The King's Stand Stakes (G1), upgraded to Group 1 for the first time this year, was first run as the Stand Plate in 1837. A field of thirteen older horses went to the gate in this 5 furlong straight sprint for a purse of £250,000 (about $489,200 US). 22-1 Equiano went to the front immediately under jockey Olivier Peslier, while being stalked by 6-1 Takeover Target. Takeover Target challenged for the lead with a furlong remaining, but Equiano dug in and held him off by 1/2 a length in 59.35. It was just a neck back to 15-8 favorite Fleeting Spirit, who broke poorly but closed well to get third place money/
Winning jockey Olivier Peslier said, "He ran very well in France last time and today was the big ambition. The horse has a lot of speed and he travels well. The trainer said he would be better to stay behind and get cover but I said over 5 furlongs he'd be better in front. He was handy and everything went right for him"
Owner James Acheson added, "He was spotted by my bloodstock agent but I didn't think he'd win today. We thought he was more a horse for next year. We bought him two weeks ago and he's going to Barry Hills after today."
