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Brilliant fillies and mares have taken the Falmouth Stakes run at Newmarket on Friday.

Just last year we saw a sensational filly Alpha Centauri win and we may see more in the 2019 Falmouth Stakes (1609m) at Newmarket on Friday.

2019 FALMOUTH STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Falmouth Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for fillies and mares at Newmarket conducted by the Jockey Club.

The Falmouth Stakes is run over the mile. It was first run in 1911 and was won by Alice.

It is the first of the fillies and mares Group 1s of the season. The Falmouth is run on the July course as a middle day feature of the July festival.

It was named after a leading owner and breeder last century. Most runnings were as a three year old fillies only race.

In 1971 it was classified as a Group 3 and in 1974 mares were allowed to run. 1987 saw it become a Group 2 and in 2004 a Group 1.

Best winner in a long while was Goldikova in 2009. This mighty mare won countless Group 1s in France, England and America.

Alpha Centauri was in the middle of a stretch of G1 wins bolting away with the Falmouth in 2018.

In the last decade the fillies have won four to the mares six but the fillies took the last three.

Leading trainer is Alec Taylor with six victories. Most wins as a jockey is by Lester Piggott with seven.

The Falmouth Stakes is worth £200,000 in 2019.

Notable winners of the Falmouth Stakes include Alpha Centauri (2018), Roly Poly (2017), Elusive Kate (2013), Timepiece (2011), Goldikova (2009), Soviet Song (2004/2005), Ryafan (1997), Chimes Of Freedom (1990), Sonic Lady (1986/1987), Royal Heroine (1983), Jacinth (1973), Waterloo (1972), Happy Laughter (1953) and Commotion (1941).

The 2018 Falmouth Stakes was won by Alpha Centauri from Altyn Orda and Clemmie.