Doubt we'll see the like of Snowfall from the recent path. Can the 2023 Oaks (2420m) at Epsom on Friday be near as spectacular?
2023 THE OAKS - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Oaks is a Group 1 race run under Set Weights conditions for three year old fillies at Epsom conducted by the Jockey Club.
The Oaks is run over one mile, four furlongs and 6 yards for fillies. It was first run in 1779 and was won by Bridget.
It is the third of the Classic races run each season. It is the second oldest after the St Leger.
Run over the same course the day before the Derby, the Oaks is actually a year older than the Derby. Named after the land near the course, the race was invented at a party on that estate in 1778.
The originator of the race Lord Derby owned the first winner Bridget.
The great Enable won in 2017 and would subsequently win the Irish Oaks, King George VI, Yorkshire Oaks and then the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe.
Leading trainer is Robert Robson with an amazing 13 wins over a 23 year period between 1802 and 1825.
In the last 40 years Henry Cecil and Aidan O'Brien dominated the race with 18 wins combined.
Ballydoyle's Love won the 2020 edition by 9 lengths in a very fast time of 2:34.06. That was nothing compared to Snowfall who won by 16L a year later.
Most wins as a jockey is by Frank Buckle with nine. Frankie Dettori rode his sixth Oaks winner in 2021.
The Oaks (and the Derby) were run a month later than normal in 2020 due to the coronavirus.
The Oaks was worth £525,000 in 2023.
Notable winners of the Oaks include Snowfall (2021), Love (2020), Enable (2017), Minding (2016), Taghrooda (2014), Snow Fairy (2010), Ouija Board (2004), Balanchine (1994), Oh So Sharp (1985), Petit Etoile (1959), Meld (1955), Sun Chariot (1942), Pretty Polly (1904) and Sceptre (1902).
The 2022 Oaks was won by Tuesday from Emily Upjohn and Nashwa.
