The Craven Stakes

The Craven Stakes, sponsored by banshahousestables.com, is a Group 3 Flat horse race for three-year-old colts and geldings run over a distance of 1m at Newmarket racecourse in mid-April. Group 1 and Group 2 winners carry 3lb penalties.

First run in 1878, the race is held on the Rowley Mile course and is regarded as a key trial for the 2,000 Guineas, the first colts’ Classic of the season, which is run over the same course and distance in late April or early May.

The 2012 race will be run mid April.

Craven Stakes History

The Craven Stakes has been run under the name for well over a century. The race has had a mixed record as a trial for the English Classics, in particular the 2,000 Guineas . Since the end of the Second World War, six winners have gone on to take the 2,000 Guineas, namely My Babu (1948), Shadeed (1985), Dancing Brave (1986), Doyoun (1988), Tirol (1990) and Haafhd (2004). King’s Best finished second in 2000 before winning the Guineas.

The 2009 winner of the Craven Stakes was Delegator (pictured below).

Newmarket Racecourses

Newmarket in Suffolk, England is not called the home of British horse racing for nothing.
Featuring the most training yards and studfarms in England and at any one time home to more racehorses, trainers and racing organizations than anywhere else in the world means that Newmarket is not only the biggest horse racing hub in England but in the World.

The Newmarket Racecourses themselves consist of the Rowley Mile and the July Course, both of which host flat racing exclusively. The first recorded race in Newmarket took place in 1622 with the patronage of King Charless II during 1660 leading to horse racing being formalized in the area. The first fixed annual meetings began in 1760 and today Newmarket Racecourses host some of British Racing's biggest fixtures such as the 1,000 Guineas , 2,000 Guineas and the Champion Stakes to name just a few.

For more information on Newmarket Racecourses and all other major racecourses in Britain and Ireland visit the UK Race Courses directory.

Craven Stakes Facts

• The first running of the race in 1878 was won by Thurio.
• Before 1878 there was a race called the Craven Stakes, but it was open to fillies and older horses.
• The only dead-heat was in 1916, when Sir Dighton and Roi D'Ecosse shared first place.
• The race did not take place in 1908, 1921 and during the war years 1942-1945.

Further Reading

1. Craven Stakes on Wikipedia   - the Wikipedia entry itself is very brief but it does feature a complete list of historical winners.
2. Official Newmarket Racecourse site - features news and general information about the Racecourses and their fixtures.
3. Craven Stakes Winners Pedigree - the Thoroughbred Database has a complete list of past winners including detailed information on their pedigree.
4. Horse Racing Cards - The Racing Post offers horse racing cards for the Craven Stakes and all other UK races, if you're watching the race collect your free card there.
5. Cheltenham Festival Odds - A detailed betting guide to the big national hunt festival.
6. Grand National - comprehensive guide to the UK's biggest horse racing event,