The 1000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race for three-year-old fillies run over a distance of one mile (1,609 metres) at Newmarket Racecourse in the United Kingdom. It is one of the five British Classics, which are the most prestigious races for thoroughbred horses in the UK. The other four Classics are the 2000 Guineas, The Derby, The Oaks and the St. Leger Stakes.
History of the 1000 Guineas
The 1000 Guineas has a long and illustrious history. It was first run in 1814, making it one of the oldest races in the world. It was originally established as a race for two-year-old fillies, but was changed to a race for three-year-old fillies in 1868. The race was named after the guinea, a former British currency.
The Course
The 1000 Guineas is run on the Rowley Mile, a left-handed turf course at Newmarket Racecourse. The course is a one-mile (1,609 metres) straight with two sharp bends in the final half-mile. The race begins at the start of the straight and finishes in front of the grandstand.
The Prize Fund
The 1000 Guineas is one of the most valuable races in the world, with a prize fund of £500,000 in 2019. The winner of the race earns £286,000 and the second-placed horse earns £108,000.
Notable Winners
The 1000 Guineas has been won by some of the greatest horses in history. The most successful horse in the race is Tagalie, who won the race in 1949, 1950 and 1951. Other notable winners include Dahlia (1973), Oh So Sharp (1985), Diminuendo (1988), Snow Fairy (2010) and Minding (2016).
Notable Jockeys
The 1000 Guineas has been won by some of the greatest jockeys in history. The most successful jockey in the race is Sir Gordon Richards, who won the race six times between 1927 and 1939. Other notable jockeys include Lester Piggott (11 wins), Steve Cauthen (7 wins) and Pat Eddery (6 wins).
Notable Trainers
The 1000 Guineas has been won by some of the greatest trainers in history. The most successful trainer in the race is Sir Michael Stoute, who has won the race seven times. Other notable trainers include Robert Armstrong (5 wins), Henry Cecil (5 wins) and Sir Henry Cecil (4 wins).
Notable Sires
The 1000 Guineas has been won by some of the greatest sires in history. The most successful sire in the race is Northern Dancer, whose progeny have won the race six times. Other notable sires include Sadler’s Wells (5 wins), Sir Ivor (3 wins) and Storm Bird (3 wins).
Notable Owners
The 1000 Guineas has been won by some of the greatest owners in history. The most successful owner in the race is the Aga Khan, whose horses have won the race a record seven times. Other notable owners include Queen Elizabeth II (4 wins), Sheikh Mohammed (3 wins) and the Duke of Devonshire (3 wins).
Notable Breeding Lines
The 1000 Guineas has been won by some of the greatest breeding lines in history. The most successful breeding line in the race is the Northern Dancer line, which has been represented by five winners. Other notable breeding lines include the Byerley Turk line (4 winners), the Godolphin Arabian line (4 winners) and the Darley Arabian line (3 winners).
Conclusion
The 1000 Guineas is one of the most prestigious races in the world and has been won by some of the greatest horses, jockeys, trainers, sires and owners in history. It is a race steeped in history and tradition and is one of the five British Classics. It is a race that is sure to continue to captivate racing fans for many years to come.