TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES DAY FLEMINGTON SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER
FLEMINGTON ONCOURSE EXCLUSIVE SCAN THE QR CODE *Promo T&Cs apply. Only available to TAB Account holders at selected racetracks on the TAB App. WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO LOSE TODAY? SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
1 CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME TAB Champions Stakes Day at Flemington brings the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival week to an exhilarating conclusion. Appropriately, attention is on our champion thoroughbreds, racing at their very best. We also salute their trainers and the skilled and courageous jockeys. Some names today, horse and human, we know and love as established heroes. Others right now are cementing their reputations as new champions of the turf. Without question, this is the grand finale of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Three Group 1 champion races are on offer and run in succession. Each carrying $3 million in prizemoney, to decide the best racehorses in Australia at weight-for-age over three key distances. The VRC Champions Sprint is run down the Straight Six course of 1200 metres, and has a lineage dating back to 1960, with such greats as Vain and Black Caviar (twice) on its winners’ list. The VRC Champions Mile is a 1600 metre contest, and traces it history through such races as the Cantala Stakes, back to the 1880s. And the TAB Champions Stakes of 2000 metres builds on the heritage of the LKS Mackinnon Stakes, previously the Melbourne Stakes, and connects the 1860s. Each race glories in this heritage, but it is all about today. Then add the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes of 2600 metres for stayers, a race won by Makybe Diva the year before the first of her three Melbourne Cups. The Group 2 TAB ONE POOL Matriarch Stakes over 2000 metres is strictly for mares. It was first run a mere 33 years ago. The past, present and future come together on TAB Champions Stakes Day for a great farewell to the 2026 Carnival. After the last, party on with FISHER at The Elms Live Stage presented by Maccas. Neil Wilson Chairman
2 VICTORIA RACING CLUB DIRECTORS NEIL WILSON Chairman MICHAEL RAMSDEN Vice Chairman GLENN CARMODY Honorary Treasurer SOPHIE O’KANE VIN COX NEIL WERRETT MICHAEL SAADIE ALLISON PURDEY ANN PEACOCK PETER MURRAY Chief Executive Officer: KYLIE ROGERS (Secretary in accordance with the Rules of Racing) Acknowledgement of Country The Victoria Racing Club acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which it is based, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES DAY SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2026 VICTORIA RACING CLUB DIRECTORS
3 Stipendiary Stewards: ROB MONTGOMERY (Chairman), KIRSTIE VANDERZEIL, RAYMOND LIVINGSTONE, JAMES HITCHCOCK, ANNABEL MACDONALD & CORIE WALLER Veterinary Surgeons: Dr SINEAD GLEESON, Dr EDWINA WILKES, Dr THIAGO REIS RIBEIRO DA LUZ & Dr STEPHANIE CHAPMAN Judge: PAUL EGAN Starter: PAUL DIDHAM & COREY MALLYON Clerks Of Scales: SIMON PETCH & CHRIS ELKINGTON Betting Supervisor: WAGERING DEPARTMENT Clerks Of Course: SHANE PATTERSON, PETER PATTERSON, BOB CHALLIS & TEASH GRIFFIN Doctor: Dr JOHN McCORKELL & Dr MATT MAIDEN Course Broadcaster: MATT HILL Chief Financial Officer: ADAM FORSYTH Chief Marketing Officer: NIKKI CLARKSON Chief Operating Officer: TANIA ABBOTTO Chief Racing Officer: LEIGH JORDON EGM Product & Innovation: LUKE KINNIBURGH EGM Customer: JACINTA ALEXANDER VRC TRACKS & GARDENS MANAGERS Head of Racecourse: LIAM O’KEEFFE Head of Grounds & Gardens: MICK RYAN RVL RACE DAY OFFICIALS VRC EXECUTIVE Office: 448 Epsom Road, Flemington VIC 3031 Telephone: (03) 8378 0888 Facsimile: (03) 9376 5846 Internet: vrc.com.au Email: customerservice@vrc.net.au Victoria Racing Club Limited ACN 119 214 078 OFFICIALS
4 *Excludes SA residents and account holders. Available once per person on first eligible quaddie bet with min 20% flexi placed online on Rosehill or Flemington races on 07/11/26. Three (3) winning horses must have the same saddlecloth number, to share in the $1,000,000 prize pool. Two (2) winning horses must have the same saddlecloth number, to share in the $100,000 prize pool. Full T&Cs available on the TAB App and website. PLACE A WINNING QUADDIE IF THREE WINNING SADDLECLOTH NUMBERS MATCH SHARE IN $1M* WIN A SHARE OF THE FLEMINGTON & ROSEHILL WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
5 TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES DAY THE VICTORIA RACING CLUB PROUDLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING RACE SPONSORS
6 TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES DAY SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 12.40pm Race 1 INGLIS BANNER (RL) Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Mr Peter Murray, Director, will escort Mr Arthur Inglis, Director Strategic Development and Deputy Chair of Inglis, for Presentation of the Trophy to the Winning Owner. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar. 1.15pm RACE 2 RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES MILE (LR) Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Ms Sophie O’Kane, Director, will escort Mr Peter Bishop, Chief Executive Officer, of Ronald McDonald House Charities Vic/Tas Ltd (the VRC’s Official Pin & Win Charity Partner of the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival), for Presentation of the Trophy to the Winning Owner. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar. 1.50pm RACE 3 QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES (G3) Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Ms Allison Purdey, Director, will make the Presentation of the Trophy to the Winning Owner. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar. 2.30pm RACE 4 FISHER STAKES (LR) Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Mr Glenn Carmody, Honorary Treasurer and Director, will escort Mr Paul Fisher for Presentation of the Trophy to the Winning Owner. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar. 3.10pm RACE 5 TAB ONE POOL MATRIARCH STAKES (G2) Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Mr Michael Saadie, Director, will escort Mr Michael Fitzsimons, Chief Wagering Officer of Tabcorp for Presentation of the Trophy to the Winning Owner. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar. 3.50pm RACE 6 VRC CHAMPIONS SPRINT (G1) Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Mr Michael Ramsden, Vice Chairman, will make the Presentation of Trophies to the Winning Owner, Trainer and Jockey. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar. 4.30pm RACE 7 VRC CHAMPIONS MILE (G1) Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Mr Vin Cox, Director, will make the Presentation of Trophies to the Winning Owner, Trainer and Jockey. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar.
7 4.45pm NATIONAL ANTHEM IN THE MOUNTING YARD Singer, Maree Mamalis, will perform the Australian National Anthem. 5.10pm RACE 8 TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES (G1) TAB Champions Stakes Official Trophy Handover Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Mr Neil Wilson, Chairman, will escort Mr Gillon McLachlan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tabcorp to the Mounting Yard where the 2026 TAB Champions Stakes Trophies will be presented to the Winning Owner, Trainer and Jockey. This segment will be hosted by Ms Elly Wicks. 5.30pm 2026 JB CUMMINGS LEADING TRAINER AWARD 2026 RON HUTCHINSON LEADING JOCKEY AWARD The presentation of these awards will take place in the Committee Room at 5.30pm. 5.50pm RACE 9 HKJC WORLD POOL GRAND HANDICAP Following CORRECT WEIGHT, Mr Neil Werrett, Director will present the Trophy to the Winning Owner. Ms Elly Wicks, Host, to introduce. This presentation will take place in The Winners Bar. Pin & Win 2026 Support Ronald McDonald Ho Charities and you could drive Lexus RX 450h+ valued at $11 drive away*. PIN & WIN 2026 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VALUED AT DRIVEAWAY* Support Ronald McDonald House Charities and you could drive away in a Lexus RX 450h+ $116,700
8 Thank you
9 After 14 years of service to the Victoria Racing Club, Neil Wilson will step down as Chairman and Director at the conclusion of the 2026 Annual General Meeting. Wilson joined the VRC Board in December 2012, bringing experience from a career in technology and business. He became Honorary Treasurer in 2017 and, within months, stepped in as interim Chief Executive. The role became permanent in 2018, and he led the Club for three and a half years. That tenure took in the most testing stretch the VRC has faced in living memory. He steered the Club through the pandemic before becoming its 22nd Chairman in November 2020. As Chairman, he has focused on where the Club will be in a decade, not a season. Under his leadership, the VRC secured major media and wagering partnerships, and membership climbed to a record 36,148, keeping the VRC the world’s largest members’ race club. In FY26 the Club posted a $5.4 million net profit, its first since FY20. He oversaw the appointment of two chief executives, Steve Rosich and Kylie Rogers, and championed a masterplan to open Flemington to the community beyond race days. His influence extends beyond the Flemington gates: he was a founding board member of World Horse Racing, and he sits on the board of the Melbourne Cup Foundation. As a racehorse owner for many years, he has always understood the sport from the inside. The Club is deeply grateful for his 14 years of service, and for the judgement, care and commitment he brought to every role he held. On behalf of the directors, members and staff, the VRC thanks him sincerely and looks forward to welcoming him at Flemington for many Carnivals to come. NEIL WILSON VRC Chairman
10 THE BETTING RING TASTES SIPS Drinks from pop up bars
11 CLUB LAWN Explore all the action and tasty pop-ups on the Club Lawn including Chin Chin and their iconic FEED ME menu, French classics from Frenchie and sit back and soak in the atmosphere with a glass of bubbles at the G.H.Mumm Champagne Garden.
