Lockinge Stakes
The Lockinge Stakes is a prestigious Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain, open to thoroughbreds aged four years and older, run over a straight distance of one mile (approximately 1,609 metres) on turf at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, England. It is contested under weight-for-age conditions, with colts and geldings carrying 9 stone 2 pounds (126 pounds) and fillies 8 stone 13 pounds (121 pounds), and requires entrants to have a British Horseracing Authority handicap rating of at least 80. The race typically takes place in mid-May, serving as the opening Group 1 event of the British Flat turf season for older milers, with a total prize fund of £400,000 as of 2025, where the winner receives £226,840.[1][2] Established in 1958 and originally open to horses aged three years or older, the Lockinge Stakes was initially a Group 2 contest named after the nearby Lockinge Estate, with its inaugural running won by Pall Mall, a horse owned by Queen Elizabeth II.[3][4] In 1995, the age limit was raised to four years and above, prompting its elevation to Group 1 status by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, which solidified its position as a key early-summer target for elite middle-distance performers.[5][6] This change aligned it with major mile championships like the Queen Anne Stakes and Sussex Stakes, enhancing its prestige within the European racing calendar.[7] As part of the British Champions Series since 2011, the race attracts high-caliber international fields and often features horses returning from winter hibernation or targeting subsequent Crown jewels such as the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.[4] It has been sponsored variably over the years, including by Al Shaqab and currently by BoyleSports, underscoring its role as the centerpiece of Newbury's richest raceday, which draws large crowds for its combination of competitive racing and Ladies' Day festivities.[2][8] The event's straight-mile course demands speed and tactical positioning, contributing to its reputation for producing thrilling finishes and launching successful campaigns for winners.[9]Overview
Race Specifications
The Lockinge Stakes is contested over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 meters) on turf at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, England.[10][11] Eligibility is restricted to thoroughbred horses aged four years or older, run under weight-for-age conditions with colts and geldings carrying 9 stone 2 pounds (128 pounds) and fillies and mares receiving a 3-pound allowance, carrying 8 stone 13 pounds (125 pounds).[5][12] The race is scheduled annually in mid-May, typically on the third Saturday, serving as the opening contest in the mile category of the British Champions Series.[2] The total prize purse stands at £400,000 as of 2025, with the winner receiving £226,840; this represents an increase from £350,000 in 2022.[13][14][15] Race conditions feature Newbury's straight mile course, which is undulating and galloping in nature, with good to firm ground considered ideal, and no changes to the weight structure have occurred since its elevation to Group 1 status in 1995.[16][5] Sponsorship has evolved over time, with early iterations linked to local racing entities such as those associated with the John Porter Stakes; it was backed by Al Shaqab from 2015 before BoyleSports assumed title sponsorship in 2025 under a three-year agreement.[17][18]Role in Flat Racing
The Lockinge Stakes holds significant prestige within British flat racing as a Group 1 contest elevated to that status in 1995, serving as one of the season's earliest high-level tests over the mile distance.[5] This timing positions it as a critical early benchmark for four-year-olds and upward, often signaling the form of top milers emerging from winter quarters. The 2025 edition was won by Lead Artist, trained by John and Thady Gosden.[19][20] Since 2011, the race has been integrated into the British Champions Series as the opening event in the mile division, awarding points that contribute toward qualification and bonuses at the series finale on British Champions Day.[5] Its role extends to acting as a key trial for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, with leading finishers frequently progressing to that Group 1 mile event; notable double winners include Frankel in 2012 and Baaeed in 2022.[21][22] The Lockinge Stakes exerts influence on international breeding and global mile racing by drawing elite European contenders from Ireland, France, and beyond, while occasional overseas nominations—such as from the United States—underscore its appeal to international stables seeking European validation.[23] This global draw enhances the race's status in sire selection, prioritizing speed and precocity for mile-oriented bloodlines across continents.[24] Economically, the event bolsters early-season attendance at Newbury Racecourse, attracting over 10,000 spectators in recent editions and contributing to a 22% rise in overall raceday crowds for the venue's first half of the year.[25] It also garners substantial media coverage as a prominent fixture immediately following the 2,000 Guineas, amplifying visibility for British flat racing's spring campaign.[26]History
