958, and in 1960. Not run in 1895, 1911, and 1912. Run at a mile and five furlongs prior to 1874; a mile and a furlong in 1889 and 1892; at 1,400 yards in 1890 and 1891; a mile and a sixteenth in 1893 and 1894; one mile from 1896 to 1939; a mile and five sixteenths in 1961 and 1962; at one and a half miles from 1874 through 1885, from 1940 through 1958, and in 1960, 1963, and 1964. In 1970, Manta finished first, but was disqualified and placed second. In 1974, Poker Night finished first, but was disqualified and placed second. In 2000, Pentatonic finished first, but was disqualified and placed second.