THE very name of the Phoenix Stakes evokes memories of bygone glories, of stars of yesteryear at a racecourse – Phoenix Park – that is no longer with us. The event was won in 1951 by one of Timeform’s most highly rated horses of all time, Windy City, who scored by eight lengths.

The race long since moved to the Curragh and up in trip to six furlongs, and it has been sponsored recently by Keeneland. Similarly high standards have been maintained, with recent winners having included such illustrious names as George Washington, Mastercraftsman and Caravaggio.