Inaugurated 1878 Sponsor Dubai Distance 7f (1,408 metres) | ||
Location Rowley MileNewmarket, England | ||
The Challenge Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.
Contents
History
The event was established in 1878, and the inaugural edition was titled the First Great Challenge Stakes. It was originally contested over 6 furlongs and open to horses aged two or older.
The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and for a period the Challenge Stakes held Group 3 status. It was extended to 7 furlongs in 1977, and closed to two-year-olds in 1985. It was promoted to Group 2 level in 1987.
The race was formerly staged during Newmarket's Champions' Day meeting in mid-October. It became part of a new fixture called Future Champions Day in 2011.
Earlier winners
* The 1895 race was a dead-heat and has joint winners.