The Solario Stakes is a prestigious Group 3 flat horse race held annually in Great Britain, specifically for two-year-old horses. This race takes place at Sandown Park Racecourse over a distance of seven furlongs, equivalent to 1,408 meters, metres and is traditionally scheduled for late August or early September.
Origins and Evolution
The event was established in 1947, named in honour of the racehorse Solario, a distinguished performer from the 1920s who later became a successful sire. The first edition of the race saw Panair claim victory. Originally, the Solario Stakes held Listed status, but in 1986 it was elevated to Group 3.
The race was historically part of Sandown Park's "Variety Club Day", an annual event aimed at raising funds for the Variety Club, a charity dedicated to supporting sick and disadvantaged children across Great Britain. In 2011, the race helped promote the charity’s Sunshine Coaches initiative. The following year, the Variety Club Day was moved to August, and the race began to attract sponsorship from various companies, further solidifying its place on the racing calendar.
Race Format and Conditions
The Solario Stakes is a sprint covering seven furlongs and 16 yards on Sandown Park's right-handed turf track. It is restricted to two-year-old Thoroughbreds, with all competitors required to carry a weight of nine stone (57 kg). However, there is a three-pound weight allowance for fillies. Horses that have previously won Group 1 or Group 2 races are penalised by five pounds, and Group 3 winners face a three-pound penalty.
Sponsors and Charity Involvement
Throughout its history, the race has seen various sponsors, including Imry in the late 1980s and Ford from 2000 to 2001. From 2002 to 2007, Iveco Daily took over sponsorship, followed by betinternet.com in 2008. Since 2009, the Variety Club has been a key partner, with proceeds from ticket sales supporting the charity.
Records and Notable Winners
The Solario Stakes has served as a launching pad for future champions. Charlottown, a bay colt who secured his maiden win in the race in 1965, went on to claim victory in the Epsom Derby the following year. Similarly, Athens Wood, after winning the Solario Stakes in 1970, triumphed in the St. Leger Stakes a year later. One of the most famous mares to emerge from the race was Oh So Sharp, who won in 1984 and later achieved the rare feat of winning the Fillies' Triple Crown in 1985.
Lester Piggott, a legendary jockey, holds the record for most wins in the Solario Stakes, with six victories spanning from 1952 to 1984. His successes included March Past, Pindari, Speed of Sound, Remand, The Fort, and Oh So Sharp. On the training side, John Gosden leads with seven wins, including recent triumphs with Too Darn Hot in 2018 and Reach For The Moon in 2021.
Surprises and Betting Trends
Over the years, the Solario Stakes has seen its share of upsets. In the early 2000s, long-shot winners became the norm, with King’s Ironbridge winning at 10/1 in 2000, followed by Redback at 14/1 in 2001 and Barbajuan at 12/1 in 2003. However, in recent years, bookmakers have become more accurate in their predictions, as evidenced by the favourites Drumfire in 2006 and Raven’s Pass in 2007 winning at relatively short odds. Native Khan continued this trend in 2010, securing victory as the 6/5 favourite.
The Solario Stakes has become a prominent event in British horse racing, not only as a competition but also for its long-standing association with charitable causes. With a rich history of producing champions and creating memorable moments, it remains one of the key races for two-year-old horses, attracting attention from both racing enthusiasts and bookmakers alike.