Good afternoon from the Rowley Mile at Newmarket, where the historic 2,000 Guineas race is set to take place later today, marking the first Classic of the new Flat season.
Scheduled to start at 3:35pm BST, eleven runners are expected to compete, each hoping to inscribe their name on a prestigious honor roll that dates back to 1809. The standout favorite is Field Of Gold, a striking grey horse who won the Craven Stakes on this very track last month. However, he faces some promising three-year-olds, each with their own level of experience and past performances.
Among those challenging Field Of Gold is Shadow Of Light, last year’s winner of the Dewhurst Stakes, which is the UK’s top juvenile race. There’s also Ruling Court, a somewhat enigmatic contender with only three races under his belt, reminiscent of last year’s surprising winner, Notable Speech.
Shadow Of Light stands out as one of just two juvenile Group One winners in the race, alongside Scorthy Champ, who took the National Stakes. Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien hopes for a record-extending 11th Guineas win with his horse Extended.
As for other events today, the Palace House Stakes is another exciting race planned for 2:55pm, acting as a crucial indicator for the upcoming sprints at Royal Ascot. Additionally, Hand Of God, a winner from last season’s Royal Meeting, will be running for the first time this year in the Suffolk Stakes Handicap at 2:20pm.
Fans can also catch the Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap at 2:35pm and a visit to Sussex for the Conqueror Stakes for fillies at Goodwood starting at 2pm.
In just a few hours, the first Classic winner of the 2025 Flat season will be crowned, and we’ll have in-depth coverage of the buildup and the race itself happening here on the live blog.
