Arlington Version of 1,000 Guineas Set

• Print

Photo: Barbara Livingston

Arlington Park

(from Arlington Park stable notes)

Arlington Park will offer its own version of the One Thousand Guineas for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on May 24-- the $200,000 American One Thousand Guineas.

The One Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) was inaugurated in 1814 over Great Britain's Newmarket Racecourse. Stefan Friborg’s Natagora won last weekend’s English Classic renewal. Many other versions of the race now exist as well, including the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Fr-I), which was first contested in 1883 and will be run once more at Longchamp Racecourse May 11.

The American version, over Arlington's grass course, is part of a three-stakes afternoon in suburban Chicago. Nominations for the American One Thousand Guineas close May 14.

“I thought it would be a good fit to add a grass race for 3-year-old fillies to our stakes schedule at this time of year,” said Kevin Greely, now in his third season as Arlington’s vice president of racing and racing secretary. “I think the race has been well received by horsemen all over North America. Also, the winner will receive an automatic invitation to Hollywood Park’s grade I American Oaks Invitational July 5."

Greely does not expect any American One Thousand Guineas participation outside of North America.

“It’s a little early in the season to expect horsemen to ship 3-year-old fillies all over the world,” said Greely, “and the Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-I) will be run the next afternoon at The Curragh.”

• Print