Godolphin

United Kingdom

INVESTEC DERBY

(£1,250,000) Epsom Downs G1 1½m 3-y-o

The most famous flat race in the world. Run in June and one of the five English Classics, it was staged for the first time in 1780, when won by Diomed. Irish-trained three-year-olds landed the prize for three consecutive years with Sinndar (2000) Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002), while Kris Kin, owned by Saeed Suhail and trained in Newmarket triumphed in 2003 when, with three £90,000 supplementary entries, the race was worth £1,470,000. North Light, was successful under Kieren Fallon in the 2004 renewal, while in 2005 Motivator's authoritative win provided much celebration for the 230 members of the Royal Ascot Racing Club who owned the colt. Twelve months later, a fairytale unfolded for small-time owners Victoria and Anthony Pakenham, when jockey Martin Dwyer rode Sir Percy through the narrowest of gaps on the inside rail to deny Dragon Dancer victory by a short head. After 14 years of trying, Frankie Dettori finally got his chance to perform his flying dismount in Epsom’s winner's enclosure after Authorized stormed home to a five-length victory in the 2007 renewal. The three-year-old son of Montjeu pulled clear of his rivals at the two-furlong marker to secure a second English Derby win for his trainer, Peter Chapple-Hyam.

New Approach justified trainer Jim Bolger’s late decision to run him in the 2008 Derby for owner, HRH Princess Haya of Jordan. The three-year-old chesnut colt held off the persistent challenge of Ryan Moore on board Tartan Bearer inside the final furlong to secure victory by half a length. It was a first Derby win for the owner, trainer and jockey combination. There was another Irish trained winner in 2009, but this time it was the turn of Sea The Stars, trained on the Curragh by John Oxx and ridden by veteran jockey Mick Kinane. Ridden with maximum confidence by Kinane, the son of Cape Cross stretched to an one and three quarter length victory over Fame And Glory and thus completing the English 2,000 Guineas-Derby double for his connections. A year later Workforce, trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Ryan Moore, ran away with the premier Classic. The son of King’s Best crossed the line an impressive seven lengths clear of his nearest rival and in doing so smashed Lammtarra’s 1995 racecourse record by nearly a second. Ryan became the first jockey since 2004 to complete the Oaks – Derby double.

INVESTEC OAKS

(£350,000) Epsom Downs G1 1½m 3-y-o fillies

The fillies' equivalent of the Derby. First run in 1779, when it was won by Lord Derby's Bridget. Henry Cecil has a fantastic record in the Oaks having trained the winner on eight occasions. Godolphin's Kazzia was successful in 2002. In his first season as a trainer, Andrew Balding sent out the 2003 heroine Casual Look, while the Lord Derby-owned Ouija Board was a most impressive winner in 2004. Eswarah, bred and owned by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, followed in her mother's footsteps when she won the 2005 race. Her dam Midway Lady had won both the 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks 19 years earlier. Alexandrova, trained by Aidan O' Brien and ridden by Kieren Fallon won the 2006 contest by six lengths. A year later, Henry Cecil roared back into the Classic spotlight with Light Shift after a seven-year absence. Given a superb ride by Ted Durcan, the daughter of Kingmambo struck the front two furlongs out and dug in resolutely to repel the challenge of Peeping Fawn to secure victory by half a length. It was another memorable Oaks in 2008 when Look Here, stayed on strongly to beat Moonstone by an impressive three and three quarter lengths and in doing so secured a first Classic victory for trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Seb Sanders. A stewards inquiry after the 2009 running of the Oaks held an anxious wait for the connections of first past the post Sariska, but their fears were laid to rest as the result stood. Trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Jamie Spencer, the daughter of Pivotal found reserves in the closing stages of the race to repel the rallying Midday to land the fillies’ Classic by a head. The 2010 renewal took place on Friday, June 4 with success going to Snow Fairy trained by Ed Dunlop. Supplemented at the cost of Stg£20,000, the filly was settled at the rear of the field in the early stages. Ridden by champion jockey Ryan Moore, Snow Fairy made headway up the rail to finish in front winning by a neck.

LADBROKES ST LEGER

(£500,000) Doncaster G1 1¾m 3-y-o

The oldest of the five Classics, first run in 1776 (won by Allabaculia). Final leg of the traditional Triple Crown. Bollin Eric, successful in 2002, became the first winner trained in the North of England since 1973. Brian Boru provided Jamie Spencer with his first Classic success when victorious in the 2003 renewal. Godolphin achieved its 20th Classic triumph since 1994 when Rule Of Law won the 2004 event under Australian jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien won his third St Leger when Scorpion scored under Frankie Dettori in 2005. O'Brien's other victories in the race were achieved by Milan (2001) and Brian Boru (2003). Jeremy Noseda landed the 2006 renewal with Sixties Icon ridden by Frankie Dettori. The Galileo colt picked up well to win the world's oldest Classic by two and a half lengths from The Last Drop and in doing so secured Frankie's fourth win in the race. A year later, trainer John Gosden picked up his second St Leger win in eleven years with Lucarno. The three-year-old colt was settled in midfield, but when asked to quicken by jockey Jimmy Fortune the Dynaformer colt cruised through the field to hit the front a furlong out to beat long time leader Mahler by a length.

