Established way back in 1876, the July Cup was initially run at Group 2 level but was upgraded to its current Group 1 status in 1978.
Staged on the final day of the July Course’s crucial July Meeting at Newmarket, this event is run over six furlongs and features some of the top sprinters in Europe, with those aged three and over able to compete.
At £500,000 in total prize money, the July Cup is one of the most valuable races anywhere in Britain, winners tending to be crowned as ‘champion sprinter’ in Europe and it forms part of the Global Sprint Challenge alongside such events as the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai along with the King’s Stand and Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Since becoming a Group One race in 1978, winners of this contest have including sprinting legends Cadeaux Genereux, Stravinsky, Mozart, Oasis Dream, Starspangledbanner and Harry Angel.