The 2025 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park is set to reach a new pinnacle, with the prize fund now standing at an impressive £1 million. This significant boost cements the race’s position as a landmark event in the British Flat racing season and marks a historic moment for Sandown Park, which will host its richest race ever on Saturday, July 5th.
Renowned for its challenging one mile and two furlongs course, the Coral-Eclipse traditionally draws a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising younger horses, making it a crucial test of versatility and class. The increase in stakes is expected to draw an even stronger field from across the continent, with elite equine athletes vying for glory and a share of the enhanced prize pot.
Adding to the international appeal of the event, two automatic spots in the starting line-up have been reserved for the winners of two major French classics—the Prix du Jockey Club and Prix de Diane—both taking place in Chantilly this June. These wildcard invitations serve to elevate the race’s prestige and offer French-trained contenders a direct route to compete on British turf.
This milestone uplift in prize money stems from the strengthened alliance between Coral and The Jockey Club, reflecting a mutual vision to raise the Coral-Eclipse’s stature even further. With five decades of sponsorship, Coral continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to this iconic race, having been an integral part of its growth and evolution since 1976.
The Coral-Eclipse has long been a stage for excellence, producing winners of extraordinary calibre. Horses like Sea The Stars, Golden Horn, and Enable have etched their names into its illustrious history. Last year’s victor, City Of Troy, upheld the race’s legacy by sharing top honours in the global rankings, further underlining the Eclipse’s significance on the world stage.
Notably, Aidan O’Brien remains a dominant force in the Eclipse’s narrative, having trained the winner on eight occasions. His insights into the race highlight its value in shaping the trajectory of three-year-olds as they face older rivals, often defining their future impact in the sport.
The increased financial incentive and the inclusion of wildcard entries are expected to entice leading connections from across Europe, particularly from France, where the race is already held in high regard. The opportunity to showcase talent in an international setting while competing against the best over a middle distance adds immense appeal.
Coral’s public relations team has expressed deep pride in their enduring association with the Eclipse, emphasizing the unique nature of their sponsorship—the longest-standing in the Group race calendar globally. This year’s 50th anniversary further enriches the story of Coral’s involvement, coinciding with Sandown Park’s own 150th birthday, making it a double celebration of heritage and progress.
The 2025 edition of the Coral-Eclipse promises to be a landmark event, blending tradition with renewed ambition. With entries set to be unveiled on May 6th, anticipation is building for what is sure to be a spectacular showdown at Sandown Park, reflecting the race’s ever-growing prominence on the international racing scene.