In 2008 Frankie Dettori ended years of frustration for Sir Michael Stoute when delivering the trainer his first success in the world’s oldest Classic aboard Conduit. The son of Dalakhani readily wore down his rivals inside the final two furlongs to score by a pleasing three lengths. It was five years since Godolphin had last won the world’s oldest Classic, but in the 2009 renewal they covered all bases with an impressive one-two home. Mastery and Ted Durcan delivered their challenge to stablemate Kite Wood, with Frankie on board, with a furlong to go and the gusty pair fought their way to the front inside the last 100 yards to score by three quarters of a length.

STANJAMES.COM 2,000 GUINEAS

(£400,000) Newmarket G1 1m 3-y-o

First of the season's Classics, usually run on the opening Saturday in May. First staged in 1809 (won by Wizard). Godolphin first won the Classic in 1996 with Mark Of Esteem and then again in 1999 with Island Sands. Recent winners are Kings Best (2000), Golan (2001), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002) and Refuse To Bend (2003). In 2004, Haafhd provided jockey Richard Hills with his first success in this race. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Footstepsinthesand gave Kieren Fallon his first Group One winner as Ballydoyle's stable jockey when he stormed home in the 2005 event. In 2006, Aidan O'Brien and Kieren Fallon once again made their way to the winner's enclosure after George Washington displayed his supremacy with a two-and-a-half-length win over Sir Percy. The 2007 renewal saw Cockney Rebel, with Olivier Peslier riding, cause an upset in the first Classic of the season. The son of Val Royal, trained in Newmarket by Geoff Huffer, took control with a furlong to go to clinch a cosy victory by one and a half lengths from Vital Equine.

2008 saw Aidan O'Brien back in the winner's enclosure, this time with Henrythenavigator. The Kingmambo colt, with Johnny Murtagh in the saddle, gained a narrow lead over the unbeaten New Approach inside the final furlong and held on gamely to win by a nose. Sea The Stars provided Irish trainer John Oxx with his first success in this race when jockey Michael Kinane guided the Cape Cross colt up the Rowley Mile to beat favourite Delegator by one and a half lengths in 2009. A year later Makfi, trained in France by Mikel Delzangles and ridden by Christophe Lemaire, was the surprise winner of the first Classic of the season. The son of Dubawi pegged back long-time leader Dick Turpin, eventually going past him well inside the final furlong to score by one and a quarter lengths. The win was the colt’s third successive victory from as many starts.

STANJAMES.COM 1,000 GUINEAS

(£400,000) Newmarket G1 1m 3-y-o fillies

The fillies' equivalent of the 2,000 Guineas. The inaugural winner Charlotte (1814) was ridden by Bill Clift and owned by Christopher Wilson, the combination whose Wizard had won the first 2,000 Guineas five years earlier. Won three times by trainer Henry Cecil in the 1990s while Godolphin has been successful with Cape Verdi (1998) and Kazzia (2002). Russian Rhythm gave trainer Sir Michael Stoute his second success in 2003 and Attraction claimed Classic glory at Newmarket in 2004 for trainer Mark Johnston. In 2005, Aidan O'Brien and Kieren Fallon became the first trainer-jockey partnership to complete the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas double since 1967 when Virginia Waters followed up on Footstepsinthesand's success at Newmarket. While in 2006, a Classic fairytale unfolded when the Pam Sly-trained Speciosa led from start to finish under a confident ride from jockey Michael Fenton to win by two and a half lengths. In 2007, the partnership of trainer Jim Bolger and jockey Kevin Manning were in the winner’s enclosure when Finsceal Beo, who had been perfectly placed throughout the race, won by two and a half lengths from Arch Swing. The French-trained Natagora proved successful in 2008 for trainer Pascal Bary. Sent to the front after two furlongs by jockey Christophe Lemaire, the grey Divine Light filly quickened inside the final furlong to score by half a length from Spacious back in second.

The well bred Ghanaati secured the 2009 race for her owner H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Trained by Barry Hills and ridden by his son Richard Hills, the filly was always handy throughout the race and kicked on a furlong out to win by a length and a half. There was a dramatic conclusion to the 2010 race which saw the placings reversed after first-past-the-post Jacqueline Quest, trained by Henry Cecil, was deemed to have carried Special Duty across the track in the closing stages. Special Duty, trained by Criquette Head-Maarek and ridden by Stephane Pasquier, enabled France to secure a first 2,000-1,000 English Guineas double.

KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES

(£1,000,000) Ascot G1 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Top mid-season middle-distance race, usually testing the leading three-year-olds against their elders. First run in 1951, its winners include Dahlia (twice), Ribot and Dancing Brave. In 1975 there was a memorable clash between Grundy and Bustino, described as one of the best Flat races ever run. Godolphin has won the race five times with Lammtarra (1995), Swain (1997, 1998), Daylami (1999) and Doyen (2004). The Aga Khan has also been successful in this race with the great Shergar in 1981, Alamshar in 2003 and also with the talented colt Azamour who stormed home to victory in 2005. The race was staged at Newbury in 2005 while Ascot underwent a complete redevelopment. The King George returned home to Ascot in 2006 for a thrilling renewal of the Group One event. Hurricane Run, in the hands of Christophe Soumillon and the colours of Mr. Michael Tabor, secured a half a length victory over Godolphin's Electrocutionist, with Japan's Heart's Cry a further half a length back in third. While in 2007, Dylan Thomas left his rivals for dust when skipping to an impressive four-length victory. Ridden by Johnny Murtagh and trained by Aidan O’Brien, the four-year-old son of Danehill snatched the valuable prize by the widest winning margin since 1999.

The Ballydoyle team were back in the winner’s circle twelve months later after a thrilling renewal at the Berkshire course. Duke Of Marmalade got up in the dying strides to deny the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Papal Bull by half a length following an all-out battle to the line. In 2009, Sir Michael Stoute became the first trainer in the race’s history to train the first three finishers home. Led by Conduit and Ryan Moore, Tartan Bearer was a length and three quarters back in second followed closely by Ask and Oliver Peslier. Sir Michael Stoute’s luck continued in 2010 when his talented charge, Harbinger, produced an amazing turn of foot to romp home by 11 lengths under Oliver Peslier. In doing so, the Dansili colt broke the track record and provided his trainer with his fifth success in the race.

EMIRATES AIRLINE CHAMPION STAKES

(£400,000) Newmarket G1 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

Run in late October, the Champion Stakes is the last major all-aged race of the season. First run in 1877, recent winners include dual scorer Alborada (1998, 1999), Kalanisi (2000), Nayef (2001), Storming Home (2002) and Rakti (2003). The English 2,000 Guineas winner Haafhd owned and bred by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum won the 2004 race impressively on soft ground, while David Junior, ridden by Jamie Spencer and trained by Brian Meehan, came home in front in 2005. A year later in 2006, it was the turn of French mare Pride to enter the winner's enclosure. Runner-up to Rail Link in the 2006 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe the six-year-old mare, ridden by Christophe Lemaire, cruised to the front a furlong out to win by three lengths. Literato, representing France, stole the show with a short head victory in the 2007 renewal. Guided by Christophe Lemaire, Literato was held up off the pace and enjoyed a smooth passage through the field to deny Eagle Mountain success in the closing stages. Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget and owner Herve Morin had much to celebrate as it was their first winner in the United Kingdom. The multiple Group One winner New Approach added yet another race to his tally when he romped home in the 2008 running of the Champion Stakes. Both trainer Jim Bolger and jockey Kevin Manning completed a double on the day having won the Dewhurst Stakes earlier in the afternoon. Twice Over, runner-up in this race in 2008, went one place better this time around, winning in a time of 2m 1.31 to give English trainer Henry Cecil and Irish jockey Tom Queally Group One glory in 2009.

JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL

(£650,000) York G1 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

One of the highlights of York's big August meeting, the International is a relatively new contest, inaugurated in 1972 when Brigadier Gerard suffered his one and only defeat, at the hands of Roberto. It has developed into one of the top 10-furlong contests of the year, with a list of winners including Dahlia, Triptych, Godolphin's Halling (1995 and 1996), Giant's Causeway, Godolphin's Sakhee (2001) and Sulamani (2004), Nayef and Falbrav. The Italian raider Electrocutionist came from last to first to win the 2005 renewal by a neck for trainer Valfredo Valiani. In 2001, Valiani saddled the first Italian-trained winner in Britain for 41 years when Super Tassa captured the Yorkshire Oaks. It was a one-two for trainer Sir Michael Stoute in 2006. Notnowcato led inside the final two furlongs, but when Maraahel came to challenge him inside the last furlong, the Inchinor colt, with Ryan Moore in the saddle, dug deep to emerge the victor in the battle to the line by a short head. A year later, 2007 Epsom Derby winner, Authorized, travelled beautifully throughout the ten-furlong contest in the hands of Frankie Dettori. Trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, the three-year-old colt made his move inside the final quarter mile and held off a late challenge from Dylan Thomas to win by a length. The 2008 race was moved to Newmarket’s July course after the York meeting was abandoned due to a waterlogged track. The change of venue did not disrupt Aidan O’Brien’s Duke Of Marmalade who swept to a three quarter length victory and in doing so landed his fifth Group One of the season. A year later, Sea The Stars continued his successful campaign through the 2009 European flat season when taking the G1 Juddmonte International. Trained by John Oxx and ridden by Mick Kinane, the son of Cape Cross made relentless progress to lead inside the final 100 yards to deny Mastercraftsman by a length and in doing so secured his fourth consecutive Group One victory. Aidan O’Brien trained his third winner of the Juddmonte International Stakes when, in 2010, Rip Van Winkle came with a bursting surge in the last furlong to win by half a length under stable jockey Johnny Murtagh.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES

