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
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