Which race is the classic English contest for three-year-old fillies at Epsom Downs?

The Oaks Stakes is the classic English contest for three-year-old fillies at Epsom Downs.

The race was first run in 1779, five years after the inaugural Epsom Derby. It was named after The Oaks, an estate near Epsom leased by the race’s founder, the 12th Earl of Derby. Its official distance is 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards, or about 2,420 metres.

The Oaks is one of Britain’s five Classic Races, alongside the 1000 Guineas, 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and St Leger. Unlike the Derby, which is open to both colts and fillies, the Oaks is restricted to fillies, making it a key test of elite female Thoroughbreds.

A common mix-up is confusing the Oaks with the 1000 Guineas. The 1000 Guineas is run at Newmarket over one mile, while the Oaks takes place at Epsom over a longer distance and tests stamina as well as speed.