THE 1000 GUINEAS Contested on Newmarket racecourse since 1814, the 1000 Guineas was first introduced 5 years after the colts and fillies equivalent, the 2000 Guineas. The inaugural running of the one mile race for 3 year old thoroughbred fillies took place over the Ditch Mile on Thursday 28th April 1814, and it has been contested annually ever since, including during the periods of the First and Second World War, although the Rowley Mile course is used now. This site provides a comprehensive history of the 1000 Guineas; every winner, runner, owner, trainer and jockey and, where available, video clips of the majority of races run since the early 1900s. It is the final one of five English Classic races introduced into the racing calendar, and is the second to be run each year, taking place in late April or early May. It was introduced into the Calendar by the Jockey Club under the guidance of Sir Charles Bunbury and is so named because it had a prize fund of 1000 Guineas (£1050) in its early days. Every Classic winner has now been rated using times (the 1810 St Leger was one of the earliest occasions when a winner's time was provided), winning distances and strength of opposition. A very useful survey was carried out by the Sporting Times in May 1886 when 100 Jockey Club Members, owners, trainers, jockeys and tipsters were invited to list the top 10 racehorses. To see the results of that survey click here. Note: Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders of all scans in this section of the site. Some contributors have asked to be acknowledged for their contributions and their wish has been granted. If anyone thinks they own an image used then contact the site owner. All images used in this section, unless otherwise stipulated or where credit has been assigned, are in the public domain because copyright has expired. If you feel that this, or any other assignation, is incorrect then please email us with pertinent details and we will look into the matter and, if necessary, remove the particular image. For all of your 1000 Guineas books and memorabilia visit:- History of 2000 Guineas; History of the Epsom Oaks; History of the Epsom Derby; History of the Doncaster St Leger If you have access to further artefacts which will enhance the site then email johnwslusar@gmail.com so that your items can be included. |