The 5 Greatest Juddmonte International Winners This Century: Does Frankel Top the List?

Considering it was only first run in 1972, the Juddmonte International at York has enjoyed an incredible rise in prominence to become one of the world’s premier Flat races.

Staged over 10 furlongs on the Knavesmire at the start of the Ebor Festival, it has been won by superstars of the sport such as Roberto, Troy and Triptych , plus dual scorers Dahlia , Ezzoud and Halling. However, we’re focusing on more recent renewals as we pick out five of the best Juddmonte International winners from this century - ranked in reverse order and based on these performances alone.

The 5 Greatest Juddmonte Internationals In The 21st Century

Giant’s Causeway

5. Giant's Causeway (2000)

Aidan O’Brien's ‘ Iron Horse ’ had edged out Kalanisi by a head in the Eclipse and this rematch produced another titanic tussle as the big two battled it out over the final quarter of a mile.

Kalanisi , who subsequently landed the Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Turf, looked to have the edge as he nosed ahead, but Giant’s Causeway kept fighting under Mick Kinane and stuck his neck out where it mattered most to again get the decision.

City Of Troy

4. City Of Troy (2024)

This renewal attracted such a high-class field that it was ranked the best race in the world that year , with the likes of Calandagan , Bluestocking and Japanese raider Durezza taking on the Derby and Eclipse winner.

However, City Of Troy produced a career-best performance as Ryan Moore controlled proceedings from the front before piling on the pressure down the home straight, with his mount gamely fending off the challenge of Calandagan in the closing stages.

Sea The Stars

3. Sea The Stars (2009)

The 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the Eclipse had already been won in impressive fashion and that helped to scare away all but three opponents, but four-time Group One scorer Mastercraftsman was a worthy foe and was backed up by a couple of Ballydoyle pacemakers.

O’Brien ’s ace went ahead over two furlongs out and briefly looked a big threat, but the John Oxx-trained Sea The Stars showed the heart of a champion to find another gear late on and went past to prevail by a length.

Baaeed

2. BAAEED (2022)

Under the expert handling of William Haggas , this late-blooming son of Sea The Stars had cleaned up over a mile with a series of dashing displays and now put his stamina to the test.

Defending champion Mishriff was rated the main danger and he took up the running two furlongs from home, but Baaeed followed him through with Jim Crowley sitting comfortably. When Crowley pressed the button, Baaeed ’s response was immediate and ultra-impressive, as he stormed away to strike by six and a half lengths, extending his unbeaten record to a perfect 10.

Frankel

1. Frankel (2012)

After racking up 12 straight wins at up to a mile , including eight Group One triumphs, Sir Henry Cecil stepped his legendary charge up in trip for the first time on the Knavesmire.

Elite-level victors St Nicholas Abbey, Farhh and Twice Over ensured it would be a strong test, but 1/10 favourite Frankel simply toyed with them as he cruised to the front two out before bounding clear to score by seven lengths.

“You’ve seen it, now try and believe it – Frankel passes his toughest test with barely a hair turned,” cried Racing TV’s Nick Luck.

Betting Odds

2026 Juddmonte International Stakes Betting Odds

*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.

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