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15 Your 2027 Melbourne Cup Carnival experience starts here Immerse yourself in racing’s most iconic week with heart-stopping finishes, world-class dining, luxury stays, and unforgettable moments. Get ahead of the field, secure your exclusive 2027 Melbourne Cup Carnival experience now. 30 OCT - 6 NOV 2027 melbcuptravelexperiences.com
16 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
HOWDEN VICTORIA DERBY DAY Registrations Open 10:00am Photo Opportunity 10:30am Registrations Close 11:00am Promenades 11:15am Best Suited Preliminary Finals 11:55am Best Suited Daily Final 12:35pm Best Dressed Preliminary Finals 1:30pm Best Dressed Daily Final 2:10pm Emerging Designer Award presented by Vogue (invitation only) Preliminary Final 2:40pm Emerging Designer Award presented by Vogue Final 3:20pm THE REMIX Registrations Open 11:20am Photo Opportunity 11:45am Registrations Close 12:20pm Promenades 12:30pm Best Suited, The Remix Preliminary Finals 1:15pm Best Suited, The Remix Grand Final 1:50pm Best Dressed, The Remix Preliminary Final 2:20pm Best Dressed, The Remix Grand Final 2:50pm
18 We’re for the Melbourne Cup Carnival
Harnessing the extraordinary reach of The Melbourne Cup and the history of Australian thoroughbred racing to create meaningful positive impact in the community. COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION HERITAGE AND HISTORY HORSES AND PEOPLE
20 VAIN HIS GLORIOUS SPRING OF 1969 Before there was Black Caviar, there was Vain, more than half a century ago now. Peter Pring, a racing history expert of his generation, rated him at the time as ‘one of the best sprinters to have raced in Australia’. No one since would disagree. Compared with Black Caviar’s undefeated record of twenty-five races over four years, Vain retired as a three-yearold with twelve wins, two seconds, from fourteen starts. But, as with Black Caviar, it was the manner of his victories that made him glorious. This spring at Flemington we have been marking the 150th anniversary of the 1876 Melbourne Cup week in which the filly Briseis uniquely won the Derby, Cup and Oaks before finishing second on the final day. This prompted recollection of other runs of Cup Week success. Glencoe in 1868 won five times in three consecutive days, when racing twice on the one day was commonplace. Phar Lap won on each of the four days in 1930 including the Melbourne Cup. By Dr Andrew Lemon GLORIOUS SPRING Vain's
21 VAIN HIS GLORIOUS SPRING OF 1969 Vain as a sprinter came onto the track three times in Cup Week 1969, against the fastest of his day, and demoralised them three times. His is a special achievement of a different kind. Australian bred, sired by imported French stallion Wilkes from successful race mare, Elated, Vain quickly became a Melbourne hero, locally owned, trained and ridden. A handsome chestnut colt, he was raced by three Johnson brothers, Walter, George and Fred, trained at Epsom by Jim Moloney and ridden in all his wins by the popular Pat Hyland. As a two-year-old, Vain burst onto the scene. He won his first five including the historic Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington on Derby Day 1968 by a stunning eight lengths. In autumn he took the Merson Cooper at Caulfield by four lengths, the race that became the Blue Diamond, followed by an easy win in the VRC Sires’ Produce. Taken to Sydney for the Golden Slipper at Rosehill, Vain was breathtaking. Local favourite Special Girl, with George Moore riding, was never in the picture. Then came a narrow shock defeat on a wet track over 7 furlongs (1408m) at Randwick. Vain returned to Randwick a week later to win the 6 furlong (1207m) AJC Champagne Stakes—by ten lengths, in race record time. By the start of Melbourne Cup Week 1969 his tally had reached nine wins. These included the one-mile Caulfield Stakes where he turned the tables on New Zealand colt Daryl’s Joy who previously had beaten him in the Moonee Valley Stakes. Daryl’s Joy proved himself a champion: he won that year’s Cox Plate and Victoria Derby. Vain, meanwhile, kept to the sprints, and the results were astonishing. The three races he won that week at Flemington have since shifted shape. The first was the feature 6 furlong open sprint on Derby Day, a race subsequently rescheduled to Champions Day as the VRC Champions Sprint. It originated in the early 1960s, first sponsored by tobacco companies, with later changes of name. On its honour roll are Century, River Rough, Takeover Target and Black Caviar. When Vain won, he blitzed the field. Yes, blitzed: twelve lengths to the second horse. His next appearance was on Oaks Day. The Linlithgow Stakes was 7 furlongs, weight-for-age. Its star-studded lineage traced back to the 1860s. Carbine won it twice, the prolific Gladsome, twice, Phar Lap in 1930. Still on Oaks Day, it is now the Damien Oliver Handicap. Vain won by six lengths and broke the course record. The third triumph, on the final Saturday, was in the race now called the VRC Champions Mile. In 1969 it was the George Adams Handicap. Its history dates to 1919. This was Vain’s first test over a mile against older horses, a stellar field. He won easily, carrying a 5 pound penalty.
