The Coronation Stakes is a Group 1 flat race at the famous Royal Ascot meeting open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of one mile and takes place this Friday, the fourth day of five at the festival.
The contest usually features fillies which ran previously in the 1,000 Guineas, the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches or the Irish 1,000 Guineas.
The event was established in 1840, and its title commemorates the coronation of a new British monarch, Queen Victoria, two years earlier.
The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and for a period the Coronation Stakes held Group 2 status. It was promoted to Group 1 level in 1988.
Perhaps the finest racehorse ever to have won the Coronation Stakes title was Pretty Polly in 1904. Pretty Polly won the Coronation Stakes along with several other prestigious races, including the 1,000 Guineas and the Epsom Oaks. In 24 career races this Coronation Stakes winner only missed out on first place on two occasions.
Retired jockey Walter Swinburn is the Coronation Stakes’ top jockey, having claimed four Coronation Stakes winners’ titles during his career, with his final win on Exclusive coming in 1998.
The fact that no other jockey has claimed more than a single Coronation Stakes winners’ title since Swinburn’s retirement indicates just how tough and competitive this prestigious Group 1 race is.
Maybe will be looking to improve on her disappointing showing in the Investec Oaks at Epsom, when the filly came home in 5th.
Frankie Dettori will ride Laugh Out Loud in the race this Friday, as the filly bids to continue her progress and win a Group 1. She will be joined by stablemate and Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Samitar.
Another horse to keep a close eye on is Homecoming Queen, who won the Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Image credit: James Marwood
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