Eclipse countdown: four-runner features that didn't disappoint

Big things can come in small packages, so don’t spend too much time gnashing your teeth or grumbling about only four runners being declared for the Coral-Eclipse on Saturday.

The mile-and-a-quarter showpiece traditionally attracts a small field with the last double-figure field being in 2009.

But it still has a glittering roll of honour and this weekend’s clash between Emily Upjohn and Paddington, two equine heavyweights seemingly in prime form, promises to be something to savour.

That is reflected by the betting, with race sponsors quoting Paddington at 11/10 and Emily Upjohn at 5/4.

The other six races on the Sandown card all feature eight runners or more, while all the seven races at Haydock Park’s big meeting have nine runners or more.

Quality over quantity? Here are five previous four-runner Group One races that didn’t disappoint.

2021 Coral Eclipse at Sandown

Winner: St Mark’s Basilica (Evens fav)

Other runners: Addeybb, Mishriff, El Drama.

St Mark’s Basilica had pulled off the French 2000 Guineas/Derby en route to Esher and powered to a three-and-a-half length success over the globetrotting Addeybb, but only after the strong-travelling Mishriff had threatened to upstage him. The last-named faded to finish third. St Mark’s Basilica would go on to complete a flawless campaign by landing the Irish Champion Stakes in another absorbing four-runner contest.

2019 Yorkshire Oaks at York

Winner: Enable (1/4 fav)

Other runners: Magical, Lah Ti Dar, South Sea Pearl

The mighty mare was faced by her old rival, Magical, but again put in her place, having earlier won the Eclipse and King George that season. She would win a record-breaking third King George the following summer, when faced by only two rivals. Magical would go on to win a further Group One races.

2011 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood

Winner: Frankel (8/13 fav)

Other runners: Canford Cliffs, Rio De La Plata, Rajsaman.

The Duel On The Downs between Frankel, who had won the 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes earlier that summer, and Canford Cliffs, seeking a sixth successive Group One win, promised to be an epic. It was memorably one-sided, with Frankel sauntering five lengths clear. He would end his astonishing career unbeaten in 14 races.

2009 Juddmonte International at York

Other runners: Mastercraftsman, Set Sail, Georgebernardshaw

Sea The Stars had already won the 2000 Guineas, Derby and Eclipse, but Aidan O’Brien was unperturbed and took him on with Mastercraftsman, winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes, plus two others. Sea The Stars swept through to win by a length in a record time. He would add the Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to his stunning CV before bowing out.

2000 Coronation Cup at Epsom

Winner: Daliapour

Other runners: Fantastic Light, Border Arrow, Sagamix.

Daliapour had finished runner-up in the Derby and Irish Derby the previous year, so nobody could begrudge him this all-the-way triumph under Kieren Fallon. Fantastic Light did his best to overhaul him but was still three quarters of a length adrift at the line. Sagamix, winner of the Arc in 1998, finished last of the quartet. Daliapour won the Hong Kong Vase later in the year, while Fantastic Light would flourish on the global stage, winning six races at the highest level all over the world.