The WATC Derby