Group 2 races are fiercely run horse racing events contested by some of the best racehorses in the world.

Group 2 horse races are one tier off the highest-rated horse racing events – Group 1 Races – and they are some of the best and most famous racing events in the world.

Group 2 horse racing events are a test of class with all thoroughbreds running off level weights (unless receiving weight allowance for a 3yo racing against older horses, carrying a penalty for previous success or due to the sex of the horse).

The best-rated horse racing trainers and jockeys fight out in group two races throughout the year in the UK.

In our Group Two horse racing guide, we will list everything you need to know about the biggest and best Group 2 horse races around, as well as listing all the group races within this category.

Find out more about Group 2 Horse Races:

Contents

1 What does Group 2 mean in horse racing?
2 Guide To All UK Group Two Horse Races
3 Summary of Group 2 Races
4 Types Of Horse Races Related Posts

What does Group 2 mean in horse racing?

The term Group 2 in horse racing is used to describe the second-highest tier of flat horse races in the world.

While they are not considered as important as the Group 1 races, Group 2 races are rated as Class 1 events.

It is considered that best horse racing thoroughbreds need to achieve an official rating of 110 plus to be competitive in a Group Two race.

International contenders compete in the competitive UK Group 2 races to try and get black-type status, in the aim to achieve to great prize-money but also added to their value and value at stud.

Guide To All UK Group Two Horse Races

Here is a guide to all the Group Two Races in the UK:

Sandown Mile

The Sandown Mile is a Group Two horse race run at Sandown Racecourse over a 1-mile distance taking place at the start of the Flat season in April.

The race is open to horses aged four years old and older and attracts a competitive field of milers looking to win the first major Group Two prize.

Jockey Club Stakes

The Jockey Club Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse racing fixture held in the UK for horses aged four and up. It takes place on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket in late April or early May over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Jockey Club Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Dahlia Stakes

The Dahlia Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race hosted in the United Kingdom for fillies and mares aged four and up. It is contested on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket in late April or early May over a distance of 1 mile and 1 furlong.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Dahlia Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Huxley Stakes

The Huxley Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse contest occurring in the United Kingdom for horses aged four and higher. It is held at Chester in May and is run over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs, and 70 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Huxley Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Duke of York Stakes

The Duke of York Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse festival hosted in the UK for horses aged three and higher. In May, it is run over a distance of six furlongs at York.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Duke of York Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Middleton Stakes

The Middleton Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race hosted in the UK for fillies and mares aged four and up. It is raced at York in May and is run over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs, and 56 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Middleton Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Dante Stakes

The Dante Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race contested in the UK for three-year-olds. It is staged at York in May and is run over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs, and 56 yards. It is a key trail for the Epsom Derby.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Dante Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Yorkshire Cup

The Yorkshire Cup is a Group 2 flat horse racing event in Great Britain for horses aged four and higher. It is held in York in May and is run over a distance of 1 mile, 5 furlongs, and 188 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Yorkshire Cup Group 2 racing event.

Sandy Lane Stakes

The Sandy Lane Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse event held in the United Kingdom for horses aged three and higher. It is held every year in late May or early June at Haydock Park over just a distance of 6 furlongs. Prior to 2015, the race was classified as Listed.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Sandy Lane Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Temple Stakes

The Temple Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse event held in the United Kingdom for horses aged three and over. It takes place every year in May at Haydock Park over a distance of 5 furlongs. Sandown Park was the site of the first Temple Stakes, which took place in 1965.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Temple Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Coventry Stakes

The Coventry Stakes is a two-year-old flat horse event held in the United Kingdom. It takes place every year in June at Ascot over a distance of 6 furlongs. It is part of the Royal Ascot.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Coventry Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Queen Mary Stakes

The Queen Mary Stakes is a British Group 2 flat horse event for two-year-old fillies. It takes place every year in June at Ascot over a distance of 5 furlongs. Again it is part of Royal Ascot.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Queen Mary Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Queen’s Vase

The Queen’s Vase is a Group 2 flat horse event held in the United Kingdom for three-year-olds. It is held every year in June at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 6 furlongs and 34 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Queen’s Vase Group 2 racing event.

