DUBAI

GODOLPHIN MILE
(US$1,000,000) Nad Al Sheba 1m Dirt 3-y-o and upwards (southern hemisphere), 4-y-o and upwards (northern hemisphere)

Rose to its present value in 2001 when Godolphin's Festival Of Light was victorious. American-trained Grey Memo took the honours in 2002.  Firebreak gave Godolphin another success in 2003.

AUSTRALIA

TOOHEYS NEW MELBOURNE CUP
(AUS$4,075,000) Flemington 2m 3-y-o and upwards

The highlight of the Australian racing calendar and the race that brings the country to a halt on the first Tuesday of November. A handicap, it attracts crowds in excess of 100,000 and huge betting turnover. The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861, six years after Flemington racecourse was opened. Archer, its first winner, who had to walk 550 miles from his New South Wales stable in order to take part, became an equine hero, particularly after he won it again the following year. The race was won in 1929 by Australia's most famous horse Phar Lap. Since Robert Sangster's Beldale Ball won the 1980 running, the race has attracted plenty of runners from Europe and America. Ireland's Dermot Weld sent out his second winner when successful with Media Puzzle in 2002. The 2003 renewal was won by Makybe Diva.

CARLTON DRAUGHT CAULFIELD CUP
(AUS$2,515,000) Caulfield 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

The Caulfield Cup, another handicap, was first run in 1879 when victory went to Westminster. The British-trained Taufan's Melody was successful in 1998, the year after Might And Power's victory. Australian champion Northerly took the 2002 running while Mummify was succesful in 2003.

CARLTON DRAUGHT COX PLATE
(AUS$3,020,000) Moonee Valley 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

Run a week before the Melbourne Cup, the Cox Plate is Australia's most important weight-for-age race. First run in 1922, it was won by Phar Lap in 1930. Subsequent winners include Might And Power, Rising Fast and Sunline, successful in both 1999 and 2000. Since 1999 the Cox Plate has been part of the World Series Racing Championship. Northerly completed the double in 2001 and 2002. The T McEvoy-trained Fields of Omagh was the 2003 victor.

AAMI GOLDEN SLIPPER STAKES
(AUS$3,000,000) Rosehill 6f 2-y-o

Australia's top two-year-old race and one of the richest juvenile events in the world. Established in 1957 when captured by Todman, it has since evolved with such winners as Inspired (1984) and Danzero (1994). Filly Polar Success came home in front in 2003.

AJC AUSTRALIAN DERBY
(AUS$2,000,000) Randwick 1½m 3-y-o

First run in 1861 when Kyogle won. In the 1980's, Strawberry Road (1983) and Bonecrusher (1986) were just two of the famous victors while most recent winners include Don Eduardo (2002) and Clangalang (2003).

CANADA

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
(CA$1,500,000) Woodbine 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Part of the World Series Racing Championship. Originally run in 1938, its race conditions and distance have changed several times over the years. It was originally open only to Canadian-owned horses and was run on dirt until 1958. Previous winners include Snow Knight (1975), successful in the Epsom Derby earlier in the same year, and Luca Cumani's Infamy (1988). British and Irish trained horses have won five of the last six runnings through Royal Anthem (1998), Mutafaweq (2000), Mutamam (2001), Ballingarry (2002) and Phoenix Reach (2003).

FRANCE

PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE
(1,600,000 euros) Longchamp 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Traditionally run on the first Sunday in October and inaugurated in 1920, the Arc has consistently attracted Europe's equine stars and is widely regarded as the all-aged middle-distance championship of Europe. Among its greatest champions have been Ribot, the unbeaten Italian colt who landed the prize twice (1955, 1956), Sea-Bird II, whose annihilation of his rivals in 1965 was acclaimed as one of the greatest performances ever seen on a racecourse, and Dancing Brave, who devastated a superb field in 1986. Godolphin's Marienbard was successful in 2002 while Dalakhani was the brilliant winner of the 2003 renewal. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

PRIX DU JOCKEY CLUB
(1,100,000 euros) Chantilly 1½m 3-y-o

France's equivalent of the English Derby. Racing was first staged at Chantilly in 1834, and the Prix du Jockey Club had its inaugural running two years later. Recent winners include Peintre Celebre (1997) and Montjeu (1999), both of whom went on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the same year, while the 2002 scorer Sulamani was second in the Arc. Dalakhani, owned by the Aga Khan, was the 2003 victor.

