The Oh So Sharp Stakes, held annually at Newmarket Racecourse during the renowned Cambridgeshire Meeting, is one of the most important events in the UK horse racing calendar.
Named after the legendary Oh So Sharp, the 1985 Fillies’ Triple Crown winner, this Group 3 race is a must-watch for enthusiasts and punters alike. Open exclusively to two-year-old fillies, it provides a thrilling spectacle over a challenging distance of seven furlongs (1,408 metres).
Newmarket, often referred to as the “home of flat racing”, is the ideal stage for such an esteemed contest. The race frequently serves as a proving ground for young fillies with future aspirations in higher-class races. As such, it holds a unique position within the autumn flat season and is critical in assessing future prospects for the top-class three-year-old contests.
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The Importance of the Oh So Sharp Stakes
The Oh So Sharp Stakes is much more than just another race for juvenile fillies. This race attracts some of the best two-year-old fillies in Britain and beyond, giving racing fans an early glimpse of potential stars of the future. Many fillies that perform well in the Oh So Sharp Stakes go on to participate in significant Group 1 races the following season, including the prestigious 1,000 Guineas.
The race is a vital part of the Cambridgeshire Meeting, one of Newmarket’s key events. The meeting, set in the heart of the autumn flat racing season, showcases a number of high-profile races, but few are as exciting or have such future implications as the Oh So Sharp Stakes.
Oh So Sharp Stakes Previous Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Miss France | Mickael Barzalona | André Fabre |
| 2014 | Local Time | James Doyle | Saeed bin Suroor |
| 2015 | First Victory | William Buick | Saeed bin Suroor |
| 2016 | Poet’s Vanity | Oisin Murphy | Andrew Balding |
| 2017 | Altyn Orda | Andrea Atzeni | Roger Varian |
| 2018 | Mot Juste | William Buick | Roger Varian |
| 2019 | Rose Of Kildare | Joe Fanning | Mark Johnston |
| 2020 | Saffron Beach | Adam Kirby | Jane Chapple-Hyam |
| 2021 | Fast Attack | James Doyle | Simon & Ed Crisford |
| 2022 | Midnight Mile | Oisin Orr | Richard Fahey |
| 2023 | Dance Sequence | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
Oh So Sharp Stakes Previous Result
Check out this result from Newmarket Racecourse:
A Stepping Stone to Stardom
For racing fans, punters, and owners alike, the Oh So Sharp Stakes represents an exciting opportunity to witness the early steps of fillies that could well become racing legends. As a Group 3 race, it might not have the fame of some of the higher-grade contests, but it has consistently produced fillies that go on to achieve Group 1 success. Horses that perform well at Newmarket in October often demonstrate versatility, stamina, and speed—qualities needed to succeed in future races.
This race is also a key point for trainers and owners in shaping the careers of their horses. Winning or placing in the Oh So Sharp Stakes can propel a horse’s reputation, increasing its value and giving it more opportunities to compete in elite company.
FAQs About the Oh So Sharp Stakes
1. What is the Oh So Sharp Stakes?
The Oh So Sharp Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race run at Newmarket Racecourse over a distance of seven furlongs. It is open to two-year-old fillies and is part of the prestigious Cambridgeshire Meeting.
2. Why is the race named Oh So Sharp?
The race is named after Oh So Sharp, the famous filly who won the Fillies’ Triple Crown in 1985, claiming the 1,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks, and St Leger Stakes in a single season—a remarkable achievement in British horse racing history.
3. What makes the Oh So Sharp Stakes important?
The race provides an early look at promising two-year-old fillies, many of whom go on to contest in major Group 1 races the following season. It serves as a key stepping stone in the development of juvenile fillies.
4. When is the Oh So Sharp Stakes held?
The Oh So Sharp Stakes takes place annually during the Cambridgeshire Meeting at Newmarket Racecourse, usually in early October.
5. How long is the Oh So Sharp Stakes?
The race is run over a distance of seven furlongs, which is roughly 1,408 metres.
6. What type of horses run in the Oh So Sharp Stakes?
The race is restricted to two-year-old fillies, meaning only juvenile female horses can compete. This race is often used to assess their potential for future high-class races.
7. Has the Oh So Sharp Stakes produced any famous winners?
While no filly has matched the greatness of Oh So Sharp, many fillies who have run in the race have gone on to achieve success in higher-class races. The Oh So Sharp Stakes is frequently a precursor to Group 1 triumphs in the following year.
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Summary of Oh So Sharp Stakes
The Oh So Sharp Stakes is a key event in the British racing calendar, providing a showcase for two-year-old fillies with aspirations for greatness. Held at the historic Newmarket Racecourse during the Cambridgeshire Meeting, this Group 3 race not only honours the legacy of one of racing’s most cherished fillies but also serves as a stepping stone for future champions.
Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or new to the sport, the Oh So Sharp Stakes offers the perfect blend of history, excitement, and future potential. Keep an eye on the fillies that impress in this race—they may well be the stars of tomorrow’s Group 1 races.
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