1895 Duke of York Stakes
History
An event called the Duke of York Stakes was introduced at York's August meeting in 1895. It was named after Prince George, Duke of York A middle-distance race for three-year-olds, its winners included Polymelus, Papyrus and Firdaussi.A six-furlong handicap sprint titled the Duke of York Handicap Stakes was established at York's May meeting in 1950. It continued until the mid-1960s.
The current 1895 Duke of York Stakes, a six-furlong conditions race, was created in 1968. The first running was won by Hard Water. It was given Group 3 status in 1971, and promoted to Group 2 level in 2003.
The 1895 Duke of York Stakes is now held on the opening day of York's three-day Dante Festival meeting. It is run the day before the Dante Stakes.
The race was renamed in 2022 to distance it from Prince Andrew, Duke of York, later Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who faces allegations of sexual abuse, with the year 1895 added, referencing George V, a former Duke of York.
Records
Most successful horse :
- Handsome Sailor – 1987, 1988
- Lester Piggott – The Brianstan, Steel Heart, Thatching, Vorvados
- Steve Cauthen – Flash n' Thunder, Jester, Indian Ridge, Lugana Beach
- Michael Hills – Handsome Sailor, Owington, Royal Applause, Steenberg
- Barry Hills – Noble Mark, Flash n' Thunder, Jester, Handsome Sailor, Royal Applause, Prime Defender
- Robert Sangster – Noble Mark, Thatching, Flash n' Thunder, Jester, Handsome Sailor