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The Coronation Cup run at Epsom on Friday is always a quality affair.
Just last year we saw a tremendous performance by Ghaiyyath who'd become Horse Of The Year. Will we see another elite stayer in the 2021 Coronation Cup (2420m) at Epsom on Friday?
2021 CORONATION CUP - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Coronation Cup is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for open class horses at Epsom conducted by the Jockey Club.
The Coronation Cup is run over one mile, four furlongs and 6 yards for four year olds and up. It was first run in 1902 and was won by Osboch.
It is the leading race for older horses running at Epsom each season. It is an obvious lead up for horses heading to Royal Ascot.
Run over the same course as the Derby and Oaks and on the same weekend, it is often a small field.
The race was originated to commemorate King Edwards VII's coronation. During the wars it was conducted at Newbury and Newmarket.
In 2020 due to the coronavirus restrictions, the race was run at Newmarket. It was back to Epsom in 2021.
St Nicholas Abbey is the only three time winner in 2011, 2012, 2013.
The equal oldest winner is the grand French horse Cirrus Des Aigles who scored as an 8yo in 2014.
Elite horse Cracksman was expected to bolt in in 2018 when a 7-2 on elect however he scrambled home by a head.
Leading trainer is Ballydoyle's Aidan O'Brien who has trained the winner eight times over the last 16 years. His winners include fabled stayers like Yeats, St Nicholas Abbey and Highland Reel.
Most wins as a jockey is by Lester Piggott with nine.
The Coronation Cup was worth £315,000 in 2021.
Notable winners of the Coronation Cup include Ghaiyyath (2020), Cracksman (2018), Highland Reel (2017), Postponed (2016), Cirrus Des Aigles (2014), St Nicholas Abbey (2011/2012/2013), Fame And Glory (2010), Yeats (2005), Warrsan (2003/2004), Daliapour (2000), Daylami (1999), Singspiel (1997), Swain (1996), Triptych (1987/1988), Rainbow Quest (1985), Roberto (1973), Mill Reef (1972), Petite Etoile (1960/1961), The White Knight (1907/1908) and Pretty Polly (1905/1906).
The 2020 Coronation Cup was won by Ghaiyyath from Anthony Van Dyck and Stradivarius.
