Criterion Stakes


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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)