Doncaster Handicap

Race Preview

The Doncaster Handicap is a Group 1 race held every April at Randwick racecourse. It is raced over a distance of 1600 meters and is run under handicap conditions. The race is open to three years and olders of any sex and carries a prize purse of $1,500,000.

The race is considered one of the best mile races in Australia and each year an extremely strong field takes to the track. It is without doubt the highlight of the Randwick autumn carnival and is held on the same day as two other Group 1 races in The Galaxy and AJC Australian Oaks.

The Doncaster Handicap has a rich history dating back to 1865 with some of the greats of Australian turf winning the race. Some of the more notable winners include Haradasun, Racing To Win, Grand Armee, Sunline, Super Impose, Emancipation, Gunsynd, Chatham and Wakeful.

Spotting Winners

As this is a mile race with only strong horses competing, finding a winner is a tough ask each year. It’s important to narrow down the field by looking at different criteria. We always suggest looking at important lead up races to find form lines, races like the Epsom Handicap and the George Ryder Stakes are probably the two best indication of form, as they have produced many Doncaster Handicap winners in the past.

Don’t be afraid to back a 3yo to win the race, or a Filly or Mare, as they have excellent records in this race as history shows. Be sure to never rule out a Gai Waterhouse or Bart Cummings trained horse in this race, as these two have exceptional records in winning the race. Glen Boss has won the Doncaster Handicap more times than any other jockey also, so always consider a horse that he is riding.

Previous Doncaster Handicap Winners