The Race History of the 2018 Matron Stakes run at Leopardstown on Saturday shows the fillies have had a good run of late.
Hydrangea beat the older horses at big odds last year. Can another upset occur in the 2018 Matron Stakes (1609m) at Leopardstown on Saturday?
2018 MATRON STAKES - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Matron Stakes is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for fillies and mares at Leopardstown conducted by the Leopardstown Racecourse for Horse Racing Ireland.
The Matron Stakes is run over a mile. It was first run in 1980 and was won by Calandra.
It is one of two races in Ireland for fillies and mares only. The other is the Pretty Polly Stakes.
The race forms part of Irish Champions weekend.
Originally a Group 3 it was elevated to Group 2 in 2003 and Group 1 in 2004.
The race was known as the Gilltown Stud Stakes when at the Curragh but became the Matron in the 80s.
In the last decade, six fillies have saluted with them taking the last three.
Johnny Murtagh has ridden the winner on three occasions while John Dunlop has tasted most success as trainer with four winners.
The Matron Stakes is worth €350,000 in 2018.
Notable winners of the Matron Stakes include Hydrangea (2017), Legatissimo (2015), Lillie Langtry (2010), Rainbow View (2009), Lush Lashes (2008), Attraction (2005), Soviet Song (2004), Favourable Terms (2003), Timarida (1995) and Kooyonga (1991).
The 2017 Matron Stakes was won by Hydrangea from Winter and Persuasive.
