Royal Ascot: Gold Cup

The Ascot Gold Cup was established in 1807 in the presence of King George III and Queen Charlotte, and it was originally open to horses aged three or older. The inaugural winner, Master Jackey, was awarded prize money of 100 Guineas. The Gold Cup is now the first leg of Britain's Stayers' Triple Crown, alongside the Goodwood Cup and Doncaster Cup, with Double Trigger being the most recent winner of all 3 races in 1995. The Gold Cup is one of just 3 perpetual trophies at the Royal meeting, along with the Royal Hunt Cup and the Queen's Vase, which are kept permanently by the winning owners.
Early history:-The inaugural running of the Gold Cup was on Thursday 11th June 1807 when Mr Durand’s 3-year-old chestnut colt Master Jackey beat Hawk (3-y-o), Miss Coiner (6-y-o) and Sir Peregrine (4-y-o).

Gold Cup 1811 Group 1 2 miles 4 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Age/weight Owner
1 JANNETTE W Arnold 4-7st 13lbs Mr Fulwar Craven 4/6 fav
2 TURTLE   4-8st 2lbs Mr Cope 20/1
3 GOLDEN FLEECE   3-6st 10lbs Lord Lowther 4/1
Disq. SMALLHOPES   5-8st 12lbs Mr Ashmole 5/2
This race took place on Thursday 13th June 1811 starting at the half mile post on the New Mile, and going once round; the winner, a 4-year-old chestnut mare by Gohanna out of Carthage, won a first prize of 100 Guineas +46x20 gns from subscribers (equivalent to £16,000 in 2020). Smallhopes was first past the post but was disqualified and placed last when Mr Ashmole falied to make stake. Over round 108%
Gold Cup Group 1 2 miles 4 furlongs
              1807 1808 1809
1810 1811