PRIX DE DIANE HERMES
(500,000 euros) Chantilly 1m 2½f 3-y-o fillies

The French 'Oaks', although run over a shorter trip. It was first contested in 1843 and in recent years has been dominated by home-trained fillies. Ellie Lellouche has been successful for two of the past three years with Aquarelliste (2001) and Bright Sky (2002). The Andre Fabre-trained Nebraska Tornado was the winning filly in 2003.

POULE D'ESSAI DES POULAINS
(350,000 euros) Longchamp 1m 3-y-o colts

This race, France's 2,000 Guineas, was first run in 1883. Recent winners include Vettori (1995) and Bachir (2000), both owned by Godolphin, and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Landseer (2002).  Clodovil, trained by Andre Fabre, kept the prize in France in 2003.

POULE D'ESSAI DES POULICHES
(350,000 euros) Longchamp 1m 3-y-o fillies

Inaugurated in the same year as the 'Poulains', France's 1,000 Guineas has been won in recent years by the likes of East Of The Moon (1994), who went on to win the Prix de Diane, and the John Gosden-trained Zenda (2002). Musical Chimes gave Andre Fabre a French Guineas double in 2003.

GRAND PRIX DE PARIS
(500,000 euros) Longchamp 1¼m 3-y-o

For many years one of the highlights of the French racing calendar, the Grand Prix de Paris was inaugurated in 1863 and soon attracted huge crowds to Longchamp, particularly after the legendary Gladiateur won in 1865. Originally run over 2 miles, the race lost some of its popularity in the 1970s and '80s as the best horses were no longer being bred to get the marathon trip. As a result the distance was cut to 10 furlongs in 1986. Recent winners include Peintre Celebre (1997), Godolphin's Slickly (1999), Beat Hollow (2000) and Vespone (2003).

GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD
(350,000 euros) Saint Cloud 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Originally run as the Prix du President de la Republique (first run in 1904) but renamed after the war, this is the season's big race at the Paris track. Among its many classy winners have been Relko, Sea-Bird II, Rheingold and Teenoso. The race also saw the great Vaguely Noble suffer his only defeat as a three-year-old. Ange Gabriel did the double in 2002 and 2003.

PRIX MORNY
(250,000 euros) Deauville 6f 2-y-o

One of France's premier two-year-old races and a highlight of the summer Deauville meeting. Previous winners include Hector Protector (1990), Zafonic (1992), Johannesburg (2001), Elusive City (2002) and Whipper (2003). First run in 1902.

PRIX DU MOULIN DE LONGCHAMP
(300,000 euros) Longchamp 1m 3-y-o and upwards

Named after the famous windmill that is located within the course. Past winners include Ridgewood Pearl (1995), Sendawar (1999), Godolphin's Slickly (2001), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002) and Nebraska Tornado (2003).

PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC CRITERIUM POULICHES
(250,000 euros) Longchamp 1m 2-y-o fillies

France's top two-year-old fillies' race, run on the Arc de Triomphe card. Won in the past by the likes of Salsabil (1989), Shadayid (1990), Loving Claim (1997), Six Perfections (2002) and Denebola (2003).

PRIX DE L'ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP
(200,000 euros) Longchamp 5f 2-y-o and upwards

The top sprint race in France. Won twice by Committed in the 1980s and by Lochsong in the 1990s while the Japanese-trained Agnes World was successful in 1999. Patavellian came home in front in 2003.

PRIX JACQUES LE MAROIS
(500,000 euros) Deauville 1m 3-y-o and upwards

One of the top European mile races, with such winners as Sayyedati (1993), Spinning World (1996, 1997) and Godolphin's Dubai Millennium (1999).

PRIX LUPIN
(150,000 euros) Longchamp 1m 2½f 3-y-o

A spring trial for the Prix du Jockey Club. Horses of the quality of Hernando (1993), Helissio (1996) and Croco Rouge (1998) have been successful while Dalakhani was triumphant in 2003.

GERMANY

GROSSER BUGATTI PREIS
(870,000 euros) Baden-Baden 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Historic middle-distance race, run in 2002 for the 130th time and won by Godolphin's Marienbard, who went on to land the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Godolphin's Mamool followed in Marienbard's footsteps in 2003. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

BMW DEUTSCHES DERBY
(410,000 euros) Hamburg 1½m 3-y-o

Germany's leading race and the target for the country's top three-year-olds. Recent winners include Samun (2000), Boreal (2001), Next Desert (2002) and Dai Jin (2003).