22 VAIN HIS GLORIOUS SPRING OF 1969 It is a quirk of racing history that Vain won what are now the VRC Champions Sprint and Champions Mile in the one week. It’s a sameyear double he shares with only Maybe Mahal (1976) and Galway Bay (1977). With the two races now on the same day, no horse will do that again. No other horse, before or since, ever won the Vain treble. Vain retired to stud in the Hunter Valley in 1970. He became a champion stallion, in his career siring 45 individual stakeswinners, including the great Sir Dapper. He had reached the good age of 25 when he died in 1991. Those of us old enough to remember Vain’s glory, count ourselves lucky to have witnessed two other champions at Flemington in that Cup Week of 1969. In those days of the Cup Day Steeplechase, Sir Chester Manifold’s illustrious Crisp was the winner. Rain Lover courageously carried top weight to win his second successive Melbourne Cup. And there was Vain—three times, unforgettable. ABOVE: Vain was a successful sire, seen above whilst standing at Widden Stud in the Hunter Valley, NSW. He sired 370 individual winners and maintained a coinnection to Flemington, siring 1983 Ascot Vale Stakes winner, Top Post. (Image: NewsPix) PREVIOUS: Vain winning the George Adams Handicap on the final day of the 1969 Melbourne Cup Carnival. (Image: NewsPix)
23 VAIN HIS GLORIOUS SPRING OF 1969 VAIN CHESTNUT STALLION Wilkes (FR) - Elated (Orgoglio (GB)) Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year (1969–70) Stood at Widden Stud (Hunter Valley, NSW) Sired 370 individual winners totalling almost 1800 wins Leading sire in Australia (1983–84) Australian Racing Hall of Fame (2003) TWO-YEAR-OLD SEASON \ WON 12-Oct-68 MRC Debutante Stakes (C&G) (900m) 2nd Shako 2L x 6L Caulfield 6/1 Pat Hyland (53kg) 3rd Big Scope 52.6 WON 02-Nov-68 VRC Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) 2nd Big Scope 8L x sh 1½ hd Flemington 4/9f Pat Hyland (55.5kg) 3rd Power Fair 59.9 WON 22-Feb-69 MRC Merson Cooper Stakes (1200m) 2nd Kilcolman 4L x 1½L Caulfield 8/11f Pat Hyland (55.5kg) 3rd Shako 1:12.0 WON 08-Mar-69 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) 2nd Ballylachlan 4L x ½ nk Flemington 2/9f Pat Hyland (55.5kg) 3rd Lone Wolf 1:23.6 WON 22-Mar-69 STC Golden Slipper (1200m) 2nd Peter’s Empire 4L x 1½L Rosehill 9/2 Pat Hyland (54kg) 3rd Gaelic Spirit (NZ) 1:12.1 2nd 05-Apr-69 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) 1st Beau Babylon ¾L x ¾L Randwick 1/6f Pat Hyland (55.5kg) 3rd Grammar Lass 1:25.0 WON 12-Apr-69 AJC Champagne Stakes (1200m) 2nd Gaelic Spirit (NZ) 10L x lg hd Randwick 8/15f Pat Hyland (58.5kg) 3rd Beau Babylon 1:09.2 THREE-YEAR-OLD SEASON \ WON 30-Aug-69 MVRC Freeway Stakes (1200m) 2nd Bowl King 5L x 6L Moonee Valley 1/3f Pat Hyland (55.5kg) 3rd Midas Touch 1:13.9 WON 13-Sep-69 VRC Ascot Vale Stakes (1200m) 2nd Wood Court Inn (NZ) 1¼L x 4L Flemington 2/9f Pat Hyland (59.5kg) 3rd Daryl’s Joy (NZ) 1:12.6 2nd 27-Sep-69 MVRC Moonee Valley Stakes (1600m) 1st Daryl’s Joy (NZ) ¾L x 5L Moonee Valley 4/9f Roy Higgins (55.5kg) 3rd Wood Court Inn (NZ) 1:40.5 WON 11-Oct-69 MRC Caulfield Guineas (1600m) 2nd Daryl’s Joy (NZ) 3L x 6L Caulfield 9/10f Pat Hyland (55.5kg) 3rd Wood Court Inn (NZ) 1:36.2 WON 01-Nov-69 VRC Craven A Stakes (1200m) 2nd Dollar’s Double 12L x 1L Flemington 2/5f Pat Hyland (54kg) 3rd Our Faith 1:09.8 WON 06-Nov-69 VRC Linlithgow Stakes (1400m) 2nd Black Onyx 6L x ¾L Flemington 1/8f Pat Hyland (51kg) 3rd Our Faith 1:23.0 WON 08-Nov-69 VRC George Adams Handicap (1600m) 2nd Our Faith 1¼L x 2L Flemington 1/3f Pat Hyland (55.5kg) 3rd Cyron (NZ) 1:35.7 VAIN'S CAREER RECORD 14 Starts - 12 wins, 2 seconds
24 JB CUMMINGS LEADING TRAINER AWARD Named in honour of the Cups King, Bart Cummings, and acknowledges the outstanding performance of the trainer who has accrued the most number of points throughout the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival. The winner of the JB Cummings Leading Trainer Award courtesy of our major partner Crown, will receive a $5,000 Crown voucher. RON HUTCHISON LEADING JOCKEY AWARD Named in honour of Racing Hall of Fame inductee, Ron Hutchinson and acknowledges the outstanding performance of the jockey who has accrued the most number of points throughout the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival. The winner of the Ron Hutchison Leading Jockey Award courtesy of our major partner Crown, will receive a $5,000 Crown voucher. Points for the JB Cummings Leading Trainer Award and the Ron Hutchinson Leading Jockey Award are allocated per race on a 3-2-1 basis for horses who finish first, second and third during all races of the Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 MCC LEADING TRAINER & JOCKEY LAST 10 YEARS YEAR RON HUTCHISON LEADING JOCKEY AWARD JB CUMMINGS LEADING TRAINER AWARD 2025 Mark Zahra Ciaron Maher 2024 James McDonald Ciaron Maher 2023 James McDonald Chris Waller 2022 James McDonald Chris Waller 2021 James McDonald Chris Waller 2020 Hugh Bowman/Damien Oliver Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes 2019 Craig Williams Chris Waller 2018 James McDonald David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2017 Damian Lane Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 2016 Hugh Bowman David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig
25 MARK GUEST TEAM ARCHER ED SADLER TEAM LIGHT FINGERS A veteran racing analyst with 25 years at Sky Racing and top jockey manager, his punting ethos is to do the work and don’t be influenced by those who don’t. Ed is part of the team at Racing.com as a presenter, racecaller and journalist, while trying to find a few winners along the way. BEST BET Race 2 #2 FIORENOT NEXT BEST Race 4 #11 PHOTOGRAPH VALUE BET Race 9 #9 KING TUT SPRINT Race 6 #7 JOLIESTAR MILE Race 7 #8 AUTUMN GLOW STAKES Race 8 #10 AELIANA BEST BET Race 4 #17 HANKEE ALPHA NEXT BEST Race 9 #6 EDUCATED VALUE BET Race 3 #3 BERKELEY SQUARE SPRINT Race 6 #6 TEMPTED MILE Race 7 #8 AUTUMN GLOW STAKES Race 8 #1 COSMIC CRUSADER *Above tips submitted on Wednesday, for up-to-date tips and analysis, please visit: vrc.com.au