Origins and Inauguration
The Lockinge Stakes was inaugurated in 1958 at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire, England, as a prominent early-season event in British flat racing.[5] The race takes its name from the nearby Lockinge parish and estate, located on the Isley Downs north of Newbury.[27] This naming reflected the local heritage and the racecourse's position within the region's equestrian landscape. Organized under the oversight of the Jockey Club, which governed flat racing at the time, the event was established as a Conditions race without international Group status, emphasizing quality fields over weight-for-age handicaps. The creation of the Lockinge Stakes was motivated by the desire to establish a high-class mile race early in the Flat season, filling a gap for elite milers following the Classics.[28] Newbury Racecourse, which had opened in 1905, underwent significant expansion and modernization in the post-World War II era to accommodate growing attendance and support the burgeoning post-war racing boom, characterized by increased public interest and investment in the sport after years of wartime restrictions.[3] The Jockey Club's involvement ensured the race aligned with standards for prestigious conditions events, attracting top owners and trainers to the venue's straight mile course. The inaugural running took place on 30 May 1958, open to three-year-olds and upwards over one mile, drawing a competitive field that included recent Classic performers amid the era's racing resurgence.[28] Victory went to Pall Mall, owned by Queen Elizabeth II and trained by Cecil Boyd-Rochfort, who had previously won that year's 2,000 Guineas, marking a notable early success for the new race and underscoring its appeal to high-caliber contenders.[29] Subsequent editions in the late 1950s continued to feature Classic winners, solidifying the Lockinge Stakes' role as a key seasonal opener during a period of expanding British horseracing prominence.[6]Development and Key Milestones
The Lockinge Stakes underwent significant evolution following its establishment. When the European Pattern system was introduced in 1971, the race was classified as Group 2; it was downgraded to Group 3 in 1983 before being restored to Group 2 in 1985. In 1995, the age eligibility was restricted from three-year-olds and upwards to four-year-olds and older, aligning the race with international standards for older horse competitions. This change coincided with its promotion to Group 1 status by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), elevating its prestige and attracting top global milers while emphasizing maturity in competitors.[27][30] In 2011, the race was integrated into the British Champions Series as the second leg of the mile division, further boosting its profile as a pivotal early-season test for elite performers and culminating in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. This inclusion underscored its role in the domestic racing calendar and drew larger international fields. The event's stature is also reflected in purse growth; by the late 2000s, the total prize money approached £200,000, rising to over £350,000 in the 2010s amid sponsorship boosts and inflation adjustments that mirrored the race's rising importance.[27][31] Disruptions have occasionally marked the race's history, including its cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no rescheduled date, making it the sole British Group 1 lost that season. Post-1995, as a Group 1 fixture, it earned consistent recognition in the IFHA's annual list of the world's top 100 Group/Grade 1 races for horses aged three and upwards, affirming its global standing in the mile category.[32][30]Records and Statistics
Performance and Time Records
