Just ten days remain for racing fans to choose which of five nominated stayers–Ardross (GB) (Run the Gantlet), Le Moss (Ire) (Le Levanstell {GB}), Persian Punch (Ire) (Persian Heights {GB}), Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and Yeats (Ire) (Sadler's Wells)–will join recent QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame inductees Sir Michael Stoute and Sea The Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}).
The horses on the list were selected by the Hall of Fame's eight-member judging panel comprised of experts from across the horse racing industry. It is now up to the public to choose which of the shortlist will enter the Hall of Fame.
Launched in 2021, the Hall of Fame immortalises Modern Greats of the sport, both human and equine, from 1970 onwards. Trainer Sir Michael Stoute and Sea The Stars became the first inductees of 2023 and officially recognised at Newmarket Racecourse earlier this year.
Ardross won the G1 Gold Cup in 1981 and 1982 and also was a two-time winner of the G2 Yorkshire Cup and G2 Geoffrey Freer S. Le Moss was the first horse to win the Stayers' Triple crown–the Gold Cup, G2 Goodwood Cup and G2 Doncaster Cup–on two occasions in 1978 and 1980. Persian Punch won 20 of his 63 races and was third twice in the G1 Melbourne Cup. He also recorded three wins in both the G3 Henry II Stakes and G3 Jockey Club Cup. Stradivarius retired in 2022 with a record of 18 European Group races wins, included three successive Gold Cup victories and four triumphs in the G1 Goodwood Cup. He also won the G2 Yorkshire Cup and G2 Lonsdale Cup on three occasions, plus two G2 Doncaster Cups and a G2 British Champions Long Distance Cup. Yeats is the only four-time winner of the Gold Cup (2006-2009) and also annexed the G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom, the Goodwood Cup two times, plus an G1 Irish St Leger and G1 Prix Royal-Oak.
“It was quite the task for the panel to agree upon the shortlist and this was the most engaged and animated debate we have had so far,” Rod Street, non-voting chair of the panel, said. “This reflects the great affection in which stayers are held as well as how greatness this is measured – either in terms of performance or impact on the sport – both of which are part of the Hall of Fame voting criteria.”
The public vote will close on Wednesday, July 26. To register a vote, visit the Hall of Fame website. Fans can also vote on interactive screens in the Hall of Fame exhibition within the Thompson Gallery at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket.
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