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27 THE HISTORY OF THE TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES One of the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s most iconic races was given a new name in 2022. First contested as the Melbourne Stakes in 1869, the race was renamed the LKS Mackinnon Stakes in 1937 before becoming the TAB Champions Stakes. Originally held on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the 2000-metre feature was both a premier weight-for-age contest and an important lead-up to the Melbourne Cup. In 2016, it moved to the carnival’s final day, where it remains a major feature of the programme. The race’s honour roll reads like a who’s who of Australian racing. It includes 15 horses that won the Melbourne Cup in the same year, among them Carbine, Phar Lap, Peter Pan, Rising Fast, Rain Lover and Let’s Elope. Other champions to claim victory include Wakeful, Eurythmic, Gloaming, Tranquil Star, Sailor’s Guide, Tulloch, Tobin Bronze, Dulcify, Better Loosen Up, Lonhro and So You Think. International winners have also emerged in recent years, with England represented by Side Glance, France by Gailo Chop and Ireland by Magic Wand. Last year, champion mare Via Sistina secured back-to-back victories in the race for the formidable combination of jockey James McDonald and trainer Chris Waller. The triumph gave Waller a third consecutive win in the feature, following Atishu’s success in 2023, and provided a fitting finale to Via Sistina’s outstanding career after another dominant performance on the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s final day. Image: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos
THE HISTORY OF THE TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES LEADING TRAINERS LEADING JOCKEYS TRAINER WINS HORSES (YEAR) JOCKEY WINS HORSES (YEAR) Bart Cummings 11 So You Think (2010) Jim Johnson 5 Voleur (1970) Sirmione (2007) Rain Lover (1968) Rogan Josh (1999) Winfreux (1967) Let’s Elope (1991) Tobin Bronze (1966) Bounty Hawk (1984) Yangtze (1965) Belmura Lad (1981) Damien Oliver 5 Happy Trails (2014) Belmura Lad (1980) Glass Harmonium (2011) Gold And Black (1976) Grand Armee (2004) Leilani (1974) Danewin (1995) Voleur (1970) Paris Lane (1994) Trellios (1959) CURRENT TRAINERS CURRENT JOCKEYS TRAINER WINS HORSES (YEAR) JOCKEY WINS HORSES (YEAR) Gai Waterhouse 4 Theseo (2008) James McDonald 4 Via Sistina (2025) Desert War (2006) Via Sistina (2024) Grand Armee (2004) Atishu (2023) All Our Mob (1996) Zaaki (2021) Chris Waller 3 Via Sistina (2025) John Allen 1 Trap For Fools (2018) Via Sistina (2024) Luke Currie 1 Arcadia Queen (2020) Atishu (2023) Damian Lane 1 Tosen Stardom (2018) Annabel Neasham 2 Zaaki (2022) Ryan Moore 1 Magic Wand (2019) Zaaki (2021) Ben Melham 1 Gailo Chop (2015) Graeme Rogerson 2 La Bella Dama (2001) Jamie Melham 1 Zaaki (2022) Ebony Grosve (1997) Nash Rawiller 1 Theseo (2008) Andrew Balding 1 Side Glance (2013) Jamie Spencer 1 Side Glance (2013) Leon & Troy Corstens 1 Awesome Rock (2016) Craig Williams 1 Alcopop (2012) Grant & Alana Williams 1 Arcadia Queen (2020) Lee Freedman 1 Paris Lane (1994) John Hawkes 1 Lonhro (2002) David Hayes 1 Better Loosen Up (1990) Daniel Morton 1 Scenic Shot (2009) Aidan O’Brien 1 Magic Wand (2019) Jake Stephens 1 Alcopop (2012) Antoine de Watrigant 1 Gailo Chop (2015) John Wheeler 1 Veandercross (1992) Grant & Alana Williams 1 Arcadia Queen (2020) LEFT: 2016 - Stephen Baster stands high in the irons after Awesome Rock claimed the 2016 edition for Leon and Troy Corstens. (Mike Keating/Racing Photos) RIGHT: 2006 - Desert War and jockey Chris Munce landed the Mackinnon Stakes, one of four winners in the race for trainer Gai Waterhouse. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images) 28
YEAR WINNER 2025 Via Sistina (IRE) 2024 Via Sistina (IRE) 2023 Atishu (NZ) 2022 Zaaki (GB) 2021 Zaaki (GB) 2020 Arcadia Queen 2019 Magic Wand (IRE) 2018 Trap For Fools 2017 Tosen Stardom (JPN) 2016 Awesome Rock 2015 Gailo Chop (FR) 2014 Happy Trails 2013 Side Glance (GB) 2012 Alcopop 2011 Glass Harmonium (IRE) 2010 So You Think (NZ) 2009 Scenic Shot 2008 Theseo 2007 Sirmione 2006 Desert War 2005 Lad Of The Manor (NZ) 2004 Grand Armee 2003 Casual Pass 2002 Lonhro 2001 La Bella Dama (NZ) 2000 Oliver Twist 1999 Rogan Josh 1998 Champagne (NZ) 1997 Ebony Grosve (NZ) 1996 All Our Mob 1995 Danewin 1994 Paris Lane 1993 The Phantom (NZ) 1992 Veandercross (NZ) 1991 Let's Elope (NZ) 1990 Better Loosen Up 1989 Horlicks (NZ) 1988 Empire Rose (NZ) 1987 Rubiton 1986 At Talaq (USA) 1985 Rising Prince 1984 Bounty Hawk (NZ) 1983 Veloso (NZ) 1982 My Axeman (NZ) 1981 Belmura Lad (NZ) 1980 Belmura Lad (NZ) 1979 Dulcify (NZ) 1978 Family Of Man 1977 Sir Silver Lad (NZ) 1976 Gold And Black (NZ) 1975 Kiwi Can (NZ) 1974 Leilani (NZ) 1973 Australasia YEAR WINNER 1972 Stormy Seas (NZ) 1971 Skint Dip (NZ) 1970 Voleur (NZ) 1969 Roman Consul (NZ) 1968 Rain Lover 1967 Winfreux 1966 Tobin Bronze 1965 Yangtze 1964 Sir Dane (NZ) 1963 Summer Fair (NZ) 1962 Aquanita 1961 Sky High 1960 Tulloch (NZ) 1959 Trellios 1958 Monte Carlo (NZ) 1957 Sailor's Guide 1956 Sir William (NZ) 1955 Rising Fast (NZ) 1954 Rising Fast (NZ) 1953 Hydrogen 1952 Dalray (NZ) 1951 Delta 1950 Comic Court 1949 Comic Court 1948 Snowstream 1947 Don Pedro 1946 Flight 1945 Tranquil Star 1944 Tranquil Star 1943 Amana 1942 Tranquil Star 1941 Beau Vite (NZ) 1940 Beau Vite (NZ) 1939 Ortelle's Star 1938 Ajax 1937 The Trump 1936 Gay Blonde (NZ) 1935 Sylvandale 1934 Peter Pan 1933 Rogilla 1932 Peter Pan 1931 Phar Lap (NZ) 1930 Phar Lap (NZ) 1929 High Syce 1928 Gothic (GB) 1927 Silvius (IRE) 1926 Manfred 1925 Pilliewinkie (NZ) 1924 Gloaming 1923 Rivoli 1922 Harvest King 1921 Eurythmic 1920 Eurythmic YEAR WINNER 1919 Cetigne 1918 Magpie (GB) 1917 Cetigne 1916 Lavendo (GB) 1915 Traquette 1914 St. Carwyne 1913 Anna Carlovna (NZ) 1912 Duke Foote 1911 Trafalgar 1910 Son Of The Marsh (GB) 1909 Alawa 1908 Peru 1907 Poseidon 1906 Solution (NZ) 1905 Tartan 1904 Gladsome (NZ) 1903 Wakeful 1902 Wakeful 1901 Wakeful 1900 Lancaster (NZ) 1899 Mora 1898 Battalion 1897 Battalion 1896 Disfigured 1895 Hova 1894 Ruenalf 1893 Loyalty (NZ) 1892 Autonomy 1891 Marvel 1890 Carbine (NZ) 1889 Abercorn 1888 The Australian Peer 1887 Silver Mine 1886 Isonomy 1885 Trenton (NZ) 1884 Malua 1883 Commotion 1882 Darebin 1881 Wheatear 1880 Chester 1879 First King 1878 Chester 1877 Robinson Crusoe 1876 Rapid Bay 1875 Kingsborough 1874 Dagworth 1873 Dagworth 1872 Contessa 1871 Warrior 1870 Tim Whiffler 1869 Glencoe 1869 - 2025 PAST WINNERS 29
