Classics

Federico Tesio, one of the most influential breeders the world has ever seen, once said that ‘the Thoroughbred exists because its selection has depended, not on experts, technicians, or zoologists, but on a piece of wood: the winning post of the Epsom Derby’.

First run in 1780, the Derby still retains the excitement and mystique of pitching the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds against one another over the challenging undulations of Epsom Downs. The roll of honour reads as a who’s who of racing legends with a profound global effect on the breed.

A day earlier, the best of the fillies hurtle round the same course seeking Classic glory in the Oaks.

The Classic season begins a month earlier than the Derby and Oaks when Newmarket in early May plays host to the 2,000 Guineas and the 1,000 Guineas, with the latter restricted to fillies. Both races are run over a mile, with the best of the best fighting out thrilling finishes up the historic Rowley Mile.

The St Leger completes the Classic line up, taking place over 1m6f in September.

The Triple Crown comprises the 2,000 Guineas, Derby, and St Leger, and has remained out of reach since the mighty Nijinsky swept the board in 1970. The gallant Oh So Sharp took the Fillies’ Triple Crown in 1985 by triumphing in the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks, and St Leger.

Such is the prestige of all the Classics that a horse has only to win one to be assured a second career as a stallion or valuable broodmare.

• Racing Overview
• History
• Classics
• Flat
• National Hunt