WESTLB - DEUTSCHLAND PREIS
(205,000 euros) Dusseldorf 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Another contest picked up by Godolphin's Marienbard last season and won two years earlier by the Godolphin horse Mutafaweq, who went on to win the Canadian International Stakes.

DEUTSCHE POST EURO EXPRESS PREIS VON EUROPA
(260,000 euros) Cologne 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

First staged in 1963, and one of the country's richest races, the Preis Von Europa was won three times by the Russian champion Anilin. More recently, Monsun won in consecutive years in 1993 and 1994 while Godolphin's Kutub and Mamool were successful in 2001 and 2003 respectively.


HONG KONG

HONG KONG CUP
(HK$18,000,000) Sha Tin 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

Locally-trained Precision caused an upset in the 16th running of the Hong Kong Cup in 2002, beating German-trained Paolini. The race was given Group One status in 1999 and in 2002 became the richest race in the world. French raider Jim And Tonic won in 1999, Godolphin's Fantastic Light was successful in 2000 and in 2001 Agnes Digital scored for Japan. The Luca Cumani-trained Falbrav, was the impressive winner of the 2003 renewal. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

HONG KONG MILE
(HK$14,000,000) Sha Tin 1m 3-y-o and upwards

A home victory came last year via Olympic Express, who was a neck better than Electric Unicorn. The two other runnings as a Group One saw New Zealand's Sunline triumph in 2000 and the Japanese-trained Eishin Preston succeed in 2001. Lucky Owners, the Hong Kong based runner, was successful in 2003.

HONG KONG VASE
(HK$14,000,000) Sha Tin 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

The French had a one-two in the Hong Kong Vase in 2002 with Ange Gabriel beating Aquarelliste. Founded in 1994, it became a Group One race in 2000, the year that the British-trained Daliapour was successful. The 2001 victor was Stay Gold from Japan. Vallee Enchantee, the only filly in the 14-horse field prevailed in the 2003 event.

HONG KONG SPRINT
(HK$10,000,000) Sha Tin 5f 3-y-o and upwards

The fourth running in 2002, the first as a Group One contest, went to All Thrills Too from Hong Kong. The previous winners were Fairy King Prawn in 1999, Favelon (2000, 2001) and Silent Witness in 2003.

AUDEMAR PIGUET QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES
(HK$14,000,000) Sha Tin 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

The French globetrotter Jim And Tonic won in 1999, with the home-trained Industrialist coming good in 2000. Silvano, trained in Germany, was successful in 2001, the year it attained Group One status, and Eishin Preston gave Japan victory in both 2002 and 2003. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.


IRELAND

BUDWEISER IRISH DERBY
(1,300,000 euros) Curragh 1½m 3-y-o

First run in 1866, originally over 1¾ miles, Ireland's equivalent to the Epsom Derby did not become a level weights race until after 1945. When first sponsored in 1962, it became more valuable than the Epsom Classic and for a while, after Budweiser started their sponsorship in 1986, it was the most valuable Classic in Europe. Five colts in the last 13 years have pulled off the Epsom-Curragh double, most recently High Chaparral last year. Epsom third Alamshar defeated French Derby winner Dalakhani in 2003. Godolphin's Balanchine struck for the fillies in 1994.

DARLEY IRISH OAKS
(400,000 euros) Curragh 1½m 3-y-o fillies

In the last 10 years only Henry Cecil's Ramruma (1999) has won both the English and Irish Oaks. Other recent winners of the Irish race, first run in 1895, include Winona (1998), Petrushka (2000) and Vintage Tipple (2003).

IRISH FIELD ST LEGER
(300,000 euros) Curragh 1¾m 3-y-o and upwards

First staged in 1915, and opened to older horses in 1983. In the 1990s Vintage Crop, Oscar Schindler and Godolphin's Kayf Tara all won the race twice.

ENTENMANN'S IRISH 1,000 GUINEAS
(400,000 euros) Curragh 1m 3-y-o fillies

British trainers have won this race three times in the last four years with Hula Angel (1999), Crimplene (2000) and Gossamer (2002). First run in 1922. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Yesterday prevailed in 2003.

ENTENMANN'S IRISH 2,000 GUINEAS
(400,000 euros) Curragh 1m 3-y-o

Aidan O'Brien trained the first three home last year, headed by Rock Of Gibraltar, who was earlier successful in the British equivalent. He was the first colt to land the double since Rodrigo De Triano in 1992. The race was first staged in 1921. Bachir won for Godolphin in 2000 and British raider Indian Haven triumphed in 2003.

