Sport
July 2014Coral Eclipse
The Coral-Eclipse Stakes takes its name from the famous racehorse and stud, Eclipse. It is a Group 1 flat race for thoroughbreds of three years and older, run over a distance of 1 mile 2 furlongs. It is the race in which horses of four years and older first compete with three-year-old newcomers. The three-year-olds receive a 10-pound weight-for-age allowance, ensuring that the competitors are evenly matched, making for an exciting race.
The Eclipse Stakes dates back to 1886, when the first race was won by Bendigo at Sandown Park. Since 1980, some of the famous horses that have won the race include Sadler's Wells, Pebbles - the only filly ever to win the Eclipse, Mtoto, Dancing Brave, Opera House and Giant's Causeway.
The Coral-Eclipse Stakes is run at the beginning of the afternoon, and is followed by six additional races. On the preceeding Friday, Sandown Racecourse hosts a Ladies' Day, with prizes for the best dressed, and a total of seven races will be run as a lead-up to Coral-Eclipse Saturday.