Duke of Cambridge Stakes

The Duke of Cambridge Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race hosted in the UK for fillies and mares aged four and up. It takes place every year in June at Ascot over a distance of one mile.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Duke of Cambridge Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Norfolk Stakes

The Norfolk Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race held in the United Kingdom for two-year-olds. It is held every year in June at Ascot over a distance of 5 furlongs (1,006 metres). The New Stakes was the original name of the race, which began in 1843.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Norfolk Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Ribblesdale Stakes

The Ribblesdale Stakes is a British Group 2 flat horse contest for three-year-old fillies. It is held every year in June at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 3 furlongs and 211 yards. It often features fillies that have run in that year’s Oaks at Epsom.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Ribblesdale Stakes Group 2 racing event.

King Edward VII Stakes

The King Edward VII Stakes is a British Group 2 flat horse event for three-year-old colts and geldings. It is held every year in June at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 3 furlongs and 211 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the King Edward VII Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Hardwicke Stakes

The Hardwicke Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse event hosted in the United Kingdom for horses aged four and over. It is held every year in June at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 3 furlongs and 211 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Hardwicke Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Lancashire Oaks

The Lancashire Oaks is a Group 2 flat horse race contested in the United Kingdom for fillies and mares aged three and up. It is held each year in early July at Haydock Park over a distance of one mile, three furlongs, and one hundred and fifty yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Lancashire Oaks Group 2 racing event.

July Stakes

The July Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse competition for two-year-old colts and geldings. It takes place on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs and is held every year in July.

It is one of the premium sprint races of the year.

Princess of Wales’s Stakes

The Princess of Wales Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse event held in the United Kingdom for horses aged three and over.

It takes place on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs and is held every year in July.

Duchess of Cambridge Stakes

The Duchess of Cambridge Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse contest for two-year-old fillies held in the UK.

It takes place on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs and is held every year in July.

Superlative Stakes

The Superlative Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to two-year-old horses. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs, and it is scheduled to take place each year in July.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Superlative Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Summer Mile Stakes

The Summer Mile Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse event taking place in the United Kingdom for horses aged four and higher.

It is held every year in July at Ascot over a distance of 7 furlongs and 213 yards.

York Stakes

The York Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse festival hosted in the United Kingdom for horses aged three and over.

It takes place every year in July and is run over a course of 1 mile 2 furlongs and 56 yards at York.

Vintage Stakes

The Vintage Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race raced in the United Kingdom for two-year-olds. It is held at Goodwood over a distance of 7 furlongs and takes place every year in late July or early August.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Vintage Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Lennox Stakes

The Lennox Stakes is a Group 2 flat race in GB open to all horses aged three or above. It is located at Goodwood over a distance of 7 furlongs, and it is scheduled each year in July or early August.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Lennox Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Richmond Stakes

The Richmond Stakes is a Group 2 flat competition in Great Britain for two-year-old colts and geldings.

It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 6 furlongs and usually takes place each year in late July or early August.

King George Stakes

The King George Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse contest held in the UK for horses aged three and over. It is held every year in late July or early August at Goodwood over a distance of 5 furlongs.

For more information, check out our full guide to the King George Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Lillie Langtry Stakes

The Lillie Langtry Stakes is a Group 2 flat sporting event held in Great Britain for three-year-old fillies and mares. It is held annually at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs and takes place in late July or early August.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Lillie Langtry Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Hungerford Stakes

The Hungerford Stakes is a Group 2 flat race held in the UK for horses aged three and over. It occurs every year in August at Newbury over a distance of 7 furlongs.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Hungerford Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Great Voltigeur Stakes

The Great Voltigeur Stakes is a British Group 2 flat horse contest for three-year-old colts and geldings. It takes place every year in August and is run over a distance of 1 mile 3 furlongs and 188 yards at York. It is regarded as a key trail for the St Leger Stakes.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Great Voltigeur Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Lowther Stakes

The Lowther Stakes is a British Group 2 flat horse event for two-year-old fillies. It occurs annually in August at York over a distance of 6 furlongs.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Lowther Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Lonsdale Cup

The Lonsdale Cup is a Group 2 flat horse competition featuring in the K for horses aged three and higher. It is ran every year in August at York over a distance of 2 miles and 56 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Lonsdale Cup Group 2 racing event.

