You know how punters get lost in too much data or bet blindly? I break down the stats and trends so you can feel confident you’re betting with more than just gut instinct.
2026 Gimcrack Stakes Preview
Established in 1846, the Gimcrack Stakes is a Group 2 race that takes place on the third day of the York Ebor Festival in August of each year. Open to two-year-old colts and geldings, the race is run over a trip of six furlongs.
The race is named after the horse Gimcrack, who won 27 of his 36 career starts, surprisingly none of which were here at York!
Gimcrack Stakes Information:
To see which runners the OLBG racing tipsters are tipping throughout the card that includes this race, head over to the York tips on the day of the race. Do they agree with the runners on the trend shortlist, or are they predicting other runners? You may also be interested in other preview blogs that we have packed full of information. Head down to the Other Principal Races at York Racecourse section for links to these.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites 2026
How competitive is the Gimcrack Stakes market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2009, when the race had an over-round of 110%. The race in 2022 was a race that was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 122%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Gimcrack Stakes, the over-round has been 116%, which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £116 which is bet.
Below you will find the 2026 Gimcrack Stakes Trends. See which patterns have occurred over the recent renewals that you may be able to use for the next renewal. We also have a section that looks at the Gimcrack Stakes Trend Analysis.
These are the top three quickest-run Gimcrack Stakes races over the last 20 renewals:
- Blue Point (1:09.00) in 2016
- Showcasing (1:09.28) in 2009
- Threat (1:09.62) in 2019
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? Over the past 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Gimcrack Stakes next time out, then you would have backed a total of 3 winners. Backing all 19 runners who have been out since their win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -4.92. Ahead of the 2026 Gimcrack Stakes, why not head over to the racing predictions for tips on other races today?
Over the last 20 renewals, it was Blue Point, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, who set the fastest winning time in the Gimcrack Stakes. That runner won the race in a time of 1:09.00 in 2016. At the other end of the scale, it was the combination of trainer James Fanshawe and jockey Jamie Spencer with Sir Gerry who set the slowest winning time; the race-winning time was 1:14.16 in the 2007 renewal.
Gimcrack Stakes Past Winners
Here are the Gimcrack Stakes' past winners for the last 10 renewals. Each row details the race year, the winning horse, and the horse's age & weight. Also detailed are the stall from which the horse came and the total number of runners in the race. The horse's trainer and the jockey at the time of winning the Gimcrack Stakes are also displayed, along with the starting price at which the horse was sent off.
| Year | Horse (Drawn) | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 1:09.79 | Lifeplan (IRE) 2yo 9-2 (6 of 8) 13/2 | Zak Wheatley Declan Carroll (GB) |
| 2024 1:10.78 | Cool Hoof Luke (GB) 2yo 9-2 (8 of 10) 8/1 | Oisin Murphy Andrew Balding (GB) |
| 2023 1:09.91 | Lake Forest (GB) 2yo 9-2 (10 of 10) 16/1 | Tom Marquand William Haggas (GB) |
| 2022 1:10.51 | Noble Style (GB) 2yo 9-2 (12 of 12) 3/1 | William Buick Charlie Appleby (GB) |
| 2021 1:10.13 | Lusail (IRE) 2yo 9-3 (7 of 11) 7/2 | Pat Dobbs Richard Hannon (GB) |
| 2020 1:11.21 | Minzaal (IRE) 2yo 9-0 (4 of 9) 5/2F | Jim Crowley Owen Burrows (GB) |
| 2019 1:09.62 | Threat (IRE) 2yo 9-0 (6 of 12) 11/10F | Oisin Murphy Richard Hannon (GB) |
| 2018 1:10.79 | Emaraaty Ana (GB) 2yo 9-0 (6 of 9) 5/1 | Frankie Dettori Kevin Ryan (GB) |
| 2017 1:11.16 | Sands Of Mali (FR) 2yo 9-0 (4 of 10) 14/1 | Paul Hanagan Richard Fahey (GB) |
| 2016 1:09.00 | Blue Point (IRE) 2yo 9-0 (4 of 10) 11/8F | William Buick Charlie Appleby (GB) |
Where have the winning runners come from?
