Sussex Stakes

The Sussex Stakes, seventh oldest race at the Glorious Goodwood meeting, is a Group 1 race for 3-year-olds and above over a mile and was first staged in 1841, although at that time it was held over 6 furlongs. It had a chequered early history, with many of the original races being walkovers, but in 1878 it became a 3-year-old race over a mile and became the most esteemed race at the meeting. Its conditions changed again in 1960 when 4-year-olds were allowed entry, while in 1975 it was extended still further to include any horse aged 3 and above. It is traditionally contested on the second day of the 5-day meeting.
Early history:-The inaugural running of the Sussex Stakes was on Thursday 29th July 1841 when Mr Treen’s 2-year-old brown colt Barrier beat the Palladium and Darling.

Sussex Stakes 1979 Group 1 1 mile
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 KRIS Joe Mercer Henry Cecil 3-8st 10lbs Lord Howard de Walden 4/5 fav
2 SWISS MAID Greville Starkey Paul Kelleway Mr M Fine 15/2
3 ALERT Edward Hide Clive Brittain Mr C Elliot 40/1
4 SPENCE BAY Tony Murray S McGrath (Ire) Mrs R McGrath 14/1
5 WETH NAN Brian Taylor H Ryan Price Essa Alkhalifa 40/1
6 THATCHING Lester Piggott M V O'Brien Mr Robert Sangster 9/4
7 INSHALLAH Pat Eddery Duncan Sasse Mr J Hayter 100/1
This race was staged on Wednesday 1st August 1979 and was a subscription race of 25 sovereigns each for 3-y-o carrying 8st 10lbs, fillies 8st 7lbs. It was valued at £36,080 (equivalent to £143,000 in 2021). Over round 110%