(£250,000) Ascot G1 1m 3-y-o and upwards

Run in September and one of the top autumn targets for milers, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes was first run in 1955. It was won twice by Brigadier Gerard in the 1970s and subsequent winners include Mark Of Esteem (1996), Dubai Millennium (1999), and Summoner (2001) for Godolphin while Observatory (2000), Where Or When (2002) and Falbrav (2003) were other recent victors. Multiple Group One winner Rakti was successful in 2004. Starcraft, trained by Luca Cumani, was first past the post in 2005 beating Godolphin's Dubawi by three quarters of a length. The 2005 renewal of the race took place at Newmarket, as the race's usual venue, Ascot, was closed for redevelopment. Racing returned to Ascot in 2006 with George Washington claiming the Group One contest for trainer Aidan O' Brien. Ridden by Mick Kinane, the Danehill colt travelled well throughout the eight-furlong race and swept by the field in the straight before pulling a length and a quarter clear of Araafa inside the final furlong. Godolphin’s multiple Group One winner Ramonti was successful in 2007. Ridden by Frankie Dettori, the five-year-old horse struck the front two furlongs out and battled bravely all the way to the line to beat Excellent Art by two lengths. Raven’s Pass, trained by John Gosden, was the impressive winner of the 2008 renewal. Under pressure from Henrythenavigator inside the final furlong, the three-year-old colt, ridden with confidence by Jimmy Fortune, refused to relinquish his lead and won comfortably by a length. The Ballydoyle team reined supreme in 2009 with Rip Van Winkle. The three-year-old colt, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, got to the front two furlongs out and rallied bravely when challenged by Zacinto to cross the line one and a quarter lengths clear of his rival.

CORAL ECLIPSE STAKES

(£500,000) Sandown G1 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

First run in 1886 when, with £10,000 in prize-money, it was the richest race ever run in Britain. Another of Britain's top 1¼-mile races, the winners have included Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard and Mtoto, all of whom went on to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes in the same year. No filly won the race until Pebbles in 1985. Godolphin has been successful on four occasions with Halling (1995, 1996), Daylami (1998) and Refuse To Bend (2004). Daylami's victory made history as he beat two other Godolphin horses, Faithful Son and Central Park, the first time that the same owner and trainer had saddled the first three in a British Group One race. In 2003, the Luca Cumani-trained Falbrav took the honours, while in 2005, the Derby winner Motivator finished runner-up to the Aidan O'Brien-trained Oratorio. Following up on his win in the Dubai Duty Free at Nad Al Sheba in March 2006, David Junior, under regular jockey Jamie Spencer, powered clear of the field to notch a one and a half length win over Notnowcato. A year later, Notnowcato found himself in the winner's enclosure after an impressive performance. Ryan Moore oozed confidence, as he broke away from the field at the bend, to travel on his own up the stand’s side of the Sandown straight. It was a decision that paid off as he beat Authorized, the 2007 Vodafone Derby winner, by a length and a half. The unstoppable team of Aidan O’Brien and Johnny Murtagh secured the 2008 renewal with Mount Nelson after getting the better of Phoenix Tower by a short head. In 2009, Sea The Stars became only the fifth horse since 1900 to win the English 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and Coral-Eclipse in the same season. When given a reminder by the ever confident Mick Kinane at the furlong pole, the John Oxx trained three-year-old pulled clear to cross the line with a length to spare over his nearest rival, Rip Van Winkle. Henry Cecil, multiple champion trainer in England, broke the 32 year long spell since his last success in this race when Twice Over, ridden by stable jockey Tom Queally, made all to win by half a length. Owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah, Twice Over provided Cecil, the master of Warren Place, with his fourth Eclipse victory.

INVESTEC CORONATION CUP

(£225,000) Epsom Downs G1 1½m 4-year-olds and upwards

Run over the Derby and Oaks course and distance, the Coronation Cup was first staged in 1902 when won by Osboch. Other winners have included two from Godolphin, Daylami in 1999 and Mutafaweq in 2001, while Warrsan provided trainer Clive Brittain with back-to-back victories in 2003 and 2004. A year later, Yeats, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Kieren Fallon, became Ireland's first Coronation Cup winner for 32 years. The 2006 renewal saw Breeders' Cup Turf winner Shirocco, partnered by regular jockey Christophe Soumillon cruise to the front inside the final furlong to easily defeat his rivals by one and three quarter lengths. A year later, Ballydoyle secured a one/two for trainer Aidan O’Brien. Scorpion, ridden by Mick Kinane, was in second place behind stablemate Septimus as the field turned for home. Once the O’Brien pair began to move away from the rest of the field, Kinane drew clear of Septimus for an impressive length and a quarter win. Ballydoyle secured victory again in 2008 when stable jockey Johnny Murtagh partnered Soldier Of Fortune to a three quarter length victory over Youmzain. Youmzain was the bridesmaid again in 2009 as Ask, trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Ryan Moore, fought back when headed by Youmzain inside the final furlong to cross the line and win by the shortest of margins. A nose separated the first three past the post. Fame And Glory gave Aidan O'Brien his fourth win in the Coronation Cup with a battling display under top race rider Johnny Murtagh. 2009 English Oaks heroine Sariska took the runner-up spot while High Heeled finished in third.

PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES

(£450,000) Royal Ascot G1 1¼m 4-y-o and upwards

One of seven Group One races at the June Royal Ascot meeting. First staged in 1862 and won twice in the 1980s by Mtoto and twice in the 1990s by Muhtarram, it was elevated to Group One status in 2000. Godolphin enjoyed three successive victories, with Grandera (2002), Fantastic Light (2001) and Dubai Millennium (2000), the greatest horse owned by Godolphin. Nayef was successful in 2003, while Rakti won the 2004 renewal for trainer Michael Jarvis. Azamour, owned by HH The Aga Khan and trained by John Oxx, dug deep to prevail by one and a half lengths in 2005. While in 2006 Lord Derby's 'super mare' Ouija Board, trained by Ed Dunlop and ridden by French jockey Olivier Peslier, showed her usual battling qualities to just get the better of Godolphin's Electrocutionist by half a length. A year later, Andre Fabre’s charge Manduro, unbeaten in his last three starts, galloped to a one-and-a-quarter-length victory. Ridden by regular jockey Stephane Pasquier, the son of Monsun hit the front two-furlongs out and held off a challenge from Dylan Thomas to land a comfortable success. Aidan O’Brien landed his first success in the race when Duke of Marmalade stormed to a comprehensive victory in the 2008 renewal. Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, the four-year-old colt quickened to the front approaching the final furlong to win by four lengths. In 2009, the race returned to French shores with the Eric Libaud trained Vision D’Etat. Olivier Peslier proved the ideal partner for the four-year-old, leading only in the last 100 yards, they held off a late challenge from Tartan Bearer to score crossing the line by half a length. Byword provided French jockey Maxime Guyon with his first ride and win in the United Kingdom when he stormed home in 2010. Trained by Andre Fabre and owned by Khalid Abdulla, Byword was one of two runners in the race for the successful patron. The second runner, Twice Over, trained by Henry Cecil, beaten one and a half lengths, secured the runner-up spot.

ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES

(£250,000) Royal Ascot G1 1m 3-y-o

The St James's Palace Stakes is a top target for leading three-year-old milers. A feature of the meeting since 1834, this race has been won on six occasions by Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien. The powerful Irish stable secured a treble of successes in the early 00’s with Giant's Causeway (2000), Black Minnaloushe (2001) and Rock Of Gibraltar (2002). The 2003 victor was Zafeen and in 2004, the Aga Khan-owned Azamour won giving jockey Mick Kinane his sixth success in this race. Godolphin's Shamardal provided jockey Kerrin McEvoy with his first Royal Ascot winner when the pair demolished their rivals by three lengths in 2005. The 2006 renewal saw Jeremy Noseda's Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Araafa, as the convincing winner of the eight-furlong contest. Araafa, with Alan Munro in the saddle, reeled in the pacesetting Arabian Prince just before the two-furlong marker to win by two lengths. Trainer Aidan O’Brien’s success in this event resumed when securing a spectacular 1-2-3, spearheaded by Excellent Art in the 2007 event. Jamie Spencer oozed confidence as he took control of the race inside the final furlong to beat stablemate Duke of Marmalade by a neck. Aidan O’Brien was again successful in 2008 when he sent out Henrythenavigator. Partnered by Johnny Murtagh, the colt took the lead with a furlong to run and scored comfortably by three quarters of a length over Raven’s Pass. He was completing a Group One treble having won the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas earlier in the year. The Ballydoyle team were back in the winner’s enclosure a year later with their Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mastercraftsman. The grey colt led early in the straight, but when put under pressure by Delegator inside the final furlong had to dig deep to beat his rival by a neck. The 2010 renewal went to Canford Cliffs trained by Richard Hannon. Ridden by his son-in-law Richard Hughes, the colt was one of two runners representing the trainer in the race with the other charge Dick Turpin taking the runner-up spot on Tuesday, June 15. It is the second successive year that Canford Cliffs has won at Royal Ascot after taking the Coventry Stakes at a juvenile in 2009. The 2010 race had a prize fund of £250,000.

