Thousand Guineas
The Thousand Guineas is a Group 1 race run under Set Weights conditions for three year old fillies at Caulfield conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club.
The Thousand Guineas is run over 1600m. It was first run in 1946 and was won by Sweet Chime.
It has been at the mile for all runnings being the Australian equivalent of the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The Thousand Guineas was a Principal Race until graded at Group 1 in 1979.
The Thousand Guineas used to be run midweek but from 2014 was brought forward to be on Caulfield Guineas day thus meaning it is unlikely many fillies would run against the boys. From 2021 it returned to the Wednesday and then in a big move was taken to the end of the carnival after Flemington in 2023.
Despite both races being G1s and a natural progression, Dashing Eagle was the last Flight Stakes winner to win the Guineas before Guelph did the double in 2013 and then Global Glamour won back to back weeks in 2016. Prior to that it was Goleen in 1984.
Those to do the Thousand Guineas/VRC Oaks double in the last 50 years include Miss Finland, Special Harmony, Magical Miss, Northwood Plume, Arborea, Richfield Lady, Tristanagh, Rom's Stiletto, Brava Jeannie and Toltrice. That can't happen now with the new set up.
Half Sisters Atlantic Jewel and Commanding Jewel won the race in consecutive years (2011/2012).
The Thousand Guineas was worth $1,500,000 in 2023.
Notable winners of the Thousand Guineas include Flit (2019), Global Glamour (2016), Guelph (2013), Atlantic Jewel (2011), Irish Lights (2009), Miss Finland (2006), Mnemosyne (2005), Alinghi (2004), Special Harmony (2003), Magical Miss (2001), Dashing Eagle (1996), Northwood Plume (1994), Azzurro (1992), Richfield Lady (1991), Whisked (1990), Tristanagh (1989), Riverina Charm (1988), Magic Flute (1986), Toy Show (1975), Toltrice (1972) and Wenona Girl (1960).
The 2023 Thousand Guineas was won by Joliestar from Kimochi and Skybird.