Strickland Stakes

See the 2023 Strickland Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 Strickland Stakes Preview and results.

The race was first run as the WATC December Stakes over 1.25 miles (about 2000m) at Ascot Racecourse in 1901 and was won by a horse called Limber. In 1902 the race was moved to November and was held in that month until 1998 although there were several changes in distances with it being over 1.5 miles (about (2400m) in 1906, 1 and 3/8 miles (about 2200m) from 1907 to 1909, 1 and 1/8 miles (about 1800m) from 1910 to 1972 and 1800 metres from 1973 to 2004. It became a Group 3 race in 1979. The race wasn’t held in 1999 as the scheduling switched from November 1998 to January 2000. It was also not held from 1942 to 1944 during the Second World War. In 2005 it was held over 2000 metres at Belmont before returning to the 1800m distance at Ascot from 2006 to 2010. From 2011 onwards it was switched to the current 2000m distance at Belmont Park during June.

Many horses come to this race via the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes  over 1600m held two weeks earlier, and many also run in the Group 3 Belmont Sprint over 1400m held two weeks before that.

Last mare to win: Naughty By Nature (2021)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Wabasso (1993); Filly – Timeless Action (1989)

Multiple winners: Material Man (2018 & 2020); Marasco (2009 & 2010); Finito (2001 & 2002*); Jolly Aster (1966 & 1968); Lady Lucia (1947 & 1949); Jolly Fair (1932 & 1934); Maple (1926 & 1927); Mistico (1916 & 1919); Fifeness (1903 & 1904).

Fastest time (2000m): Kincaple (2013) 2:05:4

Interesting trivia: In 2002 Finito and Gwalia Girl dead-heated.

Winners of past Strickland Stakes include horses that go on to win major spring races.