3 minute read
One of the best WFA races all year in England is the Eclipse Stakes run at Sandown on Saturday.
So You Think won a great edition in 2011. Will another famed horse take the 2019 Eclipse Stakes (2001m) at Sandown on Saturday?
2019 ECLIPSE STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Set Weights conditions for three year olds and up at Sandown conducted by the Jockey Club.
The Eclipse Stakes is run over the mile and a quarter. It was first run in 1886 and was won by Bendigo.
It is the first of the open class middle distance and above Group 1s of the season to allow the 3yos to run.
The Eclipse is run on a tough course making it a good stamina test. The Eclipse Stakes forms part of the British Champion Series.
During the two wars, the race was not run and in 1973 it was run at Kempton.
Notnowcato won a fascinating edition in 2007 beating the likes of Derby winner Authorized and George Washington by Ryan Moore heading to the outside fence.
The three year olds have had a fantastic trot in the Eclipse. In the last 20 years they have won it eight times.
In 2011, former Australian champion So You Think won his first English major by outstaying the Derby and Arc winner Workforce.
2018 Horse Of The Year Roaring Lion dropped back from placing in the Derby to win the Eclipse and then won another three more open age G1 races.
Leading trainer is Alec Taylor and Sir Michael Stoute with six victories.
Most wins as a jockey is by Lester Piggott with seven.
The Eclipse Stakes is worth £750,000 in 2019.
Notable winners of the Eclipse Stakes include Roaring Lion (2018), Golden Horn (2015), Nathaniel (2012), So You Think (2011), Sea The Stars (2009), Notnowcato (2007), Oratorio (2005), Falbrav (2003), Hawk Wing (2002), Giant's Causeway (2000), Daylami (1998), Halling (1995/1996), Opera House (1993), Nashwan (1989), Mtoto (1987/1988), Dancing Brave (1986), Sadler's Wells (1984), Kalaglow (1982), Ela-Mana-Mou (1980), Brigadier Gerard (1972), Mill Reef (1971), St Paddy (1961), Ballymoss (1958), Polyphontes (1924/1925), Buchan (1919/1920) and Orme (1892/1893).
The 2018 Eclipse Stakes was won by Roaring Lion from Saxon Warrior and Cliffs Of Moher.
