Criterion Stakes
| Class | Group 3 |
|---|---|
| Location | July Course Newmarket, England |
| Inaugurated | 1978 |
| Race type | Flat / Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | Randox Health |
| Website | Newmarket |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 7f (1,408 metres) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Straight |
| Qualification | Three-years-old and up |
| Weight | 8 st 10 lb (3yo); 9 st 5 lb (4yo+) Allowances 3 lb for fillies and mares Penalties 7 lb for Group 1 winners* 5 lb for Group 2 winners * 3 lb for Group 3 winners * * after 31 August 2018 |
| Purse | £78,696 (2022) 1st: £45,368 |
| 2024 | ||
| Noble Dynasty | Nostrum | Witch Hunter |
| Previous years | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| Audience | Jumby | Pogo |
| 2022 | ||
| Pogo | Sunray Major | Ever Given |
| 2021 | ||
| Glorious Journey | Motakhayyel | Duke Of Hazzard |
| 1990-1988 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | ||
| Rock City | Aldbourne | Robellation |
| 1989 | ||
| Zilzal | Russian Bond | Tay Wharf |
| 1988 | ||
| Cadeaux Genereux | Salse | Scarlet Blade |
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The Criterion Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June or early July.
The present Criterion Stakes was established in 1978, and for a period it was classed at Listed level. During the eighties the race was known as the Van Geest Stakes. It was promoted to Group 3 status in 1986. From 2025 it will be run at York.
A previous race with the same name was an important event for two-year-olds. Its winners included Ormonde (1885), Flying Fox (1898), Pretty Polly (1903) and Gay Crusader (1916).