IRELAND THE FOOD ISLAND IRISH CHAMPION STAKES
(1,000,000 euros) Leopardstown 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

First run at Phoenix Park in 1984, when won by Sadler's Wells, its subsequent winners included Triptych (1987) and Indian Skimmer (1988). The race moved to its current home in 1991 and recent winners include Pilsudski (1997), Daylami (1999), Fantastic Light (2001), Grandera (2002) - the last three owned by Godolphin and High Chaparral (2003). Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

DUNNES STORES NATIONAL STAKES
(300,000 euros) Curragh 7f 2-y-o

Ireland's top two-year-old contest, it was run over a mile between 1997-2000. Recent winners include Sinndar (1999), Hawk Wing (2001), Refuse To Bend (2002) and One Cool Cat in 2003.

HEINZ '57' PHOENIX STAKES
(300,000 euros) Leopardstown 6f 2-y-o

Like the Irish Champion Stakes, this contest was originally staged at Phoenix Park. First run in 1970, and a 5-furlong race until 1982, recent winners include Minardi (2000) and Johannesburg (2001).

ITALY

DERBY ITALIANO
(1,025,000 euros) Capannelle 1½m 3-y-o

Run at the Rome course since 1881, the Derby Italiano was won no fewer than 22 times in the first half of the last century by Federico Tesio. Godolphin has won the Classic twice, with Central Park in 1998 and Mukhalif the following year. German raider Osorio was successful in 2003.

PREMIO PRESIDENTE DELLA REPUBBLICA
(570,000 euros) Capannelle 1¼m 4-y-o and upwards

Even older than the Derby Italiano, and first run in 1878. Last year's winner, the home-trained Falbrav, is regarded as his country's best middle-distance horse in the past decade while British raider Rakti triumphed in 2003.

OAKS D'ITALIA
(440,000 euros) San Siro 1m 3f 3-y-o fillies

British-trained fillies Zomoradah (1998) and Zanzibar (2001) have won this race in the past six years, a period which has also seen three victories for German raiders including Meridiana who won in 2003.

JAPAN

JAPAN CUP
(476,000,000 yen) Tokyo 1m 3f 3-y-o and upwards

Part of the World Series Racing Championship. Japan's top race, founded in 1981. Jupiter Island in 1986, Singspiel in 1996 and Pilsudski in 1997 were trained in Britain while Lando (1995) came from Germany and Falbrav (2002) from Italy. Top home-trained winners were El Condor Pasa (1998), T M Opera (2000), Jungle Pocket (2001) and Tap Dance City (2003).

JAPAN CUP DIRT
(248,000,000 yen) Tokyo 1m 1f Dirt 3-y-o and upwards

A more recent race, the Japan Cup Dirt was first run in 2000 when Wing Arrow won, with Kurofane successful in 2001, Eagle Café (2002) and Fleetstreet Dancer (2003).

TAKARAZUKA KINEN
(251,200,000 yen) Hanshin 1m 3f 3-y-o and upwards

Dantsu Flame won by a neck from Tsurumuru Boy last year while 2003 saw Agnes Digital come home in front.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II COMMEMORATIVE CUP
(190,000,000 yen) Kyoto 1m 3f 3-y-o and upwards fillies and mares

The Danehill filly Fine Motion was successful in 2002.

TAKAMATSUNOMIYA KINEN
(179,400,000 yen) Chukyo 6f 4-y-o and upwards

Despite a big field of 18 runners, Shonan Kampf recorded a convincing success over Admire Cozzene in 2002. Believe landed the 2003 renewal.

YASUDA KINEN
(179,400,000 yen) Tokyo 1m 3-y-o and upwards

Admire Cozzene, second in the Sprinters Stakes, came good over the longer distance in 2002 while Agnes Digital was successful in 2003.

SPRINTERS STAKES
(179,400,000 yen) Tokyo 6f 3-y-o and upwards

This went to Believe in 2002, who beat 10 others.

MILE CHAMPIONSHIP
(179,400,000 yen) Kyoto 1m 3-y-o and upwards

Won by Tokai Point from Eishin Preston in a close finish in 2002.

NEW ZEALAND

MERCEDES SUPER BONUS CLASSIQUE
(NZ$500,000) Te Rapa 6f 2-y-o

Richest race of the year in New Zealand which was won in 2003 by King's Chapel.

SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL CUP
(S$3,000,000) Kranji 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

Inaugurated in 2000, the International Cup was given Group One status the following year. Endless Hall (Luca Cumani) and Godolphin's Grandera have completed a double for British-trained horses in 2002 and 2003. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

KRISFLYER SPRINT
(S$1,000,000) Kranji 6f 3-year-olds and upwards

Run on the same day as the International Cup, the Krisflyer Sprint went to French raider Iron Mask in 2001.

SOUTH AFRICA

SUMMER CUP
(R2,000,000) Turffontein 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

South Africa's richest race was reintroduced in 1999, with El Picha winning, after having been first run in 1887. Delta Form won in 2000, Ingleside in 2001 and Eventuail in 2002.

J & B METROPOLITAN
(R1,000,000) Kenilworth 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

The winner in 2003 was Angus, named after Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum's racing manager Angus Gold.

VODACOM DURBAN JULY
(R1,000,000) Greyville 1m 3f 3-y-o and upwards

Ipi Tombe, the sensation of South African racing, beat Angus in the 2002 renewal of this famous race first run in 1897. El Picha won in successive years, 1999 and 2000.


UNITED KINGDOM

THE VODAFONE DERBY
(£1,200,000) Epsom Downs 1½m 3-y-o

The most famous Flat race in the world. Run in June and one of the five English Classics, it was staged for the first time in 1780, when won by Diomed. Irish-trained three-year-olds have landed the prize for three of the past four years with Sinndar (2000) Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002), while Kriskin, owned by Saeed Suhail and trained in Newmarket triumphed in 2003 when, with three £ 90,000 supplementary entries, the race was worth £1,470,000.

THE VODAFONE OAKS
(£375,000) Epsom Downs 1½m 3-y-o fillies

The fillies' equivalent of the Derby. First run in 1779, when it was won by Lord Derby's Bridget. Henry Cecil has trained the winner four times in the last eight years. First-season trainer Andrew Balding sent out the 2003 heroine Casual Look. Godolphin's Kazzia was successful in 2002.

SEABISCUIT ST LEGER
(£400,000) Doncaster 1¾m 3-y-o

The oldest of the five Classics, first run in 1776 (won by Allabaculia). Final leg of the traditional Triple Crown. Bollin Eric, successful in 2002, became the first winner trained in the North of England since 1973. Brian Boru provided Jamie Spencer with his first Classic success when victorious in the 2003 renewal.

SAGITTA 2,000 GUINEAS
(£320,000) Newmarket 1m 3-y-o

First of the season's Classics, run on the opening Saturday in May. First staged in 1809 (won by Wizard). Recent winners are Godolphin's Island Sands (1999), Kings Best (2000), Golan (2001), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002) and Refuse To Bend (2003). Godolphin first won the Classic in 1996 with Mark Of Esteem.

SAGITTA 1,000 GUINEAS
(£320,000) Newmarket 1m 3-y-o fillies

The fillies' equivalent of the 2,000 Guineas. The inaugural winner Charlotte (1814) was ridden by Bill Clift and owned by Christopher Wilson, the combination whose Wizard had won the first 2,000 Guineas five years earlier. Won three times by trainer Henry Cecil in the 1990s while Godolphin has taken two of the last six runnings with Cape Verdi (1998) and Kazzia (2002). Russian Rhythm gave trainer Sir Michael Stoute his second success in the Classic in 2003.

KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH DIAMOND STAKES
(£750,000) Ascot 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Top mid-season middle-distance race, usually testing the leading three-year-olds against their elders (although no three-year-olds ran last year). First run in 1951, its winners include Dahlia (twice), Ribot and Dancing Brave. In 1975 there was a memorable clash between Grundy and Bustino, described as one of the best Flat races ever run. Godolphin has won the race four times in the last eight years, with Lammtarra (1995), Swain (1997, 1998) and Daylami (1999). In 2003, the Aga Khan's Alamshar won impressively. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

EMIRATES AIRLINE CHAMPION STAKES
(£400,000) Newmarket 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

Run in late October, the Champion Stakes is the last major all-aged race of the season. First run in 1877, recent winners include dual scorer Alborada (1998, 1999), Kalanisi (2000), Nayef (2001), Storming Home (2002) and Rakti (2003).

JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL
(£460,000) York 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

One of the highlights of York's big August meeting, the International is a relatively new contest, inaugurated in 1972 when Brigadier Gerard suffered his one and only defeat, at the hands of Roberto. It has developed into one of the top 10-furlong contests of the year, with a list of winners including Dahlia, Triptych, Godolphin's Halling (1995 and 1996), Giant's Causeway, Godolphin's Sakhee, Nayef and Falbrav.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES
(£300,000) Ascot 1m 3-y-o and upwards

Run in September and one of the top autumn targets for milers, the Queen Elizabeth II was first run in 1955. It was won twice by Brigadier Gerard in the 1970s and subsequent winners include Mark Of Esteem (1996), Dubai Millennium (1999), and Summoner (2001) for Godolphin while Observatory (2000), Where Or When (2002) and Falbrav (2003) were other recent victors.