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the Gimcrack Stakes have been based:
- GB: 20 winners with an additional 34 placings from 175 runners
- IRE: 0 winners with an additional 4 placings from 9 runners
- USA: 0 winners with an additional 0 placings from 1 runner
2025 Gimcrack Stakes Replay
Gimcrack Stakes Trainer Statistics
The leading trainer in the Gimcrack Stakes over the last 20 renewals is William Haggas, who has won the race four times, with those four winners coming from Conquest I (2006), Approve (2010), Ajaya (2015) and Lake Forest (2023). Other trainers who have recorded multiple wins in the Gimcrack Stakes are Kevin Ryan (3 wins), Richard Hannon (2 wins) and Charlie Appleby (2 wins). One trainer has not had the best of times in the Gimcrack Stakes; K R Burke has sent a total of 10 runners to the race without recording a win.
Here are some of the top Gimcrack Stakes trainer statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Trainer | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Haggas | 12-4-7 | +24.00 | +16.11 |
| Kevin Ryan | 23-3-8 | -4.00 | -4.64 |
| Richard Hannon | 7-2-2 | -0.40 | -2.24 |
| Charlie Appleby | 3-2-3 | +3.38 | +2.73 |
| Richard Fahey | 14-1-4 | +1.00 | +2.40 |
| Andrew Balding | 6-1-3 | +3.00 | +1.47 |
| Charles Hills | 6-1-1 | +2.00 | -0.80 |
| John Gosden | 3-1-2 | +0.00 | +1.15 |
| Declan Carroll | 2-1-1 | +5.50 | +2.90 |
| James Fanshawe | 1-1-1 | +4.00 | +2.40 |
Gimcrack Stakes Jockey Statistics
There are two leading jockeys in the Gimcrack Stakes over the last 20 renewals, with both Oisin Murphy and William Buick having won the race twice. Oisin Murphy's winners have been with Threat (2019) and Cool Hoof Luke (2024). William Buick winners have been with Blue Point (2016) and Noble Style (2022).
Here are some of the top Gimcrack Stakes jockey statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Jockey | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oisin Murphy | 7-2-3 | +4.10 | +2.36 |
| William Buick | 7-2-5 | -0.62 | +0.85 |
| Jamie Spencer | 8-1-2 | -3.00 | -2.70 |
| Neil Callan | 6-1-2 | +0.00 | -0.57 |
| Tom Marquand | 5-1-2 | +12.00 | +6.30 |
| Pat Dobbs | 2-1-1 | +2.50 | +1.10 |
| Greg Fairley | 1-1-1 | +16.00 | +9.60 |
| Zak Wheatley | 1-1-1 | +6.50 | +3.90 |
| Daniel Tudhope | 8-0-1 | -8.00 | -7.05 |
| Ryan Moore | 7-0-3 | -7.00 | -4.53 |
2026 Gimcrack Stakes Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): 5, 3, 7, 1, 4, 2, 8, 3, 9, 7, 1, (2, 3, 6), 3, 1, 1, 7, 2, 6, 6, 3
The percentage shown is the proportion of runners who fell under that factor. High percentages are less appealing than lower ones, as you would expect them to do well.
- 20 / 20 (71%) - Highest Won is not G3/LST/Cl2
- 20 / 20 (75%) - No bigger than 16/1
- 20 / 20 (76%) - Not in a G1/G3/Cl2 (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (80%) - Beaten no more -3½l (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (82%) - Off a break of 12 - 48 days
- 20 / 20 (84%) - Not on GS/STD-SLW (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (84%) - Highest Run is not G1/G3/Cl2
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Within the first 8 of the market
- 20 / 20 (85%) - In a field of 4 - 13 (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (86%) - Ran in England (Debut)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - In a field of 4 - 13 (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Achieved an RPR of 79+ (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Not in IRL/ITA/SCO/USA (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Carried 126 - 136lbs (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (89%) - Achieved an RPR of 85+ (Non-Hcps)
Remember to use the trends listed above, along with the York racing predictions, to see if you can find the winner of the Gimcrack Stakes. Did you know that we have an OLBG Betting School section on OLBG? It is a place to help you improve your betting experience with articles covering numerous topics.
Are you already a member? If not, then why not? With over £6,000 given away each month in the tipster competition, why not get involved? Remember, it is completely FREE! So, head over to the registration page to sign up today! If you are already a member, then share your thoughts on the Gimcrack Stakes by adding a tip on the race here.
