The Thoroughbred Surplice Stakes, initially known as the Surplice Stakes, was first staged in 1970 over a mile and 2 furlongs for 3-year-old horses. The race was named after Surplice who won the Ham Stakes at Goodwood in 1847 as a 2-year-old, before landing the Epsom Derby and St Leger Stakes (SR 2044) the next year. However, between those 2 Classic successes he contested the Gratwicke Stakes and Racing Stakes at the Goodwood Summer meeting, suffering defeat in both. In 1849 he was made the 6/4 favourite for the Chesterfield Cup, but could only finish sixth. In 1993 the Surplice Stakes, now over a mile, became a sponsored race, in the first instance by Vodafone, but in 1998 it was awarded Listed status and became the Thoroughbred Stakes. A further promotion to Group 3 level took pace in 2012. The race is traditionally staged on the penultimate day of the Festival.
Early history:- The inaugural running of the Surplice Stakes was on Friday 31st July 1970 when Lady Beaverbrook’s Biskrah defeated Hardbake and Bucklebury.