The fastest recorded winning time in the Lockinge Stakes is 1:33.59, set by Rakti in 2005 on firm ground at Newbury.[33] The largest winning margin stands at 11 lengths, achieved by Hawk Wing in 2003 under jockey Michael Kinane for trainer Aidan O'Brien.[5] Only three horses have secured multiple victories in the race, each winning twice: Pall Mall in 1958 and 1959, Welsh Pageant in 1970 and 1971, and Soviet Line in 1995 and 1996.[5] No horse has won the Lockinge Stakes three times or more. All of these repeat successes were consecutive, with no examples of a horse returning after a gap of one or more years to claim a second victory. Fields in the Lockinge Stakes are typically modest for a Group 1 event, averaging 8 to 10 runners, as seen in recent renewals such as the 2017 edition with 8 participants.[34] The 2025 edition also featured 8 runners.[35]| Record Type | Details | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest Time | 1:33.59 (Rakti, firm ground) | 2005 | Racing Post |
| Largest Margin | 11 lengths (Hawk Wing) | 2003 | Horse Racing UK |
| Most Wins by Horse | 2 wins (Pall Mall, Welsh Pageant, Soviet Line) | 1958–59, 1970–71, 1995–96 | Horse Racing UK |
Leading Contributors
Lester Piggott holds the record as the most successful jockey in the Lockinge Stakes, with six victories spanning from 1960 to 1993.[36] His wins came aboard Sovereign Path (1960), The Creditor (1964), Sparkler (1973), Belmont Bay (1981), Polar Falcon (1991), and Swing Low (1993).[36] Frankie Dettori is the next most prolific, with five successes, including Olympic Glory in 2014.[4] Sir Michael Stoute is the leading trainer, achieving eight wins between 1986 and 2019.[37] Notable among these are Scottish Reel (1986), Soviet Line (1995 and 1996), and Mustashry (2019).[37] The Gosden family, particularly John and Thady Gosden, have also made significant impacts in recent years, training winners such as Frankel (2012) and Lead Artist (2025).[26] Godolphin stands as the most successful owner, with nine triumphs since 1998.[38] Their victories include Cape Cross (1998), Fly to the Stars (1999), Aljabr (2000), Creachadoir (2008), Farhh (2013), Night of Thunder (2015), Belardo (2016), Ribchester (2017), and Modern Games (2023).[38] Juddmonte Farms is among the leading breeders, having produced multiple winners including Frankel (2012) and Lead Artist (2025).[24] Godolphin exerted particular dominance in the 2010s, securing four wins in that decade.[38] While no female jockey has yet won the race, fillies have enjoyed notable success, with victors such as Russian Rhythm (2004), Peeress (2006), and Rhododendron (2018) highlighting their competitiveness.[5] The 2025 winner Lead Artist recorded a time of 1:35.06 and won by a neck, not altering the existing records.[39][35]Winners
Complete List of Winners
The Lockinge Stakes has been run 66 times as of 2025, with no races in 1975 due to torrential rain and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7][40]| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Winning Time | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Pall Mall | Lester Piggott | Cecil Boyd-Rochfort | Queen Elizabeth II | 1:38.60 | 1 length |
| 1959 | Pall Mall | Lester Piggott | Cecil Boyd-Rochfort | Queen Elizabeth II | 1:37.60 | 3 lengths |
| 1960 | Vandale | George Moore | Alec Head | Robert Franklyn | 1:38.20 | short head |
| 1961 | Auriban | Roger Poincelet | John Sutcliffe Jr. | Sir Victor Sassoon | 1:38.00 | 1 length |
| 1962 | El Gallo | Joe Mercer | Reg Hollinshead | Reginald McLean | 1:37.80 | 3 lengths |
| 1963 | El Gallo | Joe Mercer | Reg Hollinshead | Reginald McLean | 1:37.40 | ¾ length |
| 1964 | Baldovan | Jimmy Lindfield | Fred Armstrong | Mrs J. B. Jackson | 1:37.60 | 4 lengths |
| 1965 | El Gallo | Joe Mercer | Reg Hollinshead | Reginald McLean | 1:36.80 | 2 lengths |
| 1966 | Hopeful Venture | Ron Hutchinson | Gordon Richards | E. H. W. Joseph | 1:37.20 | 5 lengths |
| 1967 | Bluerullah | Bill Williamson | Seamus McGrath | Mrs Jean, Lady Bunbury | 1:37.00 | 2 lengths |
| 1968 | Supreme Sovereign | Ron Hutchinson | Harry Wragg | E. H. W. Joseph | 1:37.40 | 1 length |
| 1969 | Habitat | Charles Hayes | Fulke Walwyn | Paul Mellon | 1:37.20 | 3 lengths |
| 1970 | Welsh Pageant | Lester Piggott | Fulke Walwyn | Paul Mellon | 1:37.00 | ½ length |
| 1971 | Welsh Pageant | Tony Craig | Fulke Walwyn | Paul Mellon | 1:36.80 | 2 lengths |
| 1972 | Brigadier Gerard | Joe Mercer | Dick Hern | Vera, Lady Broughton | 1:35.80 | 4 lengths |
| 1973 | Positano | Pat Glennon | Mick Ryan | Mrs H. H. Howard | 1:37.20 | 1 length |
| 1974 | Royal Palace | Ron Hutchinson | Noel Murless | Jim Joel | 1:37.00 | 1¼ lengths |
| 1975 | No race | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1976 | El Rastro | Bill Pyers | Jeremy Tree | Mrs M. J. O'Hara | 1:36.40 | ½ length |
| 1977 | Jalmood | Brian Fletcher | John Dunlop | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:37.60 | ¾ length |
| 1978 | Jalmood | Brian Fletcher | John Dunlop | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:37.20 | 1 length |
| 1979 | Troy | Pat Eddery | Dick Hern | Lord Nuffield | 1:36.60 | 2 lengths |
| 1980 | Kris | Willie Carson | Sir Michael Stoute | M. A. Sobey | 1:35.80 | 2 lengths |
| 1981 | Known Fact | Willie Carson | Jeremy Tree | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:36.20 | 1 length |
| 1982 | Kind of Hush | Brian Rouse | Percy Ingram | Mrs J. A. O'Hara | 1:36.80 | ¾ length |
| 1983 | Dance By Night | Steve Cauthen | Robert Williams | Mrs G. A. Rogers | 1:37.00 | 1 length |
| 1984 | Morston | Willie Carson | Dick Hern | Sir John Astor | 1:36.40 | 2 lengths |
| 1985 | Pebbles | Steve Cauthen | Clive Brittain | Lordship Stud | 1:35.90 | 3 lengths |
| 1986 | Noalto | Tony Cruz | Patrick Biancone | Daniel Wildenstein | 1:36.20 | neck |
| 1987 | Unification | Cash Asmussen | André Fabre | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:35.50 | 1 length |
| 1988 | Belmez | Steve Cauthen | Robert Collet | Robert Sangster | 1:35.20 | 2 lengths |
| 1989 | Sure Blade | Ray Cochrane | Guy Harwood | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:35.40 | ¾ length |
| 1990 | Selkirk | George Duffield | Ian Balding | La Grange Stable | 1:35.10 | 6 lengths |
| 1991 | Sure Blade | Ray Cochrane | Guy Harwood | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:35.30 | 2 lengths |
| 1992 | Brief Truce | Pat Eddery | Peter Walwyn | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:35.00 | 1 length |
| 1993 | Barathea | Lester Piggott | Luca Cumani | Sheikh Mohammed | 1:35.20 | 1¼ lengths |
| 1994 | Barathea | Pat Eddery | Luca Cumani | Sheikh Mohammed | 1:35.60 | 2 lengths |
| 1995 | Soviet Line | W. R. Swinburn | M. R. Stoute | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:36.96 | 5 lengths |
| 1996 | Soviet Line | Richard Quinn | M. R. Stoute | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:44.22 | ¾ length |
| 1997 | Chief Singer | Kieren Fallon | Peter Chapple-Hyam | Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum | 1:35.90 | ½ length |
| 1998 | Cape Cross | George Duffield | Saeed bin Suroor | Godolphin | 1:36.20 | 1¼ lengths |
| 1999 | Dazzling Sword | Kieren Fallon | Henry Cecil | Prince Khalid Abdullah | 1:37.00 | ¾ length |
| 2000 | Giant's Causeway | Johnny Murtagh | Aidan O'Brien | Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier | 1:36.80 | ½ length |
| 2001 | Lagunas | Richard Hills | John Dunlop | Godolphin | 1:37.50 | 2 lengths |
| 2002 | Rock of Gibraltar | Johnny Murtagh | Aidan O'Brien | Sir Alex Ferguson et al. | 1:37.20 | 1 length |
| 2003 | Norse Dancer | Kieren Fallon | Sir Michael Stoute | Prince Khalid Abdullah | 1:38.00 | ¾ length |
| 2004 | Russian Rhythm | Kieren Fallon | Sir Michael Stoute | Cheveley Park Stud | 1:37.90 | 1 length |
| 2005 | Rakti | Philip Robinson | Alan Jarvis | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:37.40 | 1 length |
| 2006 | Peeress | Christophe Lemaire | Sir Michael Stoute | Prince Sultan bin Fahd | 1:37.60 | ¾ length |
| 2007 | Red Evie | Jamie Spencer | Michael Bell | Prince Khalid Abdullah | 1:40.43 | 1 length |
| 2008 | Creachadoir | Alan Munro | Henry Cecil | Prince Khalid Abdullah | 1:38.20 | 1 length |
| 2009 | Virtual | Richard Hughes | Martin Bosley | Maktoum Al Maktoum | 1:37.80 | 1 length |
| 2010 | Paco Boy | Richard Hughes | Richard Hannon | Michael Tabor | 1:37.00 | 2½ lengths |
| 2011 | Canford Cliffs | Richard Hughes | Richard Hannon | Ann & Alan Potts | 1:37.20 | ½ length |
| 2012 | Frankel | Tom Queally | Sir Henry Cecil | Khalid Abdullah | 1:36.40 | 5 lengths |
| 2013 | Farhh | Silvestre de Sousa | Saeed bin Suroor | Godolphin | 1:37.30 | 7 lengths |
| 2014 | Olympic Glory | Frankie Dettori | Frankel | Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum | 1:37.60 | 2 lengths |
| 2015 | Night of Thunder | James Doyle | Richard Hannon | Saeed Suhail | 1:37.50 | 2¼ lengths |
| 2016 | Belardo | Andrea Atzeni | Roger Varian | Godolphin | 1:37.20 | ¾ length |
| 2017 | Ribchester | William Buick | Richard Fahey | Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan | 1:37.40 | 1½ lengths |
| 2018 | Rhododendron | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor | 1:38.00 | neck |
| 2019 | Mustashry | Jim Crowley | Sir Michael Stoute | Prince A. A. Faisal | 1:37.80 | ¾ length |
| 2020 | No race | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 | Palace Pier | Frankie Dettori | John & Thady Gosden | Godolphin | 1:40.96 | 1½ lengths |
| 2022 | Baaeed | Jim Crowley | William Haggas | Shadwell Estate Co Ltd | 1:37.50 | 3½ lengths |
| 2023 | Modern Games | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | Godolphin | 1:37.10 | 1 length |
| 2024 | Audience | Robert Havlin | John & Thady Gosden | Godolphin | 1:37.90 | ¾ length |
| 2025 | Lead Artist | Oisin Murphy | John & Thady Gosden | Juddmonte Farms Ltd | 1:35.06 | neck |