Fred Darling Stakes
# Fred Darling Stakes

The Fred Darling Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old fillies. It is run over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres) at Newbury in April.

## History

The event was established in 1949, and it was initially called the Lambourn Stakes. It was named after Lambourn, a nearby village associated with racehorse training.

For a period the race was contested over 7 furlongs and 60 yards. It continued with its original name until 1954, and was given its present title in 1955. It was renamed in memory of Fred Darling, a successful local trainer who died two years earlier.

The Dubai Duty Free company started to sponsor the Fred Darling Stakes in 1996. From this point the race was also known as the Dubai Duty Free Stakes. It used to be run on a left-handed course, but it was switched to a straight 7 furlongs in 1999.

The race can serve as a trial for various fillies' Classics in Europe. The last participant to win the 1,000 Guineas was Lahan, the fourth-placed horse in 2000.

## Records

Leading jockey (4 wins):

* Lester Piggott – Sijui (1957), Royal Saint (1967), Durtal (1977), Millingdale Lillie (1980)
* Jimmy Lindley – Soldier's Song (1960), Anassa (1962), Night Appeal (1965), Highest Hopes (1970)
* Walter Swinburn – Marwell (1981), Top Socialite (1985), Maysoon (1986), Sueboog (1993)
* Willie Carson – Salsabil (1990), Shadayid (1991), Bulaxie (1994), Aqaarid (1995)

Leading trainer (6 wins):

* Noel Murless – Serocco (1950), Refreshed (1952), Sijui (1957), Royal Saint (1967), Sea Lavender (1969), Mysterious (1973)
* John Dunlop – Salsabil (1990), Shadayid (1991), Bulaxie (1994), Aqaarid (1995), Iftiraas (2000), Muthabara (2008)

## Winners

* ↑ The 2016 running took place at Chelmsford City
* ↑ The 2020 running was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
