Definition
The 2006 1000 Guineas refers to the 193rd running of the 1000 Guineas Stakes, a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain for three‑year‑old fillies, held on 6 May 2006 at Newmarket Racecourse.
Overview
- Date: 6 May 2006
- Venue: Newmarket Racecourse, Rowley Mile course, England
- Distance: 1 mile (1,609 metres) on a straight turf track
- Eligibility: Three‑year‑old thoroughbred fillies
- Purse: Approximately £300,000 (total prize money)
- Field: 13 runners entered; 12 started the race after one withdrawal.
- Result: The race was won by Speciosa (trained by Mick Channon, ridden by Michael Kinane) in a time of 1:38.53. The second place went to Megalodon and third to Fragrant Mac.
The 1000 Guineas is one of the five British Classic races and, together with the 2000 Guineas, forms the first leg of the English Triple Crown for fillies and colts respectively. The 2006 edition was noted for a relatively fast early pace and a decisive finishing sprint by Speciosa, who secured a one‑length victory.
Etymology/Origin
The title “1000 Guineas” derives from the original prize fund when the race was inaugurated in 1814; the winner’s purse was 1,000 guineas (a guinea being a former British gold coin worth 21 shillings). The term has persisted despite the abolition of the guinea as currency.
Characteristics
- Classification: Group 1 (the highest level of flat racing in Europe).
- Course Layout: Straight mile on the Rowley Mile track, allowing for an uninterrupted sprint finish.
- Surface: Turf, with the going (track condition) reported as ‘Good to Firm’ on race day.
- Weight Assignment: All entries carry a set weight of 9 st 2 lb (58 kg), in accordance with classic race conditions for three‑year‑old fillies.
- Historical Significance: Winning the 1000 Guineas is considered a major achievement, often influencing breeding value and future race planning for the victorious filly.
Related Topics
- 1000 Guineas Stakes – the overall historic race of which the 2006 running is a specific instance.
- British Classic Races – a series of five prestigious races for three‑year‑olds, including the 2000 Guineas, Derby, Oaks, and St Leger.
- Newmarket Racecourse – the venue for the 1000 Guineas and a central hub of British flat racing.
- Speciosa (horse) – the 2006 winner, a bay filly foaled in 2003, later retired to broodmare duties.
- Mick Channon – trainer of Speciosa, a former professional footballer turned racehorse trainer.
- 2006 flat racing season in Great Britain – the broader context of the year’s racing calendar.