GOLD CUP

(£250,000) Royal Ascot G1 2½m 4-year-olds and upwards

The major staying race of the season. First run in 1807 and the traditional highlight of Ladies' Day at the Royal meeting, it was won in 2001 and 2002 by the Mark Johnston-trained Royal Rebel and in 2003 by Mr Dinos. Godolphin has had four successes with Classic Cliche (1996), Kayf Tara (1998 and 2000) and Papineau (2004). In 2005, Westerner became the first French horse to take the big prize across the Channel since Sagaro completed a hat-trick of victories in 1977. In 2008, Yeats became only the second horse in history to win three back-to-back renewals of the race, having previously won in both 2006 and 2007. The seven-year-old son of Sadler’s Wells took up the lead four furlongs from home and stayed on gamely to win by an impressive five lengths to runner-up Geordieland. The Aidan O'Brien trained Yeats created history in 2009 when he claimed a fourth victory in the Gold Cup. The eight-year-old son of Sadler's Wells showed stamina and style to win Ascot's oldest race by three and a half lengths. Ridden by the top Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh, who compared Yeats to the boxer Muhammad Ali - the ultimate heavyweight champion. The Dermot Weld-trained Rite Of Passage won the 2010 renewal by a neck in a course record time. Ridden by stable jockey Patrick Smullen, Rite Of Passage wore down the Aidan O’Brien-trained Age Of Aquarius in the closing stages to provide the Irish owner Dr R. Lambe and Irish trainer with their first success in this race.

CORONATION STAKES

(£250,000) Royal Ascot G1 1m 3-y-o fillies

First run in 1870, the Coronation Stakes is another Royal Ascot Group One contest and a mid-season target for leading three-year-old fillies. Previous winners include Crimplene (2000), Banks Hill (2001) and Russian Rhythm (2003). Attraction, who won both the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas, stretched her unbeaten record to eight when making all in the 2004 race to secure her third Group One in a row. The gutsy Maids Causeway, ridden by Michael Hills, put up a brave performance to claim the 2005 race by a short head for trainer Barry Hills. Nannina, trained by John Gosden and partnered by regular jockey Jimmy Fortune, landed the 2006 renewal for owners Cheveley Park Stud. The three-year-old filly, won the eight-furlong contest by two lengths. A year later, Indian Ink entered the winner's enclosure for trainer Richard Hannon and jockey Richard Hughes. The daughter of Indian Ridge quickened clear from her rivals two furlongs out to score by an impressive six lengths.

Lush Lashes took the 2008 renewal under jockey Kevin Manning for Irish trainer Jim Bolger. After failing to handle the track in the English Oaks at Epsom two weeks prior, the daughter of Galileo bounced back to form with a convincing three-and a-quarter-length victory to deny runner-up Infallible.
The English 1,000 Guineas winner Ghanaati was crowned queen of Royal Ascot with her two length success in the 2009 renewal. The 3yo filly, trained by Barry Hills, annihilated her opposition, including the Irish and French 1,000 Guineas heroines and broke the track record in doing so. Ghanaati joins Attraction (2004) and Russian Rhythm (2003) as recent fillies to complete the English 1,000 Guineas-Coronation double. Lillie Langtry provided Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien with success in 2010 when she battled up the straight under Johnny Murtagh to win by a length and a quarter.

GOLDEN JUBILEE STAKES

(£450,000) Royal Ascot G1 6f 3-y-o and upwards

Formerly the Cork & Orrery Stakes, the Golden Jubilee Stakes was founded in 1868 and promoted to Group One status in 2002 when Malhub was successful. The great trainer Vincent O’Brien sent out five winners - Welsh Saint (1970), Saritamer (1974), Swingtime (1975), Thatching (1979) and College Chapel (1993). Australian Choisir created history when landing the 2003 running while Fayr Jag battled to victory in 2004. Hong Kong raider Cape Of Good Hope, having his second run at the 2005 Royal meeting, was in top form under jockey Mick Kinane. The well-travelled sprinter set a course record, when covering the six furlongs in 1m 8.58s. John Egan guided Les Arcs to a narrow victory in the 2006 event for trainer Tim Pitt. While in 2007, Soldier’s Tale got the better of Australian challenger Takeover Target in the shadow of the post to secure victory for trainer Jeremy Noseda. In the hands of Johnny Murtagh, the six-year-old son of Stravinsky readily wore down Takeover Target inside the final two furlongs to win by a head.

Kingsgate Native was the surprise winner in 2008 after bouncing back from a disappointing tenth in the King’s Stand Stakes earlier that week. The John Best-trained three-year-old made a successful step up in trip to six furlongs, taking the lead inside the final 100 yards to secure victory by one and a quarter lengths. In 2009 Michael Bell's outsider Art Connoisseur provided jockey Tom Queally with a first Group One triumph after sweeping from last to first to take the sprint from a field of proven international heavyweights. In 2010, Starspangledbanner emulated his sire, Choisir, when the Australian bred colt took the event in all-the-way fashion, surging clear of the International field to win by one and three quarter lengths for trainer Aidan O’Brien.

