European Free Handicap
| Listed race | |
| Location |
Rowley Mile Newmarket, England |
|---|---|
| Race type | Flat / Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | Bet365 |
| Website | Newmarket |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 7f (1,408 metres) |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Straight |
| Qualification | Three-year-olds |
| Weight | Handicap |
| Purse | £50,000 (2017) 1st: £28,355 |
The European Free Handicap is a Listed flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old horses. It is run over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres) on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket in mid-April.
The handicap for the race is based on the European Thoroughbred Rankings, an assessment of the previous season's two-year-olds published in January.
Records point to the first running of the race being 1929. It was won by top weight Sir Cosmo carrying 9st. The event was formerly known as the Free Handicap. For a period it was backed by the Tote. The word "European" was added to its title in 1981.
The race can serve as a trial for various Classics in Europe. The last winner to achieve victory in the 2000 Guineas was Mystiko in 1991. The last participant to win the 1000 Guineas was Harayir, the runner-up in 1995.
The European Free Handicap is currently held on the second day of Newmarket's three-day Craven Meeting. It is run the day before the Craven Stakes.
Leading jockey since 1968 (8 wins):
Leading trainer since 1968 (5 wins):
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