The most talented three-year-olds may grab the headlines as they set out in pursuit of Classic glory, but they are just one part of the flat racing tapestry. For many racing fans, the two-year-old programme is equally exciting as the potential stars of the future take their first steps on the track.
In common with all age groups, the juvenile programme caters to runners of all abilities – from low-level maidens and novices to the top-tier Group 1 events. British racing offers five Group 1 juvenile events, all of which offer significant prize money and are essential viewing with an eye to the Classics of the following year.
Four of the five juvenile Group 1s are held at Newmarket, with the Futurity Trophy the only exception. Of that quartet, the Middle Park Stakes, Cheveley Park Stakes and Fillies Mile have much to recommend them. However, the Dewhurst Stakes of October is the pick of the bunch. For those seeking an early sighting of a future superstar, this £500,000 contest has few equals.
Looking at the 21st century alone, the Dewhurst Stakes has fallen to five subsequent winners of the 2000 Guineas and a trio of Epsom Derby heroes, including the star of the 2024 campaign, City Of Troy. It is a race not to be missed!
2024
- 1st - Shadow Of Light EvsF, Jockey: William Buick, Trainer: Charlie Appleby
- 2nd - Expanded 12/1, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 3rd - Ancient Truth 13/8, Jockey: James Doyle, Trainer: Charlie Appleby
2023
- 1st - City Of Troy 8/15F, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 2nd - Alyanaabi 6/1, Jockey: Jim Crowley, Trainer: Owen Burrows
- 3rd - Eben Shaddad 25/1, Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette, Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
2022
- 1st - Chaldean 5/2J, Jockey: Frankie Dettori, Trainer: Andrew Balding
- 2nd - Royal Scotsman 12/1, Jockey: Jim Crowley, Trainer: Paul & Oliver Cole
- 3rd - Nostrum 5/2J, Jockey: Richard Kingscote, Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute
2021
- 1st - Native Trail 5/6F, Jockey: William Buick, Trainer: Charlie Appleby
- 2nd - Dubawi Legend 12/1, Jockey: James Doyle, Trainer: Hugo Palmer
- 3rd - Bayside Boy 9/1, Jockey: David Egan, Trainer: Roger Varian
2020
- 1st - St. Mark’s Basilica 10/1, Jockey: Frankie Dettori, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 2nd - Wembley 15/2, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 3rd - Thunder Moon 11/4F, Jockey: Declan McDonogh., Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
2019
- 1st - Pinatubo 1/3F, Jockey: William Buick, Trainer: Charlie Appleby
- 2nd - Arizona 14/1, Jockey: Seamie Heffernan, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 3rd - Wichita 7/2, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
2018
- 1st - Too Darn Hot EvsF, Jockey: Frankie Dettori, Trainer: John Gosden
- 2nd - Advertise 7/1, Jockey: Oisin Murphy, Trainer: Martyn Meade
- 3rd - Anthony Van Dyck 11/4, Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
2017
- 1st - U S Navy Flag 5/1, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 2nd - Mendelssohn 50/1, Jockey: Wayne Lordan, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 3rd - Seahenge 9/1, Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
2016
- 1st - Churchill 8/11F, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 2nd - Lancaster Bomber 66/1, Jockey: Colm O’Donoghue, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 3rd - Blue Point 8/1, Jockey: William Buick, Trainer: Charlie Appleby
2015
- 1st - Air Force Blue 4/6F, Jockey: Ryan Moore, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- 2nd - Massaat 20/1, Jockey: Paul Hanagan, Trainer: Barry Hills
- 3rd - Sanus Per Aquam 20/1, Jockey: Kevin Manning, Trainer: Jim Bolger