26 HISTORY OF THE MILE 2023 VRC CHAMPIONS MILE WINNER PRIDE OF JENNI George Sal/Racing Photos VRC CHAMPIONS MILE The VRC Champions Mile, perhaps better known as the Cantala Stakes, has a rich history that dates back to 1919. Introduced on Victoria Derby Day, the original Cantala Stakes was established to honour Septimus Miller, a long-serving member of the Victoria Racing Club committee, who dedicated over forty years to the organisation, including twelve years as Chairman. Miller’s wish was for the race to be named not after himself but after his property, Cantala, located on Dandenong Road, Caulfield. Originally run as a mile event, the Cantala Stakes moved to the Final Day in 1960, rebranded as the George Adams Handicap in honour of the founder of Tattersalls lotteries. Over the years, the race has been known by several sponsors’ names, reflecting its evolving status within the racing calendar. The Cantala Stakes made a return to Victoria Derby Day in 2019 and has now returned even bigger and better as part of TAB Champions Stakes Day, showcasing the depth of talent in the mile division. Legendary horseman Bart Cummings trained six winners of the race with the likes of Taj Rossi, Maybe Mahal and Shaftesbury Avenue, while Roy Higgins takes the riding honours with five wins in the race, including one on the mighty grey Gunsynd. In 2023, Pride Of Jenni secured her second Group 1 success in the space of a week with another breath-taking, trademark, front-running win.
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