Vincent O'Brien National Stakes

The Vincent O'Brien National Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for two year old colts and fillies at the Curragh conducted by the Curragh Racecourse for Horse Racing Ireland.

The Vincent O'Brien National Stakes is run over the seven furlongs. It was first run in 1849 and was won by Chatterbox.

It was originally the National Produce Stakes but then the National Stakes before adding Vincent O'Brien to the title in honour of the great trainer.

The Vincent O'Brien National Stakes was upgraded to Group 1 in 1985.

The race forms part of Irish Champions weekend. The G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes for the babies is on the same card but is for fillies only.

It has been a good guide to the 2000 Guineas the next season with Churchill, Gleneagles, Dawn Approach and George Washington some recent examples.

Lester Piggott and Michael Kinane share most wins as jockey with four while the man the race is named after Vincent O'Brien won it a ridiculous 15 times. Aidan O'Brien has 12 himself and Joseph O'Brien has 3.

In an extraordinary effort, Godolphin's Pinatubo won in 2019 by nine lengths with explosive acceleration shown.

After this race, Native Trail would take out the Dewhurst and as a 3yo was a close second in the 2000 Guineas before winning the Irish version.

The Vincent O'Brien National Stakes was worth €400,000 in 2024.

Notable winners of the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes include Henry Longfellow (2023), Native Trail (2021), Pinatubo (2019), Quorto (2018), Churchill (2016), Air Force Blue (2015), Gleneagles (2014), Toormore (2013), Dawn Approach (2012), Mastercraftsman (2008), New Approach (2007), George Washington (2005), Dubawi (2004), Refuse To Bend (2002), Hawk Wing (2001), Sinndar (1999), Desert King (1996), Danehill Dancer (1995), El Gran Senor (1983), Tap On Wood (1978), Roberto (1971), Santa Claus (1963) and Grand Parade (1918).

The 2024 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes was won by Scorthy Champ from Henri Matisse and Seagulls Eleven.