In the spring of 1771, as Captain Cook approached the end of his first journey around the globe, the inaugural Craven meeting took place on Newmarket Heath. This event, which has now spanned 250 years, predates many classic races and even features the remarkable horse Potoooooooo, who gained his name from a stable boy’s confusion over the spelling of “potatoes,” on its list of winners in 1782. The Craven meeting on the Rowley Mile marks the beginning of the Flat racing season each year, symbolizing the arrival of spring in the racing calendar.
“It’s what keeps everyone motivated,” remarked Jason Singh, marketing director at the renowned bloodstock auction house Tattersalls, during a recent event. He spoke from the perspective of both a breeder and a racehorse owner. “Each year, at this time, there is a sense of hope that the next horse will become a superstar, and until proven otherwise, it remains possible. Optimism is essential in horse racing; if one were to take a realistic perspective, they wouldn’t own a racehorse at all. The start of the Flat season is filled with high hopes and dreams, as everyone anticipates what the season may bring.”
The excitement begins each year on Monday, when numerous juvenile horses participate in training sessions—referred to as “breezing”—at the racecourse ahead of their sale at Tattersalls’ Breeze-Up Sale scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Although this year’s sales did not reach the heights of last year’s record-breaking figures, 117 lots were sold at an average price of £141,000, resulting in a total of £16.5 million in potential earnings.
Stuart Williams, who manages a 50-horse stable located just under two miles from the racecourse, exemplified the Craven spirit after achieving victory in the Nell Gwyn Stakes, a preparatory race for the upcoming 1,000 Guineas, with a longshot named Azleet. “Opportunities to train horses of this caliber don’t come often, so why not aim for the Guineas?” he stated.
Following the Wood Ditton Stakes on Thursday, John Warren, who has served as racing manager to the royal family for 25 years, also allowed himself to indulge in some hopeful speculation. The Wood Ditton Stakes is particularly significant for aspiring racehorses, as it is exclusively open to unraced three-year-olds. This year’s winner, Portcullis, trained by John Gosden, showcased impressive talent, reminiscent of the best in recent history.
Portcullis, who was bred by King Charles and donned the royal colors, is the product of a breeding plan initiated by the late Queen Elizabeth II, involving his mother, Castle Lady, and the esteemed stallion Frankel. Like many competitors in Thursday’s race, he appeared inexperienced at first but quickly adapted, crossing the finish line nearly six lengths ahead of the runner-up.
“He seems naturally gifted, which is encouraging,” Warren commented. “This is truly a collaborative achievement between the late queen and the current king and queen. The excitement lies in the fact that we are just at the beginning of what could be a remarkable journey. When a horse is bred and trained like this, and is in capable hands, the potential is immense. Ryan [Moore, the jockey] mentioned that the horse exuded bravery, which reflects the confidence he has in him.”
“I’m delighted for the king and queen, as they are deriving immense joy from their horses, perhaps even more than I anticipated. I always believed the queen would enjoy it, but I thought the king might be preoccupied with other responsibilities.”
There is ample time between the Craven meeting and Royal Ascot for Portcullis to compete again, and anticipation for his next race will be high. Meanwhile, there is clarity regarding the future of Gosden’s other winner of the day, Oxagon, who is set to participate in the 2,000 Guineas on May 2, over the same track and distance.
The 2,000 Guineas remains the only British Classic that has eluded Gosden throughout his illustrious 43-year training career, with past disappointments like Field Of Gold, last year’s Craven winner and a strong contender for this year’s Guineas, who finished just half a length behind in the race. “I’m not troubled by the fact that I’ve never won it,” he stated. “Many assume it keeps me awake at night.” Nevertheless, Gosden remains among the hopefuls as the 2026 Craven meeting concluded.
