Group 1 race | |
Location | Flemington Racecourse |
---|---|
Inaugurated | 1874 |
Race type | Thoroughbred |
Sponsor | Yulong Stud (2023) |
Race information | |
Distance | 1,200 metres |
Surface | Turf |
Track | Straight |
Qualification | Maidens ineligible |
Weight | Handicap |
Purse | $1,500,000 (2023) |
The Newmarket Handicap is a Victoria Racing Club Group 1 Thoroughbred open handicap horse race over a distance of 1200 metres, at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia on Super Saturday[1] in March during the VRC Autumn Racing Carnival.[2] Prize money is A$1,500,000.
The Newmarket Handicap is considered Australia's premier sprint race. First run in 1874, the brainchild of VRC committeeman Captain Frederick Standish who thought a "short and merry" race over six furlongs would add interest to the Club's autumn program.[3]
The Newmarket Handicap is the only Flemington race, apart from the Melbourne Cup, in which up to 24 horses are permitted to start.[3]
In 2007 the race was run at Caulfield Racecourse due to refurbishment work at Flemington Racecourse.[3]
Five horses in the history of the event have won the Newmarket Handicap twice.[2]
The most successful trainer has been Bart Cummings with eight wins[4] – (1972, 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1990, 1991).[5]
The most successful jockey has been Damien Oliver with three wins – Alinghi (2005), Toledo (2001) and Schillaci (1992).[6]
The race record is held by 2011 winner Black Caviar who posted the time of 1:07.36.[7]