Newmarket Guineas Meeting 2009

Words and pictures by Sara Waterson

The prestigious Guineas meeting early in May sees the first top flight Flat racing of the season, heralding the long-awaited tests of the Classic (3yr old) generation over the historic Rowley Mile in the 2000 Guineas for colts and the 1000 Guineas for fillies – both races now paying six-figure sums in the ‘purse’ or prize money to the winner, a good deal more than their ancient names imply!

Until this moment trainers and owners have been able through the winter to see all their geese as swans, and dream of Classic glory; now comes the moment of reckoning - and an end to the torrents of speculation in the racing press. 

Race Report 2000 Guineas: Finjaan 5 and Ouqba 13 for Sheikh Hamdan pulling up just past the Post by the Head-On Stand, with Ocean's Minstrel 11 (centre) To read a full report of the meeting, please click here
Racing photos The winner of the 2000 Guineas, Sea The Stars, on his way into the PR before the race. To see photos of the racing highlights, please click here
Fashion Fashionistas always flock to the races; this young man bought his outfit on Ebay for a lark! To see more fashion and social photos, please click here