CORAL ECLIPSE STAKES
(£350,000) Sandown 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

First run in 1886 when, with £10,000 in prize-money, it was the richest race ever run in Britain. Another of Britain's top 1¼-mile races, the winners have included Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard and Mtoto, all of whom went on to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes in the same year. No filly won the race until Pebbles in 1985. Godolphin has been successful in three of the last eight years with Halling (1995, 1996) and Daylami (1998). Daylami's victory made history as he beat two other Godolphin horses, Faithful Son and Central Park, the first time that the same owner and trainer had saddled the first three in a British Group One race. The Luca Cumani-trained Falbrav won the 2003 renewal.

VODAFONE CORONATION CUP
(£300,000) Epsom Downs 1½m 4-year-olds and upwards

Run over the Derby and Oaks course and distance, the Coronation Cup was first staged in 1902 when won by Osboch. Recent winners have included two from Godolphin, Daylami in 1999 and Mutafaweq in 2001, while trainer Clive Britain enjoyed his first victory in the race with Warrsan in 2003.

PRINCE OF WALES' STAKES
(£350,000) Royal Ascot 1¼m 4-y-o and upwards

One of six Group One races at the June Royal Ascot meeting. First staged in 1862 and won twice in the 1980s by Mtoto and twice in the 1990s by Muhtarram, it was elevated to Group One status in 2000. Godolphin enjoyed three successive victories, with Grandera (2002), Fantastic Light (2001) and Dubai Millennium (2000), the greatest horse owned by Godolphin, while Nayef was successful in 2003.

ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES
(£250,000) Royal Ascot 1m 3-y-o

The St James's Palace Stakes is a top target for leading three-year-old milers. A feature of the meeting since 1834, the race has been won for three of the past four years by trainer Aidan O'Brien through Giant's Causeway (2000), Black Minnaloushe (2001) and Rock Of Gibraltar (2002). The 2003 victor was Zafeen.

GOLD CUP
(£250,000) Royal Ascot 2½m 4-year-olds and upwards

The major staying race of the season. First run in 1807 and the traditional highlight of Ladies' Day at the Royal meeting, it was won in 2001 and 2002 by the Mark Johnston-trained Royal Rebel and in 2003 by Mr Dinos. Godolphin has had three successes in the last eight years, with Classic Cliche in 1996 and Kayf Tara in 1998 and 2000.

CORONATION STAKES
(£250,000) Royal Ascot 1m 3-y-o fillies

First run in 1870, the Coronation Stakes is another Royal Ascot Group One contest and a mid-season target for leading three-year-old fillies. Recent winners include Crimplene (2000), Banks Hill (2001) and Russian Rhythm (2003).

GOLDEN JUBILEE STAKES
(£250,000) Royal Ascot 6f 3-y-o and up

Formerly the Cork & Orrery Stakes, the Golden Jubilee Stakes was founded in 1868 and promoted to Group One in 2002 when Malhub was successful. The great trainer Vincent O'Brien sent out five winners - Welsh Saint (1970), Saritamer (1974), Swingtime (1975), Thatching (1979) and College Chapel (1993). Australian Choisir created history when landing the 2003 running.

DARLEY JULY CUP
(£250,000) Newmarket 6f 3-y-o and upwards

One of the top sprint races in Europe and run since 1876. Recent winners such as Lake Coniston (1995), Anabaa (1996), Stravinsky (1999) and Oasis Dream (2003) have all ended the year as champion sprinter.

SUSSEX STAKES
(£280,000) Goodwood 1m 3-y-o and upwards

One of the highlights of the Glorious Goodwood meeting, the Sussex Stakes, first run in 1841, is one of the richest all-aged mile races. It was won by Aljabr (1999) and Noverre (2001) from Godolphin and was one of Rock Of Gibraltar's five Group One victories in Europe last year. A poignant win this year for Pat Eddery aboard Reel Buddy as the veteran jockey announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2003 season.

DARLEY DEWHURST STAKES
(£230,000) Newmarket 7f 2-y-o

One of Britain's top two-year-old races, often providing pointers to the following season's Classics. Pennekamp (1994) and Rock Of Gibraltar (2001) both won it before going on to land the 2,000 Guineas. The Dewhurst was first run in 1875. Tout Seul was successful in 2002 while Milk It Mick was the 2003 victor.

CHEVELEY PARK STAKES
(£170,000) Newmarket 6f 2-y-o fillies

One of only two Group One races run in Britain for two-year-old fillies (the other is the Fillies' Mile at Ascot), the Cheveley Park has been won in recent years by the likes of Sayyedati (1992), who won the One Thousand Guineas the following year, and Queen's Logic, the champion two-year-old filly in 2001. The Cheveley Park was first staged in 1899.

SHADWELL STUD MIDDLE PARK STAKES
(£170,000) Newmarket 6f 2-y-o colts

Another important two-year-old trial, first run in 1866 and won in 2002 in course record time by Oasis Dream, named top-rated two-year-old in the International Classifications and who went on to be crowned Champion Sprinter in 2003.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA



BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC
($4,000,000) Santa Anita (2003) 1¼m Dirt 3-y-o and upwards

Founded like most of the other Breeders' Cup races in 1984. The Breeders' Cup Day is unique as it moves around North America each year, being hosted by a different racecourse. Hollywood Park in California staged the first one. Great horses like Alysheba, Sunday Silence, A P Indy, Cigar and Tiznow have been successful in the Classic. Richard Mandella set a Breeders' Cup record when Pleasantly Perfect provided the trainer with his fourth success of the 2003 meeting. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

BREEDERS' CUP TURF
($2,000,000) Santa Anita (2003) 1½m 3-y-o and upwards

Godolphin won the 1999 and 2001 renewals respectively with Daylami and Fantastic Light. Other notable winners have included Pebbles (1985), Theatrical (1987), In The Wings (1990) and Pilsudski (1996). High Chaparral and Johar produced the first dead-heat in the history of the Breeders' Cup Turf to earn a share of the spoils at Santa Anita in 2003. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

BREEDERS' CUP MILE
($1,500,000) Santa Anita (2003) 1m 3-y-o and upwards

There have been three dual winners - Miesque (1987, 1988), Lure (1992, 1993) and Da Hoss (1996, 1998). The great British jockey, Lester Piggott, making a comeback, won a thrilling renewal on Irish-trained Royal Academy in 1990. The French-trained filly Six Perfections was a most impressive winner in 2003.

BREEDERS' CUP DISTAFF
($2,000,000) Santa Anita (2003) 1m 1f Dirt 3-y-o and upwards fillies and mares

The 2002 winner Azeri was most convincing and follows in a line of wonderful distaffers such as Lady's Secret (1986), Personal Ensign (1988), Bayakoa (1989, 1990), Spain (2000) and Adoration (2003).

BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE
($1,500,000) Santa Anita (2003) 1m 1f Dirt 2-y-o colts and geldings

None of the winners have gone on to success in the Kentucky Derby but they include such top performers as Capote (1986), Arazi (1999), Macho Uno (2000), Johannesburg (2001) and Action This Day (2003).

BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES
($1,000,000) Santa Anita (2003) 1m 1f Dirt 2-y-o fillies

Go For Wand (1989), Eliza (1992), Flanders (1994) and Godolphin's Tempera (2001) are just some of the winners of this prestigious race. Julie Krone made history by becoming the first female rider to win a Breeders' Cup race on the Richard Mandella-trained Halfbridled in 2003.

BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT
($1,000,000) Santa Anita (2003) 6f Dirt 3-y-o and upwards

America's top sprint is always very keenly contested and run at a terrific pace. The fastest time recorded by a winner was the 1 minute 7.77 seconds set by Kona Gold at Belmont Park in 2000, establishing a new track record.

ARLINGTON MILLION
($1,000,000) Arlington Park 1¼m 3-y-o and upwards

The World's first ever million-dollar race when initially staged in 1981, the Arlington Million quickly reached international prominence. Won twice in its early years by American equine hero John Henry, who eventually retired with a record sum of prize-money to his name. Recent winners include German raider Silvano (2001), Beat Hollow (2002) and Sulamani (2003) provided the historic 100th Group/Grade One success for Godolphin in a dramatic renewal of this race. Part of the World Series Racing Championship.

KENTUCKY DERBY
($1,000,000) Churchill Downs 1¼m Dirt 3-y-o

America's most famous race. The history of the 'Run For The Roses' goes back to 1875 when the contest, originally run over 1½ miles, was won by Aristides. It is the initial leg of America's Triple Crown (completed by the Preakness and Belmont Stakes), which was first completed by Sir Barton in 1919. Nowadays attracting crowds of up to 150,000, the Kentucky Derby has been won in recent years by Thunder Gulch (1995) and Fusaichi Pegasus (2000) while the gelding Funny Cide won in 2003.

PREAKNESS STAKES
($1,000,000) Pimlico 1m 1½f Dirt 3-y-o

Shortest of the three legs of the Triple Crown, the Preakness was first run in 1873 and was named after Pimlico's first equine hero. Previous winners include Alysheba (1987) and Sunday Silence (1989). War Emblem won the race in 2002 after landing the Kentucky Derby, but failed to win the Belmont in his attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Similarly Funny Cide won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in 2003, but failed to win the Belmont Stakes.

BELMONT STAKES
($1,000,000) Belmont Park 1½m Dirt 3-y-o

Final leg of the American Triple Crown. It has been run since 1867 but only at the current track since it opened in 1905. Among its famous winners have been Man o'War (1920), winner of 20 of his 21 races, Citation, Triple Crown winner in 1948, and Secretariat, who completed the Triple Crown with a 31-length victory. Funny Cide attempted to win the Triple Crown in 2003, but could only finish third behind Empire Maker.

TRAVERS STAKES
($1,000,000) Saratoga 1¼m Dirt 3-y-o

Founded in 1864 when Kentucky was successful. Winners of the calibre of Forty Niner (1988), Easy Goer (1989), Holy Bull (1994), Point Given (2001), Medaglia d'Oro (2002) and Ten Most Wanted (2003) have been seen in recent years.

JOCKEY CLUB GOLD CUP
($1,000,000) Belmont Park 1¼m Dirt 3-y-o and upwards

Formerly run over 2 miles then 1½ miles. The great Man o'War took the second running of the race in 1920 while Kelso won for five consecutive years from 1960. Affirmed was successful in 1979 and John Henry in 1981. More recent winners include Cigar (1995), Skip Away (1996 & 1997), Aptitude (2001) and Mineshaft in 2003.

FLORIDA DERBY
($1,000,000) Gulfstream Park 1m 1f Dirt 3-y-o

First run in 1952. Thunder Gulch (1995) and Monarchos (2001) are recent winners who went on to triumph in the Kentucky Derby. Empire Maker won in 2003 and went on to land the third leg of the American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes.

WHITNEY HANDICAP
($750,000) Saratoga 1m 1f Dirt 3-y-o and upwards

First run in 1928 and has become increasingly important. Last year Left Bank defeated Godolphin's Street Cry, who finished well. The Bobby Frankel trained Medaglia d'Oro was the 2003 victor.

HOLLYWOOD GOLD CUP HANDICAP
($750,000) Hollywood Park 1¼m Dirt 3-y-o and upwards

The legendary Seabiscuit captured the inaugural running in 1938. More recently, Best Pal won in 1993, Cigar in 1995, Skip Away in 1998 and Congaree in 2003.

SANTA ANITA DERBY
($750,000) Santa Anita 1m 1f Dirt 3-y-o

First run in 1935. One of the major races for three-year-olds on the way to the Kentucky Derby. Silver Charm finished second to Free House in 1997 and they went on to be first and third respectively in the Kentucky Derby. Buddy Gil was the 2003 hero.

MAN O'WAR STAKES
($750,000) Belmont Park 1m 3f 3-y-o and upwards

Founded in 1959, Secretariat won in 1973, Dahlia in 1974 and Theatrical in 1987. Godolphin's Daylami (1998) and Fantastic Light (2000) were among the recent winners, while Anticipation was successful in both 2001 and 2002. The 2003 renewal was won by Lunar Sovereign.

CHAMPAGNE STAKES
($500,000) Belmont Park 1m Dirt 2-y-o

A historic contest, having been first run in 1867 when Sara B was triumphant. Plenty of subsequent Kentucky Derby winners have first landed this famous two-year-old race, such as (since 1970) Riva Ridge, Foolish Pleasure, Seattle Slew, Spectacular Bid and Sea Hero.

WOODWARD STAKES
($500,000) Belmont Park 1m 1f Dirt 3-y-o and upwards

First took place in 1954. Bertrando won in 1993 while the great Cigar took consecutive runnings in 1995 and 1996. Lido Palace came good in 2001 and 2002 while Mineshaft landed the 2003 renewal.

Published by Godolphin © 2003