The St. James’s Palace Stakes
This is the last of three Group 1 races that are run on Day 1 of Royal Ascot. This race is more unusual in that only 3 year old colts are eligible for this race. It is also the oldest of the three Group 1 races held on the first day, having been established in 1834.
Being a Group 1 race, the prize money available is significant – £250,000 in 2010, though this is the lower end for Group 1 races at Royal Ascot! The St. James’s Palace Stakes were not always regarded as a Group 1 race, having been rated as a Group 2 race until being upgraded in 1988.
Aiden O’Brien has been running away with this race, having his horse win the last 3 races in a row, and no less than 6 times since 2000. Jonny Murtagh hasn’t done too badly either, riding the winning horse to victory in both 2008 & 2009.
Previous Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Odds (SP) | Going |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Mastercraftsman | Jonny Murtagh | Aiden O’Brien | 5/6 | Good to Firm |
| 2008 | Henrythenavigator | Jonny Murtagh | Aiden O’Brien | 4/7 | Good to Firm |
| 2007 | Excellent Art | Jamie Spencer | Aiden O’Brien | 8/1 | Good to Firm |
| 2006 | Araafa | Alan Munro | Jeremy Noseda | 2/1 | Good to Firm |
| 2005 | Shamardal | Kerrin McEvoy | Saeed bin Suroor | 7/4 | Good to Firm |