The British Classic races are made up of five races, we have already kicked off with the 2000 and 1000 Guineas at Newmarket which saw and Aidan O’Brien win both. We now look ahead to the Epsom Oaks and Derby followed by the Doncaster St Leger. The British Classic races are the pinnacle of flat racing for everyone in sport, and from a spectators point of view the best of races you can watch. As we head into the full swing of the flat season we look at the remaining Classics and why you need to be there.
THE EPSOM OAKS AND DERBY First, on the list is the Investec Epsom Oaks and Epsom Derby, the first will be Oaks day on Friday 31st May which is also Ladies Day. With a Best Dressed Competition, after racing party and of course, amazing racing on the day, this is not one to miss. Last year the racecourse had Vogue Williams on the DJ Decks which went down a treat and Vogue will be returning for another year to get the party going! Something new for this year is the Queens Stand Lawn Offering an air of tranquillity as you enter the Queen's Stand Enclosure, it provides a relaxing haven away from the crowds. With views of the horse walk, comfortable seating, a selection of luxurious food and drink and live music, it is the perfect base to meet friends for a drink, or escape the hustle and bustle during the races.
For Derby Day, ask anyone in racing and this will be the highlight of their season, it means everything to those with any connection to the sport who have runners on the Flat, it is the race that everybody wants to win. This is a sell out event every year, as people from all over the country flock to this humble racecourse on the outskirts of London to be a part of racing history. Epsom do a very good job of entertaining the crowd and put on a party for all to enjoy once the racing action comes to an end - a perfect way to celebrate your winnings from the day.
Over the two days you will feel a real buzz in the air and an almost party like atmosphere, they have lots going on. There is also the famous ‘middle of the track’ where there is a fair, market, food, bars and lots more!
THE DONCASTER ST LEGER Finally we have the Doncaster St leger, the final of the Classics. The Doncaster St Leger is part of a four day festival and the Finale to the flat racing season. The St Leger festival attracts racing fans from all over the country to this South Yorkshire racecourse which is steeped in history. The St Leger Stakes takes place on the Saturday and last year saw the famous KEW GARDENS after an incredible season.
The St Leger is also the last leg of the Triple Crown; a triple race competition, which is made up of the 2000 Guineas, the Derby then the St Leger. The last horse to have won the Triple Crown Trophy was NIJINKSY in 1970. In more recent years, Aidan O’Brien trained CAMELOT won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Epsom Derby in 2012 and in 2009, John Oxx trained SEA THE STARS just missed out on the St Leger. Post 2000 Guineas it doesn’t look like MAGNA GRECIAN will head to the Derby so we will have to wait another year for history to be made!
With so much good racing across the country make sure you don’t miss out on one of the amazing Classic races this year! HEAD TO RACING BREAKS TO FIND OUT MORE