History
The original version of the Newmarket Stakes was established in the early 19th century. It was usually held on the final day of the venue's First Spring meeting in late April or early May. It was run on the Ditch Mile course over distances slightly under a mile. It ended after a period of small fields and walkovers in the 1880s.
A new version of the race was introduced in 1889. From this point it took place at Newmarket's Second Spring meeting in mid-May. It was contested over 1¼ miles, and it became a major trial for the Epsom Derby. It continued until the early 1960s.
The present version of the race was first run in 1978. It was initially called the Heathorn Stakes. The inaugural running was won by the subsequent Derby winner Shirley Heights. It was renamed the Newmarket Stakes in 1986.
The Newmarket Stakes is currently held on the opening day of the two-day Guineas Festival meeting in late April or early May. It is run on the same day as the 2,000 Guineas.
Read more about this topic: Newmarket Stakes
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