The Royal Whip Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs (2,012 metres) at the Curragh in August.

History

The event was established in 1821, and it was originally a long-distance race for horses aged four or older. It was named after its trophy, a gold-handled whip presented to the Irish Turf Club by King George IV. It was initially one of a series of races known as the Royal Plates. The trophy was replaced by a new whip provided by King William IV in 1830. The event was opened to three-year-olds in 1832. It was limited to Irish-bred horses for a period after the 1860s. The Royal Whip Stakes was cut to 2 1/2 miles in 1925, and to 2 miles in 1936. Its original prize fund of 100 guineas remained unchanged until 1954. From this point it was contested over 1 1/2 miles. The race was given Group 3 status in the early 1970s. It was shortened to 1 1/4 miles in 1995, and promoted to Group 2 level in 1998. It was relegated back to Group 3 in 2013. With its edition in 2025, the Royal Whip Stakes is Ireland's oldest continuously run horse race.

Records

Most successful horse (3 wins): Leading jockey since 1950 (7 wins): Leading trainer since 1950 (13 wins):

Winners since 1977

Earlier winners