History
The event was established in 1902, and it was originally held at Phoenix Park. It used to be called the Phoenix Plate, and was informally known as "the 1500". It was initially contested over 5 furlongs.
The race was renamed the Phoenix Stakes in 1956. It was given Group 2 status in 1971, and promoted to Group 1 level in 1979.
The Phoenix Stakes was staged at Leopardstown in 1982. It returned to Phoenix Park with a new distance of 6 furlongs in 1983.
Phoenix Park Racecourse closed in 1990, and the event switched to Leopardstown in 1991. It moved to the Curragh in 2002.
Read more about this topic: Phoenix Stakes
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“It’s not the sentiments of men which make history but their actions.”
—Norman Mailer (b. 1923)
“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more”
—John Adams (1735–1826)
“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more”
—John Adams (1735–1826)