DARLEY JULY CUP

(£400,000) Newmarket 6f 3-y-o and upwards

One of the top sprint races in Europe and run since 1876. Recent winners such as Lake Coniston (1995), Anabaa (1996), Stravinsky (1999) and Oasis Dream (2003) have all ended the year as champion sprinter. In 2004, Frizzante trained by James Fanshawe took top spot in the most international field ever assembled for a British championship race with runners from Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, France and Ireland. Pastoral Pursuits provided both trainer Hughie Morrison and jockey John Egan with their first Group One success in Britain when the four-year-old colt put up a good performance to beat 19 rivals in the 2005 renewal. John Egan was back in the winner's enclosure in 2006, after Les Arcs followed up on his Golden Jubilee success at Royal Ascot to win the six-furlong contest by a head from a fast-finishing Iffraaj, with Frankie Dettori in the saddle. A year later Hughie Morrison landed the 2007 renewal with Sakhee’s Secret. The three-year-old son of Sakhee produced a stunning burst of acceleration to strike the front inside the final furlong and held off a late challenge from Dutch Art to prevail by half a length.

In 2008 jockey Davy Bonilla executed a perfectly timed ride on Marchand D’Or when delivering the Freddie Head-trained colt from last to first, securing a head victory over US Ranger. In a dramatic renewal of the 2009 race Fleeting Spirit, trained by Jeremy Noseda and ridden by Tom Queally, secured her first Group One success. The daughter of Invincible Spirit burst clear up the centre of the track, but appeared to drift to her left and when correct by Queally the four-year-old filly veered sharply to her right, causing Ryan Moore to snatch up Main Aim. After a stewards enquiry the result stood.

Royal Ascot's Golden Jubliee victor Starspangledbanner added another Group One to his tally when he came home in front in the 2010 event. The Australian-bred son of Choisir, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, prevailed by a neck to win the British leg of the 2010 Global Sprint Challenge.

SUSSEX STAKES

(£300,000) Goodwood G1 1m 3-y-o and upwards

One of the highlights of the Glorious Goodwood meeting, the Sussex Stakes, first run in 1841, is one of the richest all-aged mile races. It was won by Aljabr (1999) and Noverre (2001) from Godolphin and was one of Rock Of Gibraltar's five Group One victories in Europe in 2002. Reel Buddy won under veteran jockey Pat Eddery in 2003, whilst Soviet Song won her second of three Group Ones in 2004 for the Elite Racing Club when she held off the challengers to succeed by a neck. A year later, Proclamation, owned by HRH Princess Haya of Jordan, swept past the field to win by half a length under Mick Kinane. While in 2006, Court Masterpiece, trained by Ed Dunlop and ridden by Jimmy Fortune became the oldest winner in 23 years to capture the Group One event by two lengths. Godolphin silenced the critics in the 2007 renewal when Ramonti, ridden by Frankie Dettori, rolled over his rivals with an impressive burst two furlongs out. The winner of the 2007 G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot held off a late challenge from Excellent Art to win by a head. A year later, Henrythenavigator repelled a late challenge from Raven’s Pass inside the final furlong to win by a head for the Ballydoyle stable. In 2009 Rip Van Winkle left little doubt as to the outcome of the race, which saw the Ballydoyle team win the Group One mile contest for a fourth time. Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, the three-year-old son of Galileo powered to a two and a half length victory over Paco Boy. Canford Cliffs’ neck victory over Rip Van Winkle in the 2010 renewal caused his trainer, Richard Hannon, to hail him as ‘the best I’ve ever trained’. Ridden by Richard Hughes, the trainer-jockey team notched up a record nine wins at the 2010 Glorious Goodwood meeting.

JUMEIRAH DEWHURST STAKES

(£300,000) Newmarket G1 7f 2-y-o

The Dewhurst was first run in 1875. It is one of Britain's top two-year-old races, often providing pointers to the following season's Classics. Pennekamp (1994) and Rock Of Gibraltar (2001) both won it before going on to land the 2,000 Guineas. Tout Seul was successful in 2002 while Milk It Mick was the 2003 victor. The 2004 winner Shamardal, unbeaten in two previous starts, provided trainer Mark Johnston with another Group One victory. Sir Percy having previously won the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in July, added the Dewhurst to his tally when he secured the 2005 race by a neck for trainer Marcus Tregoning. Teofilo continued his unbeaten record in 2006 when he won Europe's most prestigious two-year-old race for trainer Jim Bolger. The 2006 Irish National Stakes winner held off a late challenge from Holy Roman Emperor fifty yards from home to win by a head. Jim Bolger claimed victory again in 2007 with New Approach. Under a strong drive from jockey Kevin Manning, the chesnut colt took the lead inside the final furlong to win by half a length from a fast finishing Fast Company. Trainer Jim Bolger made his way to the winner’s enclosure for the third consecutive year when Intense Focus secured the race by a nose in 2008. Aidan O'Brien claimed his second Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes as outsider Beethoven, ridden by English champion jockey Ryan Moore, led home a Ballydoyle one-two in the 2009 Group One event at Newmarket.