101 Ways to find Winners in Horse Racing
2026 Gimcrack Stakes Runners & Shortlist
The runners and the final trends shortlist for the 2026 renewal of the Gimcrack Stakes will be added once the final declarations are confirmed, which are usually 48 hours before the race.
Gimcrack Stakes Trend Analysis
✅ The trend factor, which has produced 10+ winners and shows the best LSP, an LSP of +34.38, is when runners had 1 career win with the jockey.
❌ The worst-performing factor that has failed to produce a single winner is when runners had 3 career starts with the jockey; when backing these, the trend shows a record of 0-25.
Here are the most recent winning draws, along with the further placings in brackets:
- 2025: Winner in 6 (7,1) [8 Runners]
- 2024: Winner in 8 (9,7) [10 Runners]
- 2023: Winner in 10 (9,2) [10 Runners]
- 2022: Winner in 12 (9,6) [12 Runners]
- 2021: Winner in 7 (4,1) [11 Runners]
The courses that have produced the most winners of the Gimcrack Stakes are Goodwood and Newmarket (July); there have been a total of 5 winners from each of those courses.
Looking over the past renewals, these are the stallions whose offspring have produced multiple winners of the Gimcrack Stakes:
- Oasis Dream (3 Wins)
- Invincible Spirit (2 Wins)
- Mehmas (2 Wins)
- Shamardal (2 Wins)
These are the stallions whose offspring have not produced a winner of the Gimcrack Stakes despite multiple attempts:
- Kodiac (0 Wins from 11 runners)
- Acclamation (0 Wins from 7 runners)
- Exceed And Excel (0 Wins from 7 runners)
- Dark Angel (0 Wins from 5 runners)
- Iffraaj (0 Wins from 5 runners)
Looking at the winning odds over the last 20 renewals, the biggest-priced winner was Shaweel in 2008, winning for Mark Johnston at odds of 16/1 under the guidance of Greg Fairley. Looking at the runners at the head of the market over the last 20 renewals, there have been 4 winning favourites in the race. Ahead of the 2026 Gimcrack Stakes, why not head over to the best racing tipster page to see what the tipsters are backing today?
Route to the Gimcrack Stakes
Many trainers target races as preparation for the Gimcrack Stakes. These are the races which the recent winners ran in before coming here:
| Info | Last Race |
|---|---|
| 2025 - Lifeplan Thirsk - 1st of 12 (5/1) | British EBF Novice Stakes |
| 2024 - Cool Hoof Luke Goodwood - 3rd of 7 (3/1) | Vintage Stakes |
| 2023 - Lake Forest Newmarket (July) - 4th of 7 (1/3) | British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes |
| 2022 - Noble Style Newmarket (July) - 1st of 9 (4/7) | Watch Live On Racing TV British EBF Novice Stakes |
| 2021 - Lusail Newmarket (July) - 1st of 11 (15/2) | July Stakes |
| 2020 - Minzaal Salisbury - 1st of 10 (1/2) | AJN Steelstock Kentford British EBF Novice Stakes |
| 2019 - Threat Goodwood - 2nd of 13 (11/8) | Richmond Stakes |
| 2018 - Emaraaty Ana Newbury - 3rd of 5 (15/8) | Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Rose Bowl Stakes |
| 2017 - Sands Of Mali Nottingham - 1st of 7 (5/1) | myracing.com EBF Novice Stakes |
| 2016 - Blue Point Goodwood - 2nd of 4 (5/6) | Richmond Stakes |
Other Principal races during the York Ebor Festival
Remember to head over to the York predictions page to see which runner the racing tipsters support in the Gimcrack Stakes. Below are the other principal races that we cover during the Ebor Festival, with links to each race blog and information for last year's winners.
Wednesday at the Ebor Festival
The highlight of the opening day of the Ebor Festival is the Juddmonte International, a Group 1 race with a purse of £1.25 million, which is part of the British Champion Series.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Ebor HKJC World Pool Handicap | Trefor (IRE) 4yo - 7/1 | Charles Hills Kieran Shoemark |
| 14:25 York Acomb Stakes | Gewan (GB) 2yo - 11/2 | Andrew Balding P J McDonald |
| 15:00 York Great Voltigeur Stakes | Pride Of Arras (IRE) 3yo - 12/1 | Ralph Beckett Rossa Ryan |
| 15:35 York Juddmonte International Stakes | Ombudsman (IRE) 4yo - 7/4 | John & Thady Gosden William Buick |
| 16:10 York Ebor Stayers Heritage Handicap | Santorini Star (IRE) 4yo - 100/30 | William Haggas Tom Marquand |
Thursday at the Ebor Festival
The fillies and mares take centre stage on Thursday at the festival in the Yorkshire Oaks, another Group 1 which is part of the British Champion Series.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Lowther Stakes | Royal Fixation (GB) 2yo - 5/2 | Ed Walker William Buick |
| 14:25 York Harrys Half Million By Goffs | Song Of The Clyde (GB) 2yo - 15/2 | Clive Cox Rossa Ryan |
| 15:00 York Clipper Handicap | Bullet Point (GB) 4yo - 15/8 | William Haggas Tom Marquand |
| 15:35 York Yorkshire Oaks | Minnie Hauk (IRE) 3yo - 8/15 | A P O'Brien Ryan Moore |
| 16:10 York Galtres Stakes | Charlottes Web (IRE) 4yo - 11/4 | Simon & Ed Crisford Daniel Tudhope |
| 17:20 York Ebor Fillies Heritage Handicap | Royal Velvet (GB) 4yo - 12/1 | William Knight William Buick |
Friday at the Ebor Festival
The British Champion Series race for Friday at the Ebor Festival is the 500k Nunthorpe over the sprint distance of five furlongs. The Lonsdale Cup is also part of the British Champion Series on Friday.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Ebor Mile Heritage Handicap | Fifth Column (IRE) 3yo - 11/4 | John & Thady Gosden William Buick |
| 14:25 York Lonsdale Cup | Trawlerman (IRE) 7yo - 5/6 | John & Thady Gosden William Buick |
| 15:00 York Gimcrack Stakes | Lifeplan (IRE) 2yo - 13/2 | Declan Carroll Zak Wheatley |
| 15:35 York Nunthorpe Stakes | Asfoora (AUS) 7yo - 11/1 | Henry Dwyer Oisin Murphy |
| 16:10 York Ebor Middle Distance Heritage Handicap | Asgards Captain (IRE) 5yo - 16/1 | Dylan Cunha J F Egan |
Saturday at the Ebor Festival
The highlight on the final day of the Ebor Festival is the Ebor Handicap itself, a stamina-testing class two handicap which carries a purse of 500k.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Strensall Stakes | King Of Cities (IRE) 3yo - 11/1 | Richard Hannon Sean Levey |
| 14:25 York Melrose Heritage Handicap | Tarriance (GB) 3yo - 5/1 | Andrew Balding Colin Keane |
| 15:00 York City of York Stakes | Never So Brave (IRE) 4yo - 7/2 | Andrew Balding Oisin Murphy |
| 15:35 York Ebor Handicap | Ethical Diamond (IRE) 5yo - 5/1 | W P Mullins William Buick |
| 16:45 York Roses Stakes | Revival Power (IRE) 2yo - 13/2 | Tim Easterby David Allan |
| 17:20 York Ebor Finale Heritage Handicap | Dain Ma Nut In (IRE) 4yo - 11/1 | Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore Daniel Tudhope |
Article Contributor Information
We are fortunate to have an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to the creation and maintenance of this Gimcrack Stakes Preview are Andy and James. They both work on the Horse Racing Tips team, overseeing the tipsters and managing the tip settlement, while also creating and managing all the horse racing event previews for Flat racing.
James Banting
Expert Guide
Andy Powell
Expert Guide
Other Principal Races at York Racecourse
Here are some other notable races at the York racecourse throughout the racing season that you may be interested in.
Races in May (Dante Festival)
- Churchill Tyres Handicap
- Jorvik Stakes
- Minster Stakes
- Musidora Stakes
- Dante Stakes
- Hambleton Stakes
- Lindum York Handicap
- Middleton Stakes
- Westow Stakes
- Macmillan Charity Handicap
- Marygate Fillies Stakes
- Michael Seely Memorial Fillies Stakes
- Yorkshire Cup
