Criterion Stakes

The Criterion Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July.

The present Criterion Stakes was established in 1978, and for a period it was classed at Listed level. During the eighties the race was known as the Van Geest Stakes. It was promoted to Group 3 status in 1986.

A previous race with the same name was an important event for two-year-olds. Its winners included Ormonde (1885), Flying Fox (1898), Pretty Polly (1903) and Gay Crusader (1916).