The concept of shorter championship races for younger horses (ie three-year-olds) between 1776 and 1780 – the St Leger, Oaks and Derby in that order – was belatedly picked up by Newmarket with the introduction of even shorter races, the 2,000 Guineas in 1809 and the 1,000 (qv) in 1814.
Sir Charles Bunbury is known for losing a toss of a coin with Lord Derby to determine the name of the Epsom colts’ classic. Bunbury was the most important figure in the Jockey Club for decades and the instituting of the Guineas came under his watch.
As you might guess, the name of the race reflected the original prize money offered. The first 2,000 had 23 subscribers of 100 guineas each, so there was a 300 guinea surplus in someone’s pocket.
The first 2,000 and the first 1,000 were won by Wizard and Charlotte, owned by Christopher “Kit” Wilson and ridden by Bill Clift. Both were Yorkshiremen, but from very different ends of the social spectrum. The now-forgotten Clift won thirteen classics, including five Derbys. He was the first jockey to win all five classics.
The 2,000 wasn’t immediately and consistently successful, for it attracted only two runners in 1829 and 1830. However, Bay Middleton’s 1836 victory preceded success in the Derby and a perfect six wins from six starts – and in the 1840s he was twice the leading sire. The prestige of the 2,000 improved from then.
The Derby may have lost a little of its lustre over the years in the face of international competition and a series of winners failing to perform afterwards, but the 2,000 Guineas continues to be as highly regarded as ever.
Sources include:
The Heath & Horse (Oldrey, Cox & Nash)
Racecourses on the Flat (John Tyrrel)
Newmarket (Laura Thompson)