f = filly

The FUTURITY was conceived by James G. K. Lawrence. Its first running took place on Labor Day in 1888 at the Coney Island Jockey Club's track on Sheepshead Bay and it was the richest race ever run in the United States until that date; the winner's share of $40,900 was taken down by Proctor Knott, a $450 purchase. At that time the field had been nominated before birth, their dams being the actual nominees. This condition for the race remained in effect until 1957.

The Futurity was run at Sheepshead Bay from 1888 to 1909; at Saratoga in 1910, 1913, and 1914; at Aqueduct in 1959, 1960, and from 1962 to 1967. Not run in 1911 and 1912. Run at six furlongs from 1888 to 1891 and from 1902 to 1924; at 1,263 yards and 1 foot, from 1892 to 1901; at about seven furlongs from 1925 to 1933; at six and one half furlongs from 1934 to 1975; at seven furlongs from 1976 to 1993. Run over the old straight course prior to 1926. Run on the Widener straight course from 1926 to 1958. In 1978, Fuzzbuster finished first, but was disqualified. In 2000, City Zip finished first, but was disqualified and placed second.