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One of the fastest races is the Nunthorpe Stakes run at York on Friday.
Ortensia produced a phenomenal last furlong to win in 2012. Who is the sharpest sprinter in the land in the 2019 Nunthorpe Stakes (1006m) at York on Friday?
2019 NUNTHORPE STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Nunthorpe Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for the sprinters at York conducted by the York Racecourse.
The Nunthorpe Stakes is run over five furlongs. It was first run in 1922 and was won by Two Step.
The race was named after the geographic area of Yorkshire.
Two year olds are eligible to run in this open Group 1 – the only one in the UK. Geldings are also allowed which isn't the case in others.
The Nunthorpe Stakes, along with the King's Stand Stakes, are the only five furlong Group 1s in England.
The Nunthorpe Stakes is run on the third day of the Ebor Festival at York. The 2008 edition was run at Newmarket.
Kingsgate Native was the last to win the Nunthorpe as a two year old.
Two horses have three wins – Tag End and Sharpo. Sole Power won the race four years apart from 2010 to 2014.
Australian mare Ortensia travelled overseas in 2012 after securing a domestic G1 in Perth. She won the Al Quoz sprint on World Cup night in Dubai and then headed further north.
After failing in the King's Stand and July Cup, she won the King George and Nunthorpe Stakes coming from near impossible positions.
In 2017 we saw a close race between Marsha and Lady Aurelia. Frankie Dettori thought he had won on the US filly but the other girl got the decision.
Lester Piggott has most jockey wins with seven while Ossie Bell has trained the winner five times.
The Nunthorpe Stakes is worth £400,000 in 2019.
Notable winners of the Nunthorpe Stakes include Mecca's Angel (2015/2016), Sole Power (2010/2014), Ortensia (2012), Margot Did (2011), Borderlescott (2008/2009), Kingsgate Native (2007), Oasis Dream (2003), Stravinsky (1999), Pivotal (1996), Piccolo (1994), Cadeaux Genereux (1989), Last Tycoon (1986), Committed (1984), Habibti (1983), Sharpo (1980/1981/1982), Right Boy (1958/1959), Royal Serenade (1951/1952), Abernant (1949/1950), The Bug (1946), Linklater (1942/1943), Tag End (1928/1929/1930), Highborn II (1926/1927) and Mumtaz Mahal (1924).
The 2018 Nunthorpe Stakes was won by Alpha Delphini from Mabs Cross and Blue Point.
