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Often a seasonal kick off for top horses is the Lockinge Stakes run at Newbury on Saturday.

Frankel began his 4yo year with a five length win. What will the 2019 Lockinge Stakes (1609m) at Newbury on Saturday throw up?

2019 LOCKINGE STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Lockinge Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for open class horses at Newbury conducted by the Newbury Racecourse.

The Lockinge Stakes is run over the mile for four year olds and up. It was first run in 1958 and was won by Pall Mall.

It is the first open class Group 1 of the English season. It is an important lead up to the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Lockinge is another feature run on a straight mile course.

It was originally a Group 2 race when grading was introduced then was Group 3 in 1983 before upgrading to Group 2 in 1985. After that it became a Group 1 in 1995 when 3yos were banned.

The Lockinge Stakes forms part of the British Champion Series.

The first winner Pall Mall won as a 3yo then as a 4yo a year later. It was owned by The Queen.

Frankel won the first start of his four year old campaign by thrashing Excelebration by five lengths.

Leading trainer is Sir Michael Stoute with seven between 1986 and 2006.

Godolphin, under their banner with four different trainers, has won four of the last five and eight in total. Interestingly seven different jockeys won on those Godolphin winners.

Most wins as a jockey is by Lester Piggott with six.

The Lockinge Stakes is worth £350,000 in 2019.

Notable winners of the Lockinge Stakes include Ribchester (2017), Frankel (2012), Canford Cliffs (2011), Paco Boy (2010), Rakti (2005), Hawk Wing (2003), Cape Cross (1998), Soviet Line (1995/1996), Noalcoholic (1983), Kris (1980), Brigadier Gerard (1972), Welsh Pageant (1970/1971) and Pall Mall (1958/1959).

The 2018 Lockinge Stakes was won by Rhododendron from Lightning Spear and Lancaster Bomber.