The English Classics

For over 200 years, Englsih flat racing has hosted five of the most presigious races in the world that have arguably become the precedent for all other classic and major Group One races in the world today. They are known as the English Classics and we take a very brief look at each of them:

1000 Guineas

The oldest of these five classics is the 1000 Guineas, which is raced at Newmarket in early May each year. The race is for 3 year old thoroughbred fillies and is raced over the Rowley Mile at Newmarket raceourse.It is the feature race of the Stan James Guineas Festival.

2000 Guineas

This race was created in the wake of the success of the 1000 Guineas and is for 3 year old thoroughbred colts, although fillies still have the right to enter. It is the second day feature of the Guineas Festival and is also run over the Rowley Mile.

The Epsom Oaks

See this site

The Epsom Derby

England's most famous flat race that is run over one and a half miles of the Epsom Downs racecourse in June each year. It is for three year old thoroughbred colts, although like the 2000 Guineas, fillies are at liberty to enter. It is also England's richest race.

St Leger

This is the longest of the five classics, run over 1 mile six furlongs of the Doncaster racecourse and is open to both three year old fillies and colts. The St Leger is the last leg of the triple crown which is won in colts terms by by any horse who can win the 2000 Guineas, The Derby and the St Leger, the fillies version is obviously the 1000 Guineas,the Epsom Oaks and the St Leger.