Mackinnon Stakes

Race Preview

The Mackinnon Stakes is a Group 1 event which is held annually at Flemington racecourse in late October on Victoria Derby Day. It is a weight-for-age race held over a distance of 2000 metres and carries prize money of $750,000.It is held the same day as Group 1 races the Victoria Derby, Coolmore Stud Stakes and the Myer Classic.

It was first raced in 1869 and was upgraded to Group 1 status in 1979. It has produced some remarkable winners over the years including Thesio, Grand Armee, Lonhro, Let’s Elope, Better Loosen Up, Rubiton, Dulcify, Comic Court, Ajax, Phar Lap, Manfred and Gloaming. The last 3-year-old to win was Casual Pass in 2003 and a total of six 3-year-olds have won the race in total.

The Yalumba Stakes and Caulfield Cup are the two best guides of form leading into the Mackinnon Stakes, with many winners coming from these two races, due to the similarities in distance and conditions. This year’s Yalumba was taken out by Whobegotyou ahead of Heart Of Dreams and Vision And Power. The Caulfield Cup was won by Viewed ahead of Roman Emperor and Vigor. The Mackinnon Stakes is also a great lead up race for the Melbourne Cup, with many horses backing up and performing well on Cup day.

Previous Mackinnon Stakes Winners