Since 1997, this race has been named for U.S. Racing Hall of Fame filly, Personal Ensign. Undefeated in racing, Personal Ensign was also a great broodmare. Her granddaughter Storm Flag Flying won the race in 2004.[2]
The Firenze Handicap was run on turf from 1972 to 1975 and run in two divisions in 1972 and 1974. The 1988 race was run for purse money only, no wagering, after being postponed for one day due to severe thunderstorms that forced cancellation of the remainder of the racing card at Saratoga Springs on Aug. 28, 1988.
Records
Speed record:
2:02.07 – Shadow Cast (2005) (at the distance of 1+1⁄4 miles)
1:47.19 – Abel Tasman (2018) (at the current distance of 1+1⁄8 miles)