Vincent O'Brien Stakes

The Vincent O'Brien Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.

History

The event was established in 1849, and it was originally called the National Produce Stakes and then the National Stakes. The inaugural running was won by Chatterbox.

For a period the National Stakes was classed at Group 2 level, and it was promoted to Group 1 in 1985. It was extended from 7 furlongs to a mile in 1997, but its former distance was restored in 2000.

The race became known as the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes in 2009, in memory of the successful trainer Vincent O'Brien (1917–2009).^[1] It reverted to its previous title in 2011 but was renamed the Vincent O'Brien Stakes in 2012.

The National Stakes was formerly part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series, with the winner earning an automatic invitation to compete in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. It was removed from the series in 2012.

Records

Leading jockey since 1947 (4 wins):

• Lester Piggott – Cellini (1973), Sir Wimborne (1975), El Prado (1991), Fatherland (1992)
• Michael Kinane – Definite Article (1994), Mus-If (1998), Hawk Wing (2001), One Cool Cat (2003)

Leading trainer since 1947 (15 wins):

• Vincent O'Brien – Sir Ivor (1967), Roberto (1971), Chamozzle (1972), Cellini (1973), Sir Wimborne (1975), Monteverdi (1979), Storm Bird (1980), Glenstal (1982), El Gran Senor (1983), Law Society (1984), Tate Gallery (1985), Caerwent (1987), Classic Fame (1988), El Prado (1991), Fatherland (1992)

Leading owner since 1976 (8 wins): (includes part ownership)

• Michael Tabor – Danehill Dancer (1995), Desert King (1996), King of Kings (1997), Beckett (2000), One Cool Cat (2003), George Washington (2005), Mastercraftsman (2008), Power (2011)

Winners since 1976

Earlier winners

See also

• List of Irish flat horse races
• Recurring sporting events established in 1849 – this race is included under its original title, National Produce Stakes.

References

• Racing Post:
  • 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
  • 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

• galopp-sieger.de – Irish National Stakes.
• horseracingintfed.com – International Federation of Horseracing Authorities – National Stakes (2011).
• irishracinggreats.com – National Stakes (Group 1).
• pedigreequery.com – National Stakes – Curragh.