Epsom Oaks
History
The event is named after The Oaks, an estate located to the east of Epsom which was leased to the 12th Earl of Derby in the 18th century. He and his guests devised the race during a party at the estate in 1778. It was first run in 1779, one year before the introduction of the Derby Stakes. The inaugural winner, Bridget, was owned by Lord Derby himself.The Oaks subsequently became one of Britain's leading events for three-year-olds. By the mid-1860s, the five leading events for this age group were referred to as "Classics". The concept was later adopted in many other countries.
European variations of the Oaks include the Irish Oaks, the Preis der Diana, the Prix de Diane and the Oaks d'Italia. Other national equivalents include the AJC Oaks, the New Zealand Oaks and the Yushun Himba.
Since 1892, horses have each carried 9 stone in the race. Prior to this, there were several fluctuations, from an original 8 stone 4 pounds, down to 8 stone, then progressively upwards.
During both World Wars the race was run at Newmarket under the title the New Oaks Stakes. The 2014 running incorporated the name of Sir Henry Cecil in its title. Cecil, who died in June 2013, trained eight Oaks winners between 1985 and 2007.
Records
Leading jockey :
- Frank Buckle – Nike, Bellissima, Bellina, Scotia, Theophania, Meteora, Neva, Corinne, Zinc
- Robert Robson – Scotia, Pelisse, Meteora, Briseis, Morel, Maid of Orleans, Music, Minuet, Landscape, Corinne, Pastille, Zinc, Wings
- Susan Magnier – Shahtoush, Imagine, Alexandrova, Was, Minding, Forever Together, Love, Snowfall, Tuesday, Minnie Hauk
- Love, 2m 34.06s
- Snowfall, 16 lengths
- Vespa, Jet Ski Lady and Qualify
Most runners
- 26, in 1848
- 4, in 1799 and 1904