Inaugurated 1813 Sponsor Betdaq Distance 1m 2f 75y (2,080 m) | Race type Flat / Thoroughbred Website Chester | |
Location Chester Racecourse
Chester, England | ||
The Dee Stakes is a listed flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old colts and geldings. It is run over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 75 yards (2,080 metres) at Chester in May.
Contents
History
The event is named after the River Dee, which runs alongside the racecourse. It was established in 1813, and was originally open to both colts and fillies.
In the late 19th century, the distance of the Dee Stakes was about 1½ miles. The race was won by Voluptuary, a subsequent Grand National winner, in 1881.
From 1937, the official distance was 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 53 yards. It was cut to 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 10 yards in 1958, and extended by 14 yards in 1970.
The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Dee Stakes was given Group 3 status. It was increased to 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 85 yards in 1973.
The race was downgraded to Listed level in 1988. Its distance was cut by 10 yards in 1992. It regained Group 3 status in 2003 and was again downgraded to Listed status in 2014.
The Dee Stakes can serve as a trial for the Epsom Derby. The last horse to win both races was Kris Kin in 2003.
Winners since 1970
a The 1983 running was abandoned because of a waterlogged course.
b The 2000 winner Merry Merlin was later exported to Hong Kong and renamed Trillion Delight.
Earlier winners
* The 1887 race finished as a dead-heat between Savile and The Rector, but it was decided by a run-off.
** The 1897 race was a dead-heat and has joint winners.