The Cardinal Stakes: A Journey from Chelmsford to Churchill Downs

Since its inception in 2019, the Cardinal Stakes has cemented itself as a prestigious highlight in Chelmsford City Racecourse’s calendar, drawing attention from racing fans and industry professionals alike.

With a prize fund of £100,000, this thrilling one-mile contest for three-year-old horses has fast become Europes’s second-most valuable Conditions race, attracting top-class runners from across the continent.

Originally serving as the grand finale of the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Cardinal Stakes has consistently featured talented contenders destined for international success. Past competitors have gone on to claim major victories in Ireland, France, USA, UAE, Germany, Italy, and Qatar, reinforcing the race’s reputation as a stepping stone for future champions.

Now, in 2025, the Cardinal Stakes offers an exciting new incentive that further elevates its global significance. The winner of this year’s race will gain free entry (valued at $9,300) into the $1 million Grade 1 American Turf at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day. This exclusive opportunity gives the Cardinal Stakes winner a chance to shine on one of racing’s biggest stages, joining an illustrious field of top-tier turf performers.

The 2025 Cardinal Stales takes place on Thursday, April 3, continuing its legacy of elite competiton. With £51,540 awarded to the winning owner, prize money paid up to sixth place, entry fee refunds for declared runners, and financial support for international competitors, the race is set to attract a stellar field once again.

The Cardinal Stakes has a proud history of unforgettable performances. In its debut year, Bye Bye Hong Kong claimed victory under the guidance of Silvestre de Sousa for trainer Andrew Balding. Tracking the leaders before challenging over a furlong out, eventually surging ahead to win in style over subsequent Group-winners Dark Vison and Certain Lad as well as a number of other Listed winners.

In 2021, Fundamental emerged victorious for John & Thady Gosden with Robert Havlin in the Saddle. Fundamental stayed close to the leader before taking command in the final furlong and holding on to secure victory.

The 2022 winner, Dark Moon Rising, trained by Kevin Ryan and ridden by Kevin Stott, delivered a memorable performance. Positioned in third early on, Dark Moon Rising regained second place inside the final two furlongs before powering home in the closing stages. The colt’s impressive display earned him a place in the Dante Stakes at York where he was defeated by 2022’s Derby winner, Desert Crown. Other graduated included Godolphin’s Churchill Stakes winner Blue Trail and most notable Mr Professor won the world-famous Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster.

A vintage year for the Cardinal, 2023 saw Bold Act, trained by Charlie Appleby and partnered with 18-year-old Harry Davies, Produced a remarkable turn of foot. Held back in the early stages, Bold Act charged through the field, surging to victory in the final 100 yards in a thrilling finish. Bold Act and second-place Brave Emperor would go on to the have phenomenal global careers, thereafter, winning 10 stakes races across six countries between them.

Firmly established as a key race at the beginning of the flat season, the 2024 Cardinal made its debut on ITV1 to a viewership of 500,000 people. The running saw Bracken’s Laugh, trained by Richard Hughes and ridden by Finley Marsh, overcome a fierce challenge from Al Shaqab’s Orne and hot-favourite Capulet to overturn the dramatic victory a month later at Chester in the Listed Dee Stakes.

With its increasingly rich history, rising prominence, and an exciting new pathway to one of America’s richest turf races, The Cardinal Stakes continues to define itself as a key date in the racing calendar. As Chelmsford City Racecourse prepares to host this spectacular contest once again, all eyes will be on which contender seizes their moment to make racing history.