The esteemed British Triple Crown of Thoroughbreds is recognised worldwide, having commenced in 1863 with Western Australia clinching victory in three prestigious races: the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket (1 mile, 4 furlongs, and 10 yards), the Epsom Derby (1 mile, 4 furlongs, and 10 yards), and the St. Leger at Doncaster (1 mile, 6 furlongs, and 132 yards). Inspired by the British Triple Crown, similar series have since been established in various countries, including the USA, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand, emulating this iconic racing benchmark.
While not as widely known, the British Triple Crown of Stayers holds equal significance, featuring three Group 1 flat races that prioritise endurance over speed.
Ascot Gold Cup
The Ascot Gold Cup is a 2-mile and nearly 4-furlong race (4014 metres) that takes place during a five-day racing event known as Royal Ascot, typically held in mid-June.
Throughout the five days of Ascot, there are a total of 18 races, eight of which are classified as Grade 1. The Gold Cup, held on the third day of the event, is considered the premier race of Royal Ascot.
On Gold Cup Day, a tradition encourages women attending the races to don a variety of hats as if competing for the title of the best headpiece, particularly noted on this special "Lady's Day." Additionally, it is customary for members of the royal family to be present. During Queen Elizabeth's attendance at Royal Ascot, bookmakers would even take bets on the colour of her hat. Notably, in 2013, she attended the Ascot Gold Cup not only as a monarch but also as the owner of the winning horse, Estimate—marking the first time a reigning monarch secured victory in the race.
The Gold Cup first took place in 1807, inaugurated by King George III and Queen Charlotte, with only four horses participating. The inaugural winner was Master Jackie, who earned his owner, Mr. Durand, 100 guineas.
Over the years, 20 horses have won the Gold Cup on two occasions. Stradivarius achieved victory three times from 2017 to 2019, while the Irish horse Sagaro won the race thrice in the 1970s. The only horse to win the Gold Cup four consecutive times is Yeats, an Irish thoroughbred descended from Northern Dancer.
Goodwood Cup
The Goodwood Cup, the shortest race in the Triple Crown of Stayers, spans 2 miles (3219 m) and has been a prominent event since its inception in 1808, taking place in late July or early August. This race is a highlight of the Glorious Goodwood festival, a six-day racing event that echoes the Royal Ascot week. Notably, the Goodwood Cup is featured on the third day of the festival, often referred to as Ladies' Day.
Historically, the race has undergone several distance changes; initially set at 3 miles, it was later shortened to 2 miles 5 furlongs before its current distance of 2 miles was established in 1991.
The Goodwood Cup's classification has evolved over the years as well. It was originally designated as a Group 2 race, downgraded to Group 3 in 1985, and then restored to Group 2 status in 1995. In 2017, it achieved Group 1 status, solidifying its position as one of the country's most prestigious races.
The record for this race was set by the renowned Stradivarius, who claimed the silver Goodwood Cup four times from 2017 to 2020. Among the notable horses of the 19th century was the Hungarian mare Kincsem, who dominated European racing with 54 victories over four seasons. Her triumphs included a win at the Goodwood Cup in 1878 after she was brought to England.
Doncaster Cup
The annual four-day St. Leger Festival in Doncaster is held in mid-September and marks the end of summer. The festivities begin with Ladies Day, where the ladies' hat story is repeated. The festival days include the Classic St. Leger Stakes and the Doncaster Cup, the country's most famous races, both being the last legs of the two Triple Crowns, the sprinters' and stayers' races.
The Doncaster Cup is the country's oldest race, started in 1766, ten years before the St. Leger. The race distance was originally 4 miles, in 1825 it was cut to 2 miles 5 furlongs, since 1927 it has been an unchanged 2 miles 2 furlongs (3,600 m).
In 1979 and 1980, the Doncaster Cup was won twice by Le Moss, a horse trained by Henry Cecil. The race was won by Mark Johnston's Double Trigger in 1995, 1997 and 1998. John and Ed Dunlop's Times Up won the Doncaster Cup twice in 2012 and 2013, and it was Stradivarius in 2019 and 2021.
Triple Crown Stayer Winners
In 1879, the stallion Isonomy became the inaugural winner of the Stayers' Triple Crown, securing victory in 10 of his 14 races. He achieved this remarkable feat by winning the prestigious Ascot Gold Cup twice, along with the Cambridgeshire Handicap, Golden Vase, and Ebor Handicap, establishing himself as the top stayer in the nation during his time.
In 1949, Alicidone earned the title of a "crowned" stayer, triumphing in 11 of his 17 races, which included notable wins in the Jockey Club Stakes, Princess of Wales's Stakes, and Ormonde Stakes. After retirement, he gained recognition as a leading sire in both Ireland and Britain.
The year 1953 saw Suepie, owned and trained by George Digby and ridden by Charlie Elliott, claim the Stayers' Triple Crown. This event was significant as Suepie finished in a dead heat for first place in the Doncaster Cup alongside Nick La Rocca, trained by J. Colling.
In 1979 and 1980, Le Moss achieved back-to-back victories, bringing acclaim to trainer Henry Cecil. His impressive record includes wins in the Queen's Vase and March Stakes, earning a Timeform rating of 135.
In the 21st century, Stradivarius, under the training of John Gosden, replicated this extraordinary accomplishment by winning the Stayers' Triple Crown in 2019 and 2021.
Stradivarius's story is particularly remarkable due to the Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million series, which was introduced in 2018 by Weatherbys Hamilton Corporation. This series offered a £1 million bonus to a horse that met the stipulated conditions. To qualify, a horse needed to win one of the preliminary races: the Yorkshire Cup, Ormonde Stakes, Sagaro Stakes, or Henry II Stakes, which would grant access to the second phase. In the following round, the horse was required to win the Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup, and Lonsdale Cup.
Stradivarius accomplished the incredible feat of winning the million-pound prize in 2018, a truly remarkable achievement. In 2019, Weatherbys Hamilton continued the series, expanding the list of preliminary races, although the odds of another horse matching this extraordinary performance seemed unlikely. Defying expectations, Stradivarius, with his unconventional and unpredictable spirit akin to his namesake violinist, won the prize again the following year. In response, Weatherbys Hamilton decided to end the tournament, opting not to take further risks.