Royal Ascot: St James's Palace Stakes

The event is named after St James's Palace, a royal residence during the Tudor period. It was established in 1834, and the inaugural race resulted in a walkover. The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and for a period the St. James's Palace Stakes was classed at Group 2 level. It was promoted to Group 1 status in 1988. It is contested on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting.
Early history:- The inaugural running of the St James's Palace Stakes on Tuesday 10th June 1834 was a disappointing affair when 17 of the 18 subscribers were frightened off by the Derby winner Plenipotentiary who was left to walk-over. The next year the race was held on Tuesday 16th June 1835 contested by the Derby second and third, Ascot and Pelops. Ascot once again confirmed his superiority by a length, the same distance he had beaten Pelops by in the Epsom Derby the previous month.

St James's Palace Stakes 1850 Group 1 1 mile
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 NUTCRACKER Charles Marlow William Harlock 3-8st 7lbs Lord Exeter 3/1
2 SERGIUS Nat Flatman 3-8st 7lbs Mr John Payne 4/1
3 MICKLETON F Butler 3-8st 7lbs Mr Bowes 3/1
4 ZADOC S Rogers 3-8st 7lbs Lord Orford 4/1
5 MUS colt W Boyce 3-8st 7lbs Duke of Rutland 5/2 fav
This race took place on Thursday 13th June 1850, the winner, a 3-year-old chestnut colt by Nutwith out of Mecca, won a first prize of 1200 sovereigns from 12 subscribers (equivalent to £163,000 in 2020). Over round 118%
St James's Palace Stakes Group 1 1 mile 1834
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1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849
1850