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A Love for History: The Fillies Who Completed the 1000 Guineas–Oaks Double in a Single Season

Love completed the 1000 Guineas–Oaks double in 2020 / EPSOM DOWNS

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Winning an English Classic is already a feat reserved for very few. But capturing both the 1000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket and the Epsom Oaks (G1) in the legendary Epsom Downs in the same season is a rare achievement that only a handful of fillies have managed over the centuries. Both races form part of the fillies’ Triple Crown — completed by the St Leger Stakes (G1) at Doncaster — and combining these two victories in one campaign requires not only class and speed but also stamina, grit, and meticulous preparation.

Since the inception of the 1000 Guineas in 1814 and the Oaks in 1779, only a tiny group has secured the coveted double, with Love (Galileo) in 2020 being the most recent to etch her name into this elite club. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and representing the colors of Coolmore, the chestnut dazzled with near-flawless performances, cementing her status among the best fillies of her generation.

Before her, names that defined eras include the unforgettable Minding (Galileo), who also completed the double in 2013 for O’Brien and Coolmore.

In 2004, Attraction (Efisio), wearing the Duke of Roxburghe’s silks, achieved the feat for Mark Johnston, despite doubts about her unconventional action. The German filly Kazzia (Zinaad) did likewise in 2002.

Back in 1990, Salsabil (Sadler’s Wells), ridden by Willie Carson and trained by John Dunlop, made history for Hamdan Al Maktoum with a campaign that included a win against colts in the Irish Derby (G1).

Further back, legends such as Oh So Sharp (1985) not only won the first two jewels but completed the fillies’ Triple Crown, a feat achieved only nine times. Trained by Henry Cecil, the Kris filly remains one of British turf’s greatest icons.

Other luminaries in this golden list include Mysterious (Crepello, 1973), Sweet Solera (Solonaway, 1961), Sun Chariot(Hyperion, 1942), Pretty Polly (Gallinule, 1904), and Formosa (Buccaneer, 1868), several of whom completed the full triple crown.

Over time, the challenge of uniting the two wins has grown due to increasing distance specialization and evolving training programs. Still, the 1000 Guineas-Oaks double remains one of the most coveted and admired achievements in British racing — the ultimate benchmark of greatness for the finest fillies of each generation.

Is there a new heroine on the horizon ready to join this select group? Desert Flower holds the answer...