THE HISTORY OF THE VRC CHAMPIONS MILE The VRC Champions Mile is perhaps better known as the Cantala Stakes, and that remains its official registered name. The race has always been contested over a mile, and was introduced on Victoria Derby Day in 1919 to honour Septimus Miller, who served 40 years on the VRC committee, including 12 as chairman. Miller requested that the race be named not after himself, but after his Caulfield property, Cantala, on Dandenong Road. The race moved to the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 1960, when it was renamed the George Adams Handicap in honour of the founder of Tattersalls lotteries. In the years that followed, it was conducted under a succession of sponsor-related names. The Cantala Stakes returned to Victoria Derby Day in 2019 before moving once again to the final day, where it now forms part of a trio of Group 1s on TAB Champions Stakes Day. Notable dual winners include Aquanita, who triumphed in 1960 and 1961; Heroic Stone, who won in 1965 and 1967; and Seascay, who claimed the 1994 edition for Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes before repeating the feat the following year for his brother, Peter. The Hayes brothers dominated the race with five consecutive victories between 1992 and 1996. Last year, rain-soaked conditions at Flemington proved too testing for favoured runners Mr Brightside, Pride Of Jenni and Treasurethe Moment. That left third favourite Ceolwulf to battle through the heavy going, although Godolphin galloper Pericles kept him honest in an epic photo finish. Making his first start outside New South Wales, Ceolwulf relished the conditions to claim the coveted Group 1 feature. Image: George Sal/Racing Photos
CURRENT TRAINERS CURRENT JOCKEYS TRAINER WINS HORSES (YEAR) JOCKEY WINS HORSES (YEAR) David Hayes 4 All American (2009) Craig Williams 3 Mr Brightside (2024) Seascay (1994) Fierce Impact (2019) Primacy (1993) Best Of Days (2018) Planet Ruler (1992) Hugh Bowman 2 Le Romain (2016) Chris Waller 4 Yulong Prince (2020) Wall Street (2010) Shillelagh (2017) Kerrin McEvoy 2 Turn Me Loose (2015) Boban (2013) Desert Eagle (2001) Albert The Fat (2011) Declan Bates 1 Pride Of Jenni (2023) Grahame Begg 2 All Silent (2008) Nikita Beriman 1 Tears I Cry (2007) Bonanova (1999) Tim Clark 1 Alligator Blood (2022) Lee Freedman 2 Pontormo (1991) Michael Dee 1 Shillelagh (2017) Warned (1987) Damian Lane 1 Yulong Prince (2020) Ciaron Maher 2 Pride Of Jenni (2023) Chad Schofield 1 Ceolwulf (2025) Tears I Cry (2007) Mark Zahra 1 Albert The Fat (2011) Danny O’Brien 2 Superstorm (2021) Valedictum (2005) Ben, Will & JD Hayes 1 Mr Brightside (2024) G Waterhouse & A Bott 1 Alligator Blood (2022) Danny Bougoure 1 Scenic Peak (2002) James Cummings 1 Best Of Days (2018) David Eustace 1 Pride Of Jenni (2023) Mark Kavanagh 1 Divine Madonna (2006) Kris Lees 1 Le Romain (2016) Peter G Moody 1 Sky Cuddle (2004) Paul Perry 1 Bezeal Bay (1998) Joseph Pride 1 Ceolwulf (2025) Matthew Smith 1 Fierce Impact (2019) Philip Stokes 1 Hucklebuck (2014) LEADING TRAINER LEADING JOCKEY TRAINER WINS HORSES (YEAR) JOCKEY WINS HORSES (YEAR) Bart Cummings 6 Catlan Opening (1997) Roy Higgins 5 All Shot (1972) Shaftesbury Avenue (1990) Gunsynd (1971) Maybe Mahal (1976) Storm Queen (1966) Skyjack (1974) Brandy Lad (1964) Taj Rossi (1973) Woambra (1962) Storm Queen (1966) Jim Cassidy 3 Bonanova (1999) David Hayes 4 All American (2009) Bezeal Bay (1998) Seascay (1994) Shaftesbury Avenue (1990) Primacy (1993) Bill Cook 3 Royal Gem (1945) Planet Ruler (1992) St. Constant (1938) Tommy Smith 4 Chanteclair (1986) Mohican (1937) Galway Bay (1977) Ron Hutchinson 3 Aquanita (1961) Gunsynd (1971) Aquanita (1960) Landy (1957) Rio Janeiro (1953) Chris Waller 4 Yulong Prince (2020) Wayne Treloar 3 Dazzling Duke (1985) Shillelagh (2017) Bit Of A Skite (1979) Boban (2013) Galway Bay (1977) Albert The Fat (2011) Craig Williams 3 Mr Brightside (2024) Fierce Impact (2019) Best Of Days (2018) ABOVE: 2000 - Testa Rossa and Patrick Payne combined to take out the race in 2000. (Racing Photos) 1919 - 2025 31
YEAR WINNER 2025 Ceolwulf 2024 Mr Brightside (NZ) 2023 Pride Of Jenni 2022 Alligator Blood 2021 Superstorm 2020 Yulong Prince (SAF) 2019 Fierce Impact (JPN) 2018 Best Of Days (GB) 2017 Shillelagh (NZ) 2016 Le Romain 2015 Turn Me Loose (NZ) 2014 Hucklebuck 2013 Boban 2012 Happy Trails 2011 Albert The Fat 2010 Wall Street (NZ) 2009 All American 2008 All Silent 2007 Tears I Cry 2006 Divine Madonna 2005 Valedictum 2004 Sky Cuddle 2003 Titanic Jack 2002 Scenic Peak 2001 Desert Eagle 2000 Testa Rossa 1999 Bonanova (NZ) 1998 Bezeal Bay (NZ) 1997 Catalan Opening (NZ) 1996 Miss Margaret 1995 Seascay (NZ) 1994 Seascay (NZ) 1993 Primacy 1992 Planet Ruler 1991 Pontormo (NZ) 1990 Shaftesbury Avenue YEAR WINNER 1989 Better Loosen Up 1988 Our Westminster (NZ) 1987 Warned 1986 Chanteclair 1985 Dazzling Duke 1984 Riverdale (NZ) 1983 Honest Promise (NZ) 1982 Magari 1981 Tower Belle 1980 Silver Bounty (NZ) 1979 Bit Of A Skite (NZ) 1978 Family Of Man 1977 Galway Bay (FR) 1976 Maybe Mahal 1975 Kiwi Can (NZ) 1974 Skyjack 1973 Taj Rossi 1972 All Shot (NZ) 1971 Gunsynd 1970 Levian 1969 Vain 1968 Cyron (NZ) 1967 Heroic Stone 1966 Storm Queen 1965 Heroic Stone 1964 Brandy Lad 1963 Wenona Girl 1962 Woambra (NZ) 1961 Aquanita 1960 Aquanita 1959 Wheat King 1958 Droll Prince 1957 Landy 1956 Matrice 1955 Kosciusko 1954 Prince Cortauld (NZ) YEAR WINNER 1953 Rio Janeiro 1952 Phaethon 1951 Kintail 1950 Ellerslie (NZ) 1949 Comedy Prince 1948 Beau John 1947 Money Moon 1946 St. Fairy 1945 Royal Gem 1944 Gay Revelry 1943 Burberry 1942 Queen Baccha 1941 Burrabil 1940 Gold Salute (NZ) 1939 Manrico 1938 St. Constant 1937 Mohican 1936 Gay Lover 1935 Hostile 1934 L'Elite 1933 Care Free 1932 Denis Boy (IRE) 1931 Dermid 1930 Mystic Peak (NZ) 1929 Amounis 1928 Highland 1927 Vaals 1926 Amounis 1925 Waranton 1924 The Night Patrol (GB) 1923 Claro (GB) 1922 Violoncello (GB) 1921 Beeline 1920 Ethiopian (GB) 1919 Chal LEFT: 2006 - Stephen Baster delighted as his Divine Madonna beats Niconero in the 2006 Cantala Stakes. (Mark Dadswell/ Getty Images) RIGHT: 2016 - 'She's apples!' Hugh Bowman guides Le Romain to victory. (John Donegan/Racing Photos) PAST WINNERS 1919 - 2025 VRC CHAMPIONS MILE 32
