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The fillies get their first chance at the classics in the 1000 Guineas run at Newmarket on Sunday.
It's another race that Ballydoyle have dominated winning three of the last four editions including the elite Minding in 2016. Can they pull off the double again in the 2020 1000 Guineas (1609m) at Newmarket on Sunday?
2020 1000 Guineas - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The 1000 Guineas is a Group 1 race run under Set Weights conditions for three year old fillies at Newmarket conducted by the Jockey Club.
The 1000 Guineas is run over the mile. It was first run in 1814 and was won by Charlotte.
The 1000 Guineas is the second of the classic season flat races held each year. One of five classics, it is run at the end of April or start of May. The Oaks and St Leger form the rest of the Triple Crown for the fillies.
Run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket, it is always a test up the straight course.
The founder of the Derby Sir Charles Bunbury, initiated both the 2000 Guineas in 1809 and the 1000 Guineas five years later. It was named after the prize funds for the race.
The value of the Guineas was equated with the male version in 2001.
2010 winner Special Duty holds an amazing fact in racing history. The French filly won both the Newmarket version and also the equivalent Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp. Making it weirder is that she was the beneficiary of two Stewards' decisions in order to do that.
Most wins as a jockey is by George Fordham with seven between 1859 and 1883.
Famous jockeys to win the 1000 Guineas include Gordon Richards, Scobie Breasley, Edgar Britt, Lester Piggott, George Moore, Ron Hutchinson, Freddy Head, Gary Moore, Willie Carson, Pat Eddery, Kieren Fallon, Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore.
Leading trainer is Robert Robson with nine. They were from 1818 to 1827 – so 9 of 10.
Other distinguished trainers to salute include Vincent O'Brien, Henry Cecil, Michael Stoute, Clive Brittain, Andre Fabre, Criquette Head and Saeed Bin Suroor.
The English and Irish 1000 Guineas double has been done multiple times with Hermosa the most recent.
The 1000 Guineas was reduced to £250,000 in 2020 due to the coronavirus.
Notable winners of the 1000 Guineas include Hermosa (2019), Winter (2017), Minding (2016), Special Duty (2010), Ghanaati (2009), Finsceal Beo (2007), Cape Verdi (1998), Bosra Sham (1996), Miesque (1987), Oh So Sharp (1985), Pebbles (1984), Petit Etoile (1959), Meld (1955), Sun Chariot (1942), Pretty Polly (1904) and Sceptre (1902).
The 2019 1000 Guineas was won by Hermosa from Lady Kaya and Qabala.
