Know as the English Classics they are the five of the oldest and most important English Flat thoroughbred horse races for colts or fillies which are three years old.
For centuries these races have been regarded as the highlights of the English flat racing season, with a win in any one of the Classics regarded as amongst the most impressive achievements in thoroughbred racing.
These are the 2,000 Guineas, the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, Suffork in May, The Epsom Derby, The Oaks at Epsom Downs Surrey in June and the St Ledger hosted at Doncaster, in September.
A colt or filly who wins a Classic race is likely to become a valuable stallion or brood mare.
No horse since the great Nijinsky has completed the “Triple Crown” of Guineas, Derby and Leger.
http://www.english-classics.co.uk/