Horse Racing

Epsom Oaks

The Epsom Oaks are the third race of the English Classic Races series; it is preceded by the 1,000 Guineas Stakes and the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, and followed by the Epsom Derby and the St.Leger Stakes. It is also the second race of the Fillies' Triple Crown, which is comprised of the 1,000 Guineas, the Epsom Oaks and the St. Leger Stakes. As it is part of the fillies' version of the Triple Crown series, the race is open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies only. The equine athletes compete for a purse of £350,000.

As the name suggests, the Epsom Oaks takes place at the Epsom Downs Racecourse. It is held annually in early June; a tradition which dates back to 1779. The race runs over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and ten yards. The Epsom Oaks takes its name not only from the town of Epsom but also from 'The Oaks' , the race's official birthplace. The Oaks was the name of a manor east of Epsom, where the 12th Earl of Derby conceptualised the race with a party of friends in 1778. One year later he had the race on the track, fusing his name with the history of English racing forever.

There are a number of events which are considered unofficial preliminary races for the Epsom Oaks, including: the Fred Darling Stakes, the Ballysax Stakes, the 1,000 Guineas, the Pretty Polly Stakes, the Cheshire Oaks, the Lingfield Oaks Trial, the Musidora Stakes, the Fillies' Trial Stakes, Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial and many more. All of these races have featured one or more contenders which have moved on to compete successfully in the Epsom Oaks.

In 1993 the current track time record was set by Intrepidity, who completed the 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 110 yards in 2 minutes and 34.19 seconds.

Recent Winners of the Epsom Oaks: