The 2,000 Guineas, which is for three-year-old colts and fillies, is run on the Saturday with the 1,000 Guineas, for three-year-old fillies the following day.

Both races are one-mile contests and are run on the famous Rowley Mile course.

The Rowley Mile is named after King Charles II (Old Rowley), who founded the Newmarket meetings in the 17th century.

The first 2,000 Guineas was run in 1809 and was won by a horse called Wizard.

He was owned by Christopher Wilson, trained by T Perren and ridden by Bill Clift, who were also responsible for the first 1,000 Guineas winner.

She was called Charlotte and won the inaugural race in 1814.

Although the 2,000 Guineas is open to fillies, only four have ever achieved the 1,000/2,000 double.

The last of these was Sceptre in 1902 - she was also successful in the Oaks and the St Leger.

Although the two Classic races are obviously the highlights of the Guineas meeting, there are several other valuable races on the three-day card.

The big race of the first day of the festival is the Sagitta Jockey Club Stakes, a Group Two race for older horses run over one mile four furlongs.

In addition, there is a Group Three race and three listed races.

The festival is always well attended but organisers are taking no chances this year with a giant screen being erected to broadcast the FA Cup Final to racegoers.