Gimcrack Stakes

The Gimcrack Stakes is a two-year-old colts and geldings-only Group 2 flat horse event held in the United Kingdom. It takes place every year in August at York over a distance of 6 furlongs.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Gimcrack Stakes Group 2 racing event.

City of York Stakes

The City of York Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 7 furlongs, and it is scheduled to take place each year in August.

For more information, check out our full guide to the City of York Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Celebration Mile

The Celebration Mile is a Group 2 flat racing competition held in the United Kingdom for horses aged three and over. It is held every year in late August at Goodwood over a distance of one mile.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Celebration Mile Group 2 racing event.

Park Hill Stakes

The Park Hill Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse racing fixture occurring in the UK. for fillies and mares aged three and up. It is held each year in September at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs, and 115 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Park Hill Stakes Group 2 racing event.

May Hill Stakes

The May Hill Stakes is a British Group 2 flat horse event for two-year-old fillies. It is held every year in September at Doncaster over a distance of one mile.

For more information, check out our full guide to the May Hill Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Flying Childers Stakes

The Flying Childers Stakes is a two-year-old British flat horse competition. It is held each year in September at Doncaster over a distance of 5 furlongs and 3 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Flying Childers Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Doncaster Cup

The Doncaster Cup is a Group 2 flat event held in the United Kingdom for horses aged three and higher. It is competed each year in September at Doncaster over a distance of 2 miles 1 furlong and 197 yards.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Doncaster Cup Group 2 racing event.

Champagne Stakes

The Champagne Stakes is a two-year-old colts and geldings-only Group 2 flat horse race hosted in the United Kingdom. It is held every year in September at Doncaster over a distance of 7 furlongs and 6 yards (1,414 metres).

For more information, check out our full guide to the Champagne Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Park Stakes

The Park Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse event held in the United Kingdom for horses aged three or above.

It is competed every year in September at Doncaster over a distance of 7 furlongs and 6 yards.

Mill Reef Stakes

The Mill Reef Stakes is a two-year-old flat race in the UK. It takes place every year in September at Newbury over a distance of 6 furlongs.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Mill Reef Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Rockfel Stakes

The Rockfel Stakes is a British Group 2 flat horse fixture for two-year-old fillies.

It is held every year in September on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs.

Joel Stakes

The Joel Stakes is a Group 2 flat fixture organised in the United Kingdom for horses aged three and over.

It is held every year in late September on the Rowley Mile in Newmarket over a distance of one mile.

Royal Lodge Stakes

The Royal Lodge Stakes is a two-year-old colts and geldings-only Group 2 flat horse race hosted in the United Kingdom. It is held every year in late September on the Rowley Mile in Newmarket over a distance of one mile.

For more information, check out our full guide to the Royal Lodge Stakes Group 2 racing event.

Challenge Stakes

The Challenge Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse event held in the UK for horses aged three and over.

It is held every year in October on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs.

British Champions Long Distance Cup

The British Champions Long Distance Cup is a Group 2 flat horse contest in the United Kingdom for thoroughbreds aged three and up. It occurs every year in October at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 7 furlongs and 209 yards, and it is part of British Champions Day.

For more information, check out our full guide to the British Champions Long Distance Cup Group 2 racing event.

Summary of Group 2 Races

Welcome to the end of our guide to Group 2 races in the UK.

As you can see, Group 2 flat races are run over various distances varying from 5 furlongs up to 2-miles.

Punters enjoy placing bets on the Group Two events because they involve some of the top-rated racehorses in the world battling it out.

Other competitive horse racing betting events you might be interested in are:

Check out our guide for the full list of horse racing fixtures 2024 in the United Kingdom.

Some Group two flat horse racing events are for specific age groups and weight allowances can be applied if 3yo horses are running against older horses, in Group 2 events fillies can also receive a weight allowance when running against colts or geldings.

And something to bear in mind is if you win a previous group 2 race you can carry a weight penalty if competing in another group two event.

If you are curious about what you should wear to the races, check out our page.

Here are all the related articles to the Types of Horse Races 2024: