THE FIVE BRITISH CLASSICS

Horse racing in Britain can be traced back as far as 200AD when the Romans were still in Britain. Today there are 59 licensed race courses in Britain that host some of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. Throughout British history the Royal Families have had an interest in equestrian events, from the current queen going back to James 1 in 1605 and the famous Henry V111 and Queen Anne in the 18th century, whos’ legacy still continues today in the running of the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Britain has five major races in their calendar, over seen by the Jockey Club which was formed in 1750.

The 2000 Guineas run in April over 1 mile at Rowley Mile, Newmarket on grass open to 3 year old colts and fillies. The first this race was run was in 1809.

The 1000 Guineas run in late April or beginning of May, over 1 mile, also at Newmarket, but open to fillies only. This race has had a maximum of 29 runners and the fewest, one only. The Guineas got their names from the original prize money offered of a Guinea, being 21 shillings.

The Oaks which is run at Epsom over 2400m for 3 year old fillies, and run in early June. This race was first run in 1779. Jockey Frank Buckle holds the record here with 9 wins.

The Epsom Derby also called ‘The Derby’ which is run at Epsom Downs over 2400m and is the richest of the classics with prize money of 1.325 million pounds. The race was first run in 1780 and is for colts and fillies. The race is named after the 12th Earl of Derby and in early days was run on a Wednesday or Thursday. Today it is run on a Saturday in early June. Famous jockey Lester Piggot has a record 9 wins in this race.

The St. Leger Stakes is run over 2900m at Doncaster Racecourse in September, and is open to 3 year old colts and fillies. First run in 1776 at Cantley Common at the instigation of an army officer, Anthony St. Leger.

In these five races are the “Triple Crown for Fillies’ from the 1000 Guineas, The Oaks and The St Leger, and, also the ‘Triple Crown’ which consists of the 2000 Guineas, The Derby and The St Leger. The last Triple Crown winner was in 1970 when Lester Piggot rode the famous Nijinsky, pror to that was Bahram in 1935.