CHEVELEY PARK STAKES

(£170,000) Newmarket G1 6f 2-y-o fillies

The Cheveley Park was first staged in 1899. One of only two Group One races run in Britain for two-year-old fillies (the other is the Fillies' Mile at Ascot), the Cheveley Park has been won in recent years by the likes of Sayyedati (1992), who won the 1,000 Guineas the following year, and Queen's Logic, the champion two-year-old filly in 2001. Brian Meehan was successful with Magical Romance in 2004 and again with Donna Blini in 2005, providing jockey Mick Kinane with his sixth British Group One winner of the year. A year later it was the turn of Richard Hannon to secure his first success in the race. With Richard Hughes in the irons, race favourite Indian Ink dug deep in the closing stages to come home the winner by a neck from Dhanyata. The 2007 renewal saw French trainer, Pascal Bary secure his first win on British soil with Natagora. Ridden by Christophe Lemaire, the grey filly led from the start and held on to score by a neck from the Frankie Dettori-ridden Fleeting Spirit. The 2008 renewal saw trainer Rae Guest land the biggest success of his career in Britain when Serious Attitude, ridden by Jimmy Fortune, dug deep to cross the line a half-length clear of her nearest rivals. The french raider, Special Duty, powered clear of the field coming out of the dip to win going away by an impressive two and three-quarter lengths for trainer Criquette Head-Maarek and jockey Stephane Pasquier.

SHADWELL STUD MIDDLE PARK STAKES

(£170,000) Newmarket G1 6f 2-y-o colts

Another important two-year-old trial. First run in 1866 and won in 2002 in course record time by Oasis Dream, named top-rated two-year-old in the International Classifications and who went on to be crowned Champion Sprinter in 2003. Ad Valorem provided Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien with his first British Group One of 2004. O'Brien has now won this race on three occasions. In 2005, both trainer Kevin Ryan and jockey Neil Callan recorded their first Group One success when Amadeus Wolf came home in front to win by a length and a quarter. The 2006 renewal saw Group One Prix Morny winner Dutch Art, trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam and ridden by Frankie Dettori, continue his unbeaten record with a two-length victory over Wi Dud in the Shadwell-sponsored event. A year later, Dark Angel secured his first Group One success when beating Strike The Deal by half a length. Trained by Barry Hills and ridden by Michael Hills, the son of Acclamation took charge of the field at the three-furlong marker and never looked in danger of being beaten. David Wachman’s Bushranger was successful in 2008 under jockey Johnny Murtagh. The son of Danetime travelled well throughout the race to win easily by a length and a quarter. A year later, the Mark Johnston trained Awzaan maintained his unbeaten record to take the race in impressive style by three-quarters of a length under jockey Richard Hills.

QUEEN ANNE STAKES

(£250,000) Royal Ascot G1 8f 4-y-o and upwards

One of three Group One races to be run on the opening day of Royal Ascot, the Queen Anne Stakes attracts some of Europe’s top older milers. First run in 1840, the race was known as the Trial Stakes and was won by the Duke of Rutland’s Flambeau, who also took the race the following year. In 1930 the race was renamed in commemoration of the monarch who founded racing at Ascot. Godolphin was successful between 1997 and 1999 with Charnwood Forest, Allied Forces, Intikhab and Cape Cross whilst Sir Michael Stoute took the race with Kalanisi (2000), Medicean (2001) and No Excuse Needed (2002). The 2003 renewal saw the race elevated to Group One status and was won by Godolphin’s Dubai Destination, whilst Refuse To Bend was successful for the same connections in 2004. Valixir prevailed in 2005. Trained in France by Andre Fabre and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the Trempolino colt scored by one and a half lengths. Ad Valorem gave trainer Aidan O’Brien his first winner of the race in 2006. Ridden by Kieren Fallon, the four-year-old Danzig colt won by one and a half lengths, but having hung left in the closing stages and caused interference, connections had to endure a 15 minute steward’s enquiry before the result stood. 2007 saw Godolphin win the race for a seventh time when Ramonti, under Frankie Dettori, showed a tremendous display of courage to hold off a challenge by Jeremy and take the race by a short head. The Australian-bred Haradasun was victorious in 2008. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Johnny Murtagh, the five-year-old horse headed the field inside the final furlong and, holding off a late challenge from Darjina, stayed on to win by a head. Paco Boy silenced his critics with a fine win the 2009 renewal. Trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by his son-in-law Richard Hughes, the four-year-old colt cruised to the lead just over a furlong out before pulling a length and a half clear of his closest opponent, Cesare. 2010 saw Paco Boy challenge again but this time he had to contend with the French super star Goldikova. The Freddie Head-trained mare was winning at the highest level for the ninth time. Ridden by big race jockey Oliver Peslier, Goldikova went for home two furlongs out and managed to hold off Paco Boy by a neck. The 2010 race, which opened Royal Ascot on Tuesday, June 15, was worth £250,000.

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