Park Express Stakes Explained

Class:Group 3
Horse Race:Park Express Stakes
Location:Curragh Racecourse
County Kildare, Ireland
Inaugurated:2003
Race Type:Flat / Thoroughbred
Sponsor:Lodge Park Stud
Website:Curragh
Distance:1 mile (1,609 metres)
Surface:Turf
Track:Right-handed
Qualification:Three-years-old and up
fillies and mares
Weight:8 st 8 lb (3yo);
9 st 11 lb (4yo+)
Penalties
3 lb for Group winners *
* since 1 April last year
Purse:€68,500 (2024)
1st: €40,415

|}The Park Express Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres) at the Curragh in March.

History

The event is named after Park Express, a successful Irish-trained filly in the 1980s. It was established in 2003, and initially held Listed status. The first running was won by Wrong Key. It was promoted to Group 3 level in 2006.

The Park Express Stakes is currently Ireland's first Group race of the year.

Records

Most successful horse:

Leading jockey (4 wins):

Leading trainer (4 wins):

Winners

border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:90%"
YearWinnerAgeJockeyTrainerTime
2003width=150px Wrong Key4width=160px Kieren Fallonwidth=170px Kevin Prendergast1:44.80
2004Alexander Goldrun3Kevin ManningJim Bolger1:51.20
2005Kitty O'Shea3Kieren FallonAidan O'Brien1:51.40
2006Danehill Music3Wayne LordanDavid Wachman2:05.60
2007Ardbrae Lady4Johnny MurtaghJoe Murphy1:55.40
2008Marjalina3Declan McDonoghKevin Prendergast1:55.97
2009Oh Goodness Me3Davy MoranJim Bolger1:47.03
2010Pollen5Billy LeeTommy Stack1:49.69
2011Lolly for Dolly4Wayne LordanTommy Stack1:49.42
2012Chrysanthemum4Wayne LordanDavid Wachman1:47.26
2013Rehn's Nest3Rory ClearyJim Bolger1:56.10
2014Vote Often3Pat SmullenDermot Weld1:49.47
2015Ramone5Shane FoleyBill Farrell1:52.70
2016Queen Blossom3Fran BerryPatrick Prendergast1:46.88
2017Czabo4Graham LeeMick Channon1:48.14
2018Making Light4Leigh RocheDermot Weld1:51.10
2019Normandel5Kevin ManningJim Bolger1:49.31
2020Lemista3Chris HayesGer Lyons1:49.62
2021Epona Plays 4Wayne LordanWillie McCreery1:52.78
2022Mother Earth4Ryan MooreAidan O'Brien1:45.09
2023Insinuendo6Billy LeeWillie McCreery1:50.15
2024Brilliant 3Declan McDonoghAidan O'Brien1:51.68

See also

References