THE HISTORY OF THE Image: Pat Scala/Racing Photos One of the country’s premier sprinting contests, the VRC Champions Sprint is the ultimate test of speed and agility, with the 1200-metre feature run along Flemington’s iconic Straight Six. The inaugural edition was won by New Zealand mare Karina in 1960, when she conquered a field of 27 runners racing along the grandstand rail. The race has been conducted under a few different races names. It has previously been known as the Craven ‘A’ Stakes, Gadsden Stakes, Salinger Stakes, Patinack Farm Classic, Darley Sprint Classic and VRC Sprint Classic, among other titles. Many of Australia’s finest sprinters have added their names to the Champions Sprint honour roll, including dual winners River Rough and Planet Ruler, as well as more recent champions Black Caviar and Nature Strip. Bart Cummings leads the training honours with six victories between 1973 and 2008. James McDonald is the race’s most successful modern-day jockey, with four wins. He surpassed Robert Heffernan’s record following Sunshine In Paris’ victory in 2024. Last year, crowd favourite Giga Kick relished the wet conditions to narrowly defeat the courageous mare Magic Time. The victory capped a memorable Melbourne Cup Carnival for jockey Mark Zahra, who rode eight winners during the week, including three Group 1 successes. VRC CHAMPIONS SPRINT
THE HISTORY OF THE CURRENT TRAINERS CURRENT JOCKEYS TRAINER WINS HORSES (YEAR) JOCKEY WINS HORSES (YEAR) Chris Waller 3 Nature Strip (2021) James McDonald 4 Sunshine In Paris (2024) Nature Strip (2019) Nature Strip (2021) Delectation (2015) Nature Strip (2019) Peter G Moody 3 Black Caviar (2011) Delectation (2015) Black Caviar (2010) Kerrin McEvoy 2 Redzel (2017) Ancient Song (2003) Mental (2012) David Hayes 2 Alishan (1993) Ben Melham 2 Malaguerra (2016) Planet Ruler (1990) Black Caviar (2010) Peter Snowden 2 Redzel (2017) Mark Zahra 2 Giga Kick (2025) Mental (2012) Santa Ana Lane (2018) A & R Archibald 1 Sunshine In Paris (2024) Hugh Bowman 1 Terravista (2014) Grahame Begg 1 All Silent (2009) Jay Ford 1 Takeover Target (2004) James Cummings 1 Bivouac (2020) Jamie Mott 1 Roch ‘N’ Horse (2022) Clayton Douglas 1 Giga Kick (2025) Craig Newitt 1 Miss Andretti (2007) Anthony Freedman 1 Santa Ana Lane (2018) Luke Nolen 1 Black Caviar (2011) Peter Gelagotis 1 Malaguerra (2016) Nash Rawiller 1 Rubitano (2002) David Hall 1 Pharein (1999) Michael Rodd 1 Swick (2008) John Hawkes 1 Flavour (1998) Robert Heathcote 1 Buffering (2013) Danny O’Brien 1 Glamour Puss (2005) Paul Perry 1 Notoire (1997) Joe Pride 1 Terravista (2014) Ron Quinton 1 Easy Rocking (2000) Mark Walker 1 Imperatriz (2023) Gai Waterhouse 1 Dance Hero (2006) LEADING TRAINER LEADING JOCKEYS TRAINER WINS HORSES (YEAR) JOCKEY WINS HORSES (YEAR) Bart Cummings 6 Swick (2008) James McDonald 4 Sunshine In Paris (2024) Unspoken Word (1992) Nature Strip (2021) Taj Quillo (1986) Nature Strip (2019) Forgone Conclusion (1982) Delectation (2015) Maybe Mahal (1976) Robert Heffernan 3 Zegna (1981) Century (1973) Watney (1980) Bob Hoysted 3 River Rough (1984) Rooney (1979) River Rough (1983) Scamanda (1974) Peter G Moody 3 Black Caviar (2011) Black Caviar (2010) Ancient Song (2003) Tommy Smith 3 Lord Ballina (1985) Galway Bay (1977) Welsh Prince (1971) Chris Waller 3 Nature Strip (2021) Nature Strip (2019) Delectation (2015) ABOVE: 2006 - Dance Hero turned back the clock when the 2004 Golden Slipper winner claimed the then named Salinger Stakes on Derby Day. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) LEFT: 2013 - Buffering defeats Shamexpress and Moment Of Change. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) VRC CHAMPIONS SPRINT 34
TOP: 2011 - A mammoth crowd of Black Caviar fans were at Flemington on the last day of the 2011 Melbourne Cup Carnival to witness her 16th career win. (Mark Dadswell/Getty Images) LEFT: 2016 - Malaguerra (middle) holds out Spieth (left) and Fell Swoop (right) to claim the Sprint for jockey Ben Melham and trainer Peter Gelagotis. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos) RIGHT: 2022 - Roch 'N' Horse caused an upset, knocking off hot favourite Nature Strip in 2022 for jockey Jamie Mott and the late Michael Moroney. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) YEAR WINNER 2025 Giga Kick 2024 Sunshine In Paris 2023 Imperatriz 2022 Roch 'N' Horse (NZ) 2021 Nature Strip 2020 Bivouac 2019 Nature Strip 2018 Santa Ana Lane 2017 Redzel 2016 Malaguerra 2015 Delectation 2014 Terravista 2013 Buffering 2012 Mental 2011 Black Caviar 2010 Black Caviar 2009 All Silent 2008 Swick (NZ) 2007 Miss Andretti 2006 Dance Hero 2005 Glamour Puss (NZ) 2004 Takeover Target YEAR WINNER 2003 Ancient Song 2002 Rubitano 2001 Sudurka 2000 Easy Rocking 1999 Pharein 1998 Flavour 1997 Notoire 1996 Gold Ace 1995 Brawny Spirit 1994 Hareeba 1993 Alishan 1992 Unspoken Word (NZ) 1991 Final Card 1990 Planet Ruler 1989 Planet Ruler 1988 Special 1987 Sky Filou (NZ) 1986 Taj Quillo 1985 Lord Ballina 1984 River Rough (NZ) 1983 River Rough (NZ) 1982 Forgone Conclusion YEAR WINNER 1981 Zegna 1980 Watney 1979 Rooney 1978 Always Welcome 1977 Galway Bay (FR) 1976 Maybe Mahal 1975 Miss Lockleys 1974 Scamanda 1973 Century 1972 Beaches 1971 Welsh Prince 1970 Dual Choice 1969 Vain 1968 Snub 1967 Iga Ninja 1966 Marmion 1965 Picca 1964 Star Of Heaven 1963 Ripa (NZ) 1962 Samson 1961 Bengal Tiger 1960 Karina (NZ) 1960 - 2025 PAST WINNERS 35
36 Playing host to fifteen Group 1 races each year, Flemington attracts champion racehorses across all distances. The racecourse has been the setting for record-breaking wins by legendary thoroughbreds including Black Caviar and Makybe Diva, which remain track records to this day. DISTANCE TIME HORSE DATE 1000m 55.42 BLACK CAVIAR 16 Feb 2013 1100m 1:02.15 LOVEYAMADLY 2 Mar 2013 1200m 1:07.16 IGLESIA 1 Jan 2001 1400m 1:20.60 LOVEY 12 Dec 1992 1600m 1:33.49 SCENIC PEAK 9 Nov 2002 1700m 1:40.83 NICONOISE 16 Feb 2013 1800m 1:47.36 TAHUNA GOLD 11 Mar 2000 2000m 1:58.73 MAKYBE DIVA 12 Mar 2005 2500m 2:33.00 KAWTUBAN (IRE) 7 Nov 1992 2600m 2:41.00 JOVIAL KNIGHT 2 Oct 1965 2800m 2:52.40 VERDANT (GB) 6 Nov 2012 3200m 3:16.30 KINGSTON RULE (USA) 6 Nov 1990 Home of the Victoria Racing Club and the world-renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival 3200m 2800m 2500m 2000m 1600m 1400m 1000m 1100m 1200m 1800m Winning Post TRACK RECORDS TRACK SPECIFICATIONS CIRCUMFERENCE 2312 metres STRAIGHT (CIRCUIT) 448 metres STRAIGHT TRACK 1200 metres FLEMINGTON TRACK
37 RACE HORSE STALL RACE HORSE STALL RACE HORSE STALL 8 AELIANA 61 9 ANNIE'S ROSE 3 7 ANOTHER WIL 71 4 ARKANSAW KID 14 8 ATTRITION 98 7 AUTUMN GLOW 60 3 BELLA MONTAGNA 116 3 BERKELEY SQUARE 38 8 BIRDMAN 56 9 BRAVE DESIGN 124 7 BUCKAROO 55 6 CABALLUS 5 6 CHARM STONE 85 5 CLASSIC GEM 21 8 COSMIC CRUSADER 104 4 CRIPPS 97 1 DARK SISTER 22 4 DE BERGERAC 36 3 DEFIANTLY 86 2 DIRTY OLD TOWN 10 9 EDUCATED 76 7 EL SOLEADO 69 9 ELECTRIC ELVIS 94 4 ELOUYOU 120 9 ESMAHLI 15 2 FIORENOT 102 9 FISSION 51 6 GEEGEES MISTRUTH 25 6 GIGA KICK 49 1 GODDESS KAY 11 4 GRAND IMPACT 82 4 GRAND LARCENY 118 2 GRAND OMAHA 29 4 HANKEE ALPHA 45 6 HEADWALL 41 2 HE'LL RIP 12 2 HIYAAM PROUD 30 3 HOUSE OF LORDS 93 9 HUSTLE IN HEELS 1 4 IMMORTAL STAR 77 4 INKARUNA 110 9 IT'S A YES 31 1 JACQUETS OFF 123 5 JENNI'S MEADOW 79 4 JIMMY RECARD 81 6 JOLIESTAR 59 3 KING PEDRO 106 9 KING TUT 80 4 LA FRACAS 83 8 LAND LEGEND 73 9 LAWBOROUGH 123 8 LIGHT INFANTRY MAN 72 7 LINDERMANN 54 3 LITZDEEL 124 5 MACHINE GUN GRACIE 17 3 MANZOR BLUE 28 6 MAZU 70 1 MISS RUTHLESS 95 2 MOUNT BONA 35 9 MY ZEPHYR 40 2 NATION'S CALL 51 1 NATURAL EMOTION 91 1 NAUGHTY MAY 44 3 NEWLOOK 67 5 OCEAN BAY 34 8 OMNI MAN 87 2 OPTIONS 121 4 PALLATON 37 1 PALMILLA 4 5 PANOVA 57 5 PERFECT TEN 43 4 PHOTOGRAPH 16 4 PIASTRI 33 5 PILLOW FIGHT 6 3 PINHOLE 54 6 PLAINTIFF 119 6 POINT BARROW 111 7 POUNDING 92 9 PRESTIGE LUCKY 26 5 PRIVATE LEGACY 108 1 PUBLIC AFFAIRS 19 6 REY MAGNERIO 50 9 ROHESIA 18 2 ROULETTE KING 103 9 ROYAL RENDEZVOUS 24 1 RUSTY PEARL 76 8 SABAJ 84 9 SALARIA 8 9 SALUTED 52 5 SAMARELLE 107 7 SEPALS 46 9 SERGEANT MAJOR 74 1 SHE'S SUPREME 23 2 SILVASISTA 122 8 SIR DELIUS 113 4 SIR SWAY 100 6 SKYBIRD 96 1 SOLDI 15 5 SOVERATO 58 2 STAGE 'N' SCREEN 24 1 STEEL POINT 32 5 SUN GIFT 125 5 SUN WORSHIPPER 27 5 SUNSET PARK 42 2 SUPERFABULISTIC 115 5 SUPERFABULISTIC 117 6 TEMPTED 75 2 TEST OF LOVE 18 1 THE CHANCER 48 7 TOM KITTEN 109 5 TOO DARN DISCREET 39 3 TORRANZINO 99 9 TORSHEEN 112 8 TREASURETHE MOMENT 30 9 TRES MAGNIFIQUE 68 4 TUFF TU MUS 20 3 VALIANT KING 53 3 VAUBAN 114 9 VERDOUX 13 5 VIVY AIR 78 8 VON HAUKE 47 4 WATCHME WIN 9 7 WITHIN THE LAW 7 5 YOU WAHNG 2 5 ZULEIKA 101 HORSE STALL DIRECTORY
38 runners by trainer # Horse Race # Horse Race # Horse Race Amy & Ash Yargi 11 Naughty May 1 Anthony & Sam Freedman 6 Inkaruna 4 11 Point Barrow 6 1 Tom Kitten 7 5 Torsheen 9 Ben, Will & JD Hayes 4 Soldi 1 5 Test Of Love 2 1 Arkansaw Kid 4 11 Photograph 4 3 Machine Gun Gracie 5 2 Esmahli 9 7 Rohesia 9 Emma-Lee & David Browne 6 Dark Sister 1 Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott 13 Superfabulistic 2 2 Vauban 3 11 Bella Montagna 3 18 Superfabulistic 5 3 Sir Delius 8 John O’Shea & Tom Charlton 5 King Pedro 3 16 Samarelle 5 Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin 7 Goddess Kay 1 4 He’ll Rip 2 1 Verdoux 9 Marc & Mitchell Conners 5 She’s Supreme 1 Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes 2 Grand Larceny 4 Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) 8 Grand Impact 4 10 La Fracas 4 8 Charm Stone 6 8 Sabaj 8 Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman 10 Natural Emotion 1 5 Pounding 7 Richard & Will Freedman 9 Miss Ruthless 1 Sue & Jason Jaensch 3 Sir Sway 4 Tony & Calvin McEvoy 7 Options 2 8 Silvasista 2 Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young 10 Newlook 3 10 Tres Magnifique 9 Cindy Alderson 17 Hankee Alpha 4 Bjorn Baker 14 Pillow Fight 5 4 Caballus 6 9 Within The Law 7 Gavin Bedggood 15 Piastri 4 15 Ocean Bay 5 Grahame Begg 11 Mount Bona 2 5 Pallaton 4 7 De Bergerac 4 Liam Birchley 2 Steel Point 1 Cliff Brown 4 Sepals 7 7 Von Hauke 8 Kristen Buchanan 3 Annie’s Rose 9 Nikki Burke 13 Perfect Ten 5 Scott Cameron 16 Elouyou 4 Tom Dabernig 2 Fiorenot 2 Clayton Douglas 1 Giga Kick 6 Mitchell Freedman 9 Skybird 6 4 Attrition 8 Peter Gelagotis 12 House Of Lords 3 Andrew Gluyas 6 Dirty Old Town 2 4 Watchme Win 4 Reece Goodwin 8 Electric Elvis 9 Robbie Griffiths 3 Nation’s Call 2 5 Rey Magnerio 6 11 Saluted 9 17 Fission 9 Gregory Hickman 6 Private Legacy 5 Matt Jenkins 13 Prestige Lucky 9 Patrick Kearney 12 Cripps 4 Michael Kent 2 Sunset Park 5 Matt Kropp 11 Sun Worshipper 5 Jack Laing 7 El Soleado 7 Lisa Latta 9 Manzor Blue 3 Matt Laurie 9 Grand Omaha 2 10 Hiyaam Proud 2 11 Treasurethe Moment 8 Andrea Leek 1 Cosmic Crusader 8 Kris Lees 9 You Wahng 5 Ciaron Maher 13 Rusty Pearl 1 9 Immortal Star 4 14 Jimmy Recard 4 8 Vivy Air 5 10 Jenni’s Meadow 5 2 Mazu 6 6 Tempted 6 6 Another Wil 7 2 Light Infantry Man 8 6 Land Legend 8 4 Sergeant Major 9 6 Educated 9 9 King Tut 9 Clinton McDonald 3 The Chancer 1 Danny O’Brien 8 Litzdeel 3 12 Sun Gift 5 18 Brave Design 9 Joseph O’Brien 1 Defiantly 3 9 Omni Man 8 Dan O’Sullivan 3 Berkeley Square 3 5 Too Darn Discreet 5 Todd Pollard 7 Zuleika 5 Paul Preusker 6 Torranzino 3 Alex Rae 16 Salaria 9 Trevor Rogers 1 Roulette King 2 John Sadler 12 Palmilla 1 Julius Sandhu 15 Hustle In Heels 9 Michael Shepherdson 20 My Zephyr 9 Lindsey Smith 12 It’s A Yes 9 Matthew Smith 3 Headwall 6 Peter Snowden 12 Plaintiff 6 Dominic Sutton 1 Public Affairs 1 17 Classic Gem 5 Mark Walker 12 Stage ‘N’ Screen 2 10 Geegees Mistruth 6 14 Royal Rendezvous 9 Chris Waller 4 Pinhole 3 7 Valiant King 3 1 Panova 5 4 Soverato 5 7 Joliestar 6 2 Lindermann 7 3 Buckaroo 7 8 Autumn Glow 7 5 Birdman 8 10 Aeliana 8 Dean Williams 13 Tuff Tu Mus 4 Simon Zahra 8 Jacquets Off 1 19 Lawborough 9
39 rides by jockey # Horse Race # Horse Race # Horse Race Undeclared 3 Annie’s Rose 9 15 Hustle In Heels 9 20 My Zephyr 9 Declan Bates 3 Berkeley Square 3 10 Jenni’s Meadow 5 Logan Bates 3 Nation’s Call 2 10 La Fracas 4 14 Royal Rendezvous 9 Ethan Brown 13 Rusty Pearl 1 9 Immortal Star 4 8 Vivy Air 5 3 Headwall 6 4 Sepals 7 6 Land Legend 8 4 Sergeant Major 9 Dylan Browne McMonagle 1 Defiantly 3 9 Omni Man 8 Jordan Childs 8 Jacquets Off 1 2 Fiorenot 2 2 Vauban 3 5 Pallaton 4 18 Superfabulistic 5 12 Plaintiff 6 Luke Currie 8 Silvasista 2 11 Sun Worshipper 5 11 Saluted 9 Michael Dee 11 Naughty May 1 9 Manzor Blue 3 8 Grand Impact 4 12 Sun Gift 5 Holly Durnan 1 Verdoux 9 Billy Egan 1 Public Affairs 1 6 Torranzino 3 12 Cripps 4 17 Classic Gem 5 Celine Gaudray 6 Educated 9 Rachel King 6 Dark Sister 1 13 Superfabulistic 2 11 Bella Montagna 3 14 Pillow Fight 5 2 Mazu 6 9 Within The Law 7 Damian Lane 5 She’s Supreme 1 5 Test Of Love 2 8 Litzdeel 3 16 Elouyou 4 4 Soverato 5 8 Charm Stone 6 2 Lindermann 7 7 Von Hauke 8 8 Electric Elvis 9 18 Brave Design 9 James McDonald 4 Pinhole 3 1 Panova 5 7 Joliestar 6 8 Autumn Glow 7 10 Aeliana 8 Jye McNeil 7 Options 2 12 House Of Lords 3 11 Photograph 4 16 Samarelle 5 19 Lawborough 9 Ben Melham 3 The Chancer 1 7 Valiant King 3 2 Grand Larceny 4 6 Private Legacy 5 9 Skybird 6 3 Buckaroo 7 5 Birdman 8 Jamie Melham 6 Dirty Old Town 2 10 Newlook 3 6 Inkaruna 4 2 Sunset Park 5 6 Another Wil 7 16 Salaria 9 Beau Mertens 14 Jimmy Recard 4 Patrick Moloney 9 Grand Omaha 2 Jamie Mott 2 Steel Point 1 1 Roulette King 2 1 Giga Kick 6 4 Attrition 8 12 It’s A Yes 9 Luke Nolen 10 Natural Emotion 1 9 You Wahng 5 5 Pounding 7 Jake Noonan 12 Palmilla 1 13 Tuff Tu Mus 4 William Pike 11 Mount Bona 2 7 Zuleika 5 5 Rey Magnerio 6 1 Cosmic Crusader 8 17 Fission 9 Jackson Radley 2 Esmahli 9 Campbell Rawiller 3 Sir Sway 4 Chad Schofield 9 Miss Ruthless 1 6 Tempted 6 13 Prestige Lucky 9 Blake Shinn 4 Soldi 1 4 He’ll Rip 2 4 Watchme Win 4 3 Machine Gun Gracie 5 4 Caballus 6 7 El Soleado 7 8 Sabaj 8 Daniel Stackhouse 12 Stage ‘N’ Screen 2 7 De Bergerac 4 15 Ocean Bay 5 11 Treasurethe Moment 8 7 Rohesia 9 Jett Stanley 15 Piastri 4 Thomas Stockdale 9 King Tut 9 Craig Williams 7 Goddess Kay 1 10 Hiyaam Proud 2 17 Hankee Alpha 4 13 Perfect Ten 5 10 Geegees Mistruth 6 3 Sir Delius 8 10 Tres Magnifique 9 Mark Zahra 5 King Pedro 3 1 Arkansaw Kid 4 5 Too Darn Discreet 5 11 Point Barrow 6 1 Tom Kitten 7 2 Light Infantry Man 8 5 Torsheen 9
40 stewards summary Race 2 - Ronald McDonald House VIC/TAS Mile (1600m) Fiorenot 14/10/2026 CAUL Raced wide without cover from the 900m. Nation’s Call (IRE) 23/10/2026 CRAN Disappointed for clear running near the 200m. He’ll Rip 03/11/2026 FLEM Raced three wide throughout. Test Of Love (IRE) 26/09/2026 MORN Held up from the 400m until near the 100m. Options 21/05/2026 IPSW Bumped at the start. Rider reported didnt handle the heavy track. Silvasista 06/06/2026 E FM Raced in restricted room passing the winning post on the first occasion. Leaving the 150m, steadied when placed in restricted room, having to be restrained and lose its rightful running. Hiyaam Proud 28/10/2026 BDGO Raced three wide without cover. Eased down from the 100m. May appreciated tracks with more give than today’s Good 4. Stage ‘N’ Screen (NZ) 23/10/2026 CRAN Commenced awkwardly. Superfabulistic (NZ) 21/10/2026 W FM Badly held up for clear running from the 350m until after passing the 200m. Rider reported it was her intention to lead, however when another runner showed superior early speed and intent on leading, she was content to obtain a position behind that runner, whereby her mount travelled comfortably. Race 3 - Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) Vauban (FR) 03/11/2026 FLEM When under pressure passing the 500m was steadied when tightened for room. Rider reported the gelding failed to run out a strong 3200m when second up from a spell. Berkeley Square 28/10/2026 BDGO Slow to begin. Pinhole (GB) 24/10/2026 FLEM Shortly after the start was eased when tightened for room. Raced keenly through the early and middle stages. Passing the 1100m got its head when being eased from heels. Did not obtain clear running until passing the 50m and was never tested. Rider tactics queried in the straight. King Pedro (NZ) 24/10/2026 FLEM Held up from the 400m until passing the 200m. When questioned regarding his riding from the 500m rider explained that he felt he was in a favourable position trailing the race leader, however, when that gelding failed to quicken as expected he was held up and unable to improve. Rider added when he attempted to shift wider when endeavouring to improve he was unable to do so without interfering with runners who had established positions to his outside and as a result was then held up for clear running near the 200m. Torranzino (NZ) 24/10/2026 FLEM Near the 1700m was inconvenienced and carried wider on the course. Then subsequently continued to race wide until crossing to settle outside the leader approaching the 1400m. When questioned regarding the gelding settling more forward, rider explained she anticipated settling in a mid-field position with cover, however, after beginning well and with the gelding racing a little keenly and caught wide, she elected to stride forward and settle more prominently. Manzor Blue (NZ) 24/10/2026 FLEM Slow to begin. Newlook (FR) 17/10/2026 RAND From the outside barrier was shifted behind runners in the early stages. Bella Montagna (NZ) 26/09/2026 RHIL Approaching 100m placed in restricted room. House Of Lords (NZ) 24/10/2026 FLEM Slow to begin. Race 4 - FISHER Stakes (1200m) Grand Larceny 31/10/2026 FLEM Raced keenly for a short distance in the middle stages. Held up for clear running and went to the line not tested. Rider reported Grand Larceny overraced through the early stages to the gelding’s detriment. They explained approaching the 300m it had been his intention to shift out and establish a run to the outside of a runner, however was unable to do so and as a result Grand Larceny was held up, Sir Sway 11/10/2025 CAUL Raced wide and without cover. Post-race vet - Lame in the near fore leg. Vet cert required prior to racing again. Watchme Win 10/10/2026 CAUL Raced three wide without cover throughout. De Bergerac 31/10/2026 FLEM Slow to begin. Held up for clear running from the 500m until the 400m and near 250m tightened for room between runners. Grand Impact (NZ) 19/09/2026 GCST Post-race vet - Lame in the near foreleg. Vet cert required prior to racing again. Immortal Star 21/10/2026 GEEL Held up from the 400m until the 100m.
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