The 2,000 Guineas stakes

The 2,000 Guineas stakes is the first of the five British Classics to be run in the flat season. Contested on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket by three year old colts and fillies, it takes place the day before the 1,000 Guineas, which is for fillies only. The name comes from the prize fund on offer in the original contest, which took place back in 1809 at the behest of Sir Charles Bunbury, co-founder of the Epsom Derby.

The mile (1,609 metres) long race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, made up of the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and St Leger. Only fifteen horses have accomplished this feat in more than 150 years, including Ormonde, who was unbeaten in sixteen races and arguably the greatest racehorse in history.

Fillies are given a five pounds weight allowance, but few take their chance in the race in these days, preferring the 1,000 Guineas. The format has given rise to several other 2,000 Guineas races around the world, including New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Germany, Ireland and France.

Notable trial races for the 2,000 Guineas include the Greenham and Craven Stakes, but it is not unusual for horses to compete in the race fresh.

The 2008 contest between Henrythenavigator and New Approach was the first time in 2,000 Guineas history that the race had been won by the minimum distance, a nose. The largest winning distance of eight lengths, a feat unlikely to be repeated, belongs to Tudor Minstrel, who hosed up in 1947.

The leading trainer is John Scott, who trained an impressive seven 2,000 Guineas winners between 1842 and 1862. The best performing trainer in recent history is Sir Michael Stoute, who saddled five winners between 1985 and 2001.

Jem Robinson rode nine winners between 1825 and 1848, making him the all time leading 2,000 Guineas jockey. In more recent years, Lester Piggott rode five winners and Kieren Fallon and Michael Kinane both have four wins to their name, including great names such as Nijinsky, George Washington and Sea The Stars respectively.

The next 2,000 Guineas will take place on Saturday May 1st 2010, sponsored by Stan James.