Five British Classic Horse Races Explained

By: Olena

Posted: July 14, 2022

Updated: July 14, 2022

Horse racing is extremely popular in Great Britain
The British Classics are the most prestigious events of their kind
Here you have everything about British classic horse races explained

Image source: Flickr

Horse racing is extremely popular in Great Britain, so there is no wonder that it hosts the most important competitions. Here you have everything about British classic horse races explained. The five races of the British Classics are the most prestigious events in the world that attract most fans of this sport. One can hardly find the nation more interested in horse racing than Britons. Horse racing competitions have been an integral part for centuries. Moreover, the most prestigious and popular horse racing events emerged and still take place in the UK. Do you want to learn more about them? Here you have everything about British classic horse races explained.

5 British classic horse races explained

English or British Classics is a set of the five oldest and most notable horse races in the country. Taking part in one of them is prestigious for horses and jockeys, while the victory marks them as the best of the best. Visitors stand in line to watch them with their own eyes. Also, all races from the British Classics list are popular among bettors at online sportsbooks in Ireland. The five British classic horse races include:

The Derby

The Oaks

One Thousand Guineas

Two Thousand Guineas

St Leger Stakes

The Derby

The Derby Stakes is the most prestigious horse racing event in the country. The Group 1 flat horse race annually takes place in Epsom, England. Between April and June, three-year-old horses compete over a distance of 2,420 meters. It is also a part of a so-called Triple Crown that consists of the three most important races: The Derby, St Leger Stakes, and Two Thousand Guineas. 1779 is considered the year of the origin of The Derby. According to the legend, it was named after Earls of Derby and this decision was made by the toss of a coin. Since then, the event has been an important part of British culture for centuries. Nowadays, it is sponsored by Cazoo. British classic horse races explained

The Oaks

The Oaks or Epsom Oaks is another horse race of the highest level. It has many similarities with its predecessor. Like the Derby, it emerged in 1779 in Epsom. The Oaks also allows three-year-old horses to participate in the event. The distance of 2,420 meters is the same for the Oaks and the Derby Stakes. What is the difference between the two races? First of all, the Oaks allows only fillies to take part in its races. Secondly, the event belongs to the leg of the Fillies' Triple Crown along with St Leger and One Thousand Guineas. The overall popularity of the Oaks is not as big as the Derby’s, but it is still in high demand among Bet365 bettors.

One Thousand Guineas

One Thousand Guineas is important to mention while having all British classic horse races explained. This competition is also open only to fillies and belongs to the Fillies' Triple Crown. The race takes place in Newmarket in May every year. The track at the 1000 Guineas is much shorter than the Oaks and the Derby have. It is just 1,609 meters. 1000 Guineas is also one of the newest races from the five British Classics. It was created in 1814 but the format quickly expanded across Europe, For example, such countries as Ireland, Germany, Australia, and Japan have their own analogs of One Thousand Guineas.

Two Thousand Guineas

Two Thousand Guineas is now the first one to open the horse racing season. It is usually held in May over a 1,609-meter track. This is a mixed competition that allows both colts and fillies to participate. Besides that, the 2000 Guineas is also the opening event of the Triple Crown and one of the most popular horse racing events at online gambling sites in Ireland.

British classic horse races explained — Breathtaking moments at the '08 2K Guineas - Image source: Flickr

The history of 2000 Guineas goes back to 1809. That year, the first competition was held in Newmarket, England. Like 1000 Guineas, the race offers a purse of £500,000 to the winner of the race.

St Leger Stakes

The last highest flat horse race is St Leger. Established in 1776, this is the oldest competition of its kind. Nowadays, St Leger is a mixed competition with a £740,000 prize pool and lots of fans in England. Its races are traditionally held in Doncaster, where St Leger initially emerged. St Leger is the closing competition of the five British Classics. It takes place in September on a 2,921-meter race track. So, now you have everything about British classic horse races explained in detail.