Gordon Stakes

The Gordon Stakes, named after the Duke of Gordon, one of the many dukedoms held by the Duke of Richmond, was first contested over 1 mile 2 furlongs when open to 3-year-olds and above. The present-day version of the race was established in 1902 over 1 mile 3 furlongs and 218 yards, although that running was open to 3-year-olds and above, whereas from 1903 onwards it was restricted to 3-year-olds and is used as a St Leger trial. For a period of time it did not form part of the Glorious Goodwood Festival, being run at a different time of the year, but now it is held on the 3rd day of the 5 day Festival.
Early history:- The inaugural running of the Gordon Stakes was on Thursday 30th July 1891 when Lord Zetland’s Patrick Blue defeated Yard Arm and Martenhurst, although the 1902 version went to Osbech, and the 1903 version, which is the present-day version of the race, was won by Zinfandel.
Gordon Stakes 1938 Group 3 1 mile 4 furlongs
Pos. Horse Jockey Trainer Owner
1 VALEDICTORY P Beasley Boyd-Rochfort 3-8st 3lbs Mr Whitney 6/1
2 RADIANT Charlie Smirke Frank Butters Miss Dorothy Paget 15/8 fav
3 DUBONNET T Lowrey Basil Jarvis Mr J P Hornung 2/1
4 FLYON R A Jones Jack Jarvis Sir Laurnce Philipps 100/8
5 SLIP ON Gordon Richards Walter Earl Captain L Montagu 7/1
6 BLANDSTAR M Beary Duller Maharajah of Rajpipla 20/1
7 ST QUINTUS Eph Smith Jack Jarvis Sir John Jarvis 100/6
This race took place on Friday 29th July 1938 and was a subscription race of 30 sovereigns each for 3-y-o. It was valued at £500 (equivalent to £80,000 in 2021). Over Round 112%