The Coral Eclipse

Features | 29^th June 2022

The Coral‐Eclipse is one of the sparkling jewels of the British summer racing calendar

A Legendary Race

The Group 1 race – run over a mile and a quarter at Sandown Park – is traditionally the first time the top three‐year‐olds take on the cream of the older horses. It has been won by some of the very best Flat stars down the years and it is named after one of the most influential.

Eclipse was the greatest racehorse of the 18th century. After finishing his career unbeaten in 18 races, he became one of the most dominant stallions in bloodstock history. His influence can still be seen in thoroughbred bloodlines to this day. The race named in his honour has a track record for helping create champions.

Racing greats Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard and Nashwan all lifted this prestigious prize. More recently Derby winners Sea The Stars and Golden Horn have followed up Classic success in Sandown’s top contest.

A Platform For The Greats

Frankel never ran in the Eclipse but his owner Khalid Abdullah’s famous green, pink and white colours were carried to victory by Arc de Triomphe winners Dancing Brave and Enable.

The Eclipse is such a special race and this year’s race on Saturday 2 July is certainly shaping up to be a vintage contest.

The Classic generation is set to be well represented by Irish 2000 Guineas hero Native Trail and impressive French Derby winner Vadeni. The older horses are headed by Mishriff. His wins last season came in the Saudi Cup, Dubai Sheema Classic and York’s Juddmonte International – three of the world’s biggest races.

Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien jointly hold the record for the most Eclipse victory by a trainer with six victories. They are both likely to have runners this year.

With such a great race in prospect it is a day not to be missed.

Sensational Sandown

A bumper crowd is expected to flock to Sandown – one of Britain’s top racecourses – to witness the drama unfold.

Sandown is built for excitement. The right‐handed course has a stiff, uphill climb to the winning line that has seen some of the most dramatic of finishes.

The grandstands sit on top of a steep bank giving superb views across the track and enhancing the electric atmosphere of Eclipse day.

The course is well‐placed as it is located in the town of Esher in Surrey. It is just a few miles inside the M25 so it is served by excellent road links. Being located 15 miles south west of central London it also benefits from comprehensive public transport. Esher train station is situated near the track’s home turn and visitors arriving by rail can enjoy a leisurely stroll across the course to the main enclosures.

It promises to be another spectacular day’s racing with the Eclipse Stakes sure to thrill the Sandown crowds as another champion takes his place in Flat racing history.