Criterion Stakes
# Criterion Stakes

The Criterion Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July.

The present Criterion Stakes was established in 1978, and for a period it was classed at Listed level. During the eighties the race was known as the Van Geest Stakes. It was promoted to Group 3 status in 1986.

A previous race with the same name was an important event for two-year-olds. Its winners included Ormonde (1885), Flying Fox (1898), Pretty Polly (1903) and Gay Crusader (1916).

## Records

Most successful horse (2 wins):

* Libranno – 2011, 2012
* Limato - 2019, 2020

Leading jockey (3 wins):

* Richard Hughes – Trade Fair (2003), Libranno (2012), Producer (2013)

Leading trainer (5 wins):

* John Gosden – Toussaud (1992), Hill Hopper (1994), Racer Forever (2008), Gregorian (2014), Audience (2023)

## Winners

* ↑ The 2020 race was run on Newmarket's Rowley Mile course due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
