Fact File: The Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup

The Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup FACT FILE:

One mile, five furlongs abt 188yds (2,770 metres)

Prize money

£175,000

WHEN DID THE RACE BEGIN?

It had been intended to launch a new two mile handicap in 1926, but racing was cancelled because of the General Strike and so it began 12 months later. After the war it became a Conditions race and in 1966 the distance was reduced to one mile and six furlongs. In 1971 it achieved Group 2 status.

WHY IS IT SPECIAL?

The Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup is the first of the major stayers’ Cup events, what you might term the “Grand Slam”. It pits the established stars against the young pretenders. The status of the race is such that it forms the opening leg of the Long Distance Championship category of the QIPCO British Champions Series.

In this case anyway, as Ardross, winner in 1981 and 1982, was the first thoroughbred to claim two Paddy Power Yorkshire Cups.

The previous winner, Stradivarius, make history and became only the second back-to-back winner of the race in 2018 and 2019.

This afternoon Stradivarius returns to try and make it a hattrick.

Ardross Stradivarius

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE

A POT OF GOLD? NOT SO FAST

Incredibly, given Irish success in almost every sphere of modern horse racing, this race has always eluded raiders from the Emerald Isle. Southern France pushed Stradivarius all the way in 2019, but apart from that, their best effort in the last decade was from the then Thomas Carmody-trained Royal Diamond who finished third to Glen’s Diamond in 2013. Perhaps Dermot Weld’s runner this afternoon - Search For A Song - can break the succession of British-trained winners?

Saeed bin Suroor

LEADING TRAINERS?

The legendary Cecil Boyd-Rochfort bagged seven victories in a career that spanned four decades – The Scout II (1931), Kingstone (1945), Premonition (1954), Dickens (1960), Sagacity (1962), Raise You Ten (1964), and Apprentice (1965). Saeed bin Suroor and Sir Michael Stoute both have trained five winners, after the latter’s Royal success of Dartmouth in 2017. Clareheaven stables, operated by John & Thady Gosden, has two successes in the race thanks to the great Stradivarius, and will be looking for a third this afternoon.

LEADING RIDER?

Lester Piggott has eight wins - Pandofell (1961), Aunt Edith (1966), Knockroe (1972), Bruni (1976), Bright Finish (1977), Noble Saint (1980) and Ardross (1981, 1982). Of the current crop Frankie Dettori leads the way with six winners – Arzanni (1991), Kayf Tara (2000), Marienbard (2001), Mamool (2003) & Stradivarius (2018 & 2019). Today he will be hoping he can reduce the deficit to just one, with the star stayer Stradivarius.

Lester Piggott

HOW DO YORKSHIRE STABLES FIGURE?

Plenty of local winners down the years with both the Peacock and Elsey families making their mark. Middleham-based Harry Peacock and his son Dick both saddled a winner, as did the legendary Malton trainer Captain Charles Elsey, followed later by his son Bill. In more modern times Zindabad landed the spoils for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston in 2002 as did Glen’s Diamond for 3000 man, Richard Fahey in 2013, whilst Clever Cookie kept the Yorkshire end up with victory for Peter Niven. But there could not be a more local winner than Templestow who took the very first running in 1927, for he carried the colours of Colonel Hugh Stobart, a former Steward at York who lived at nearby Middlethorpe Hall, now a popular resting place for owners and racegoers alike. The Charlie & Mark Johnstontrained Thunderous along with the Brian Ellison-trained Tashkhan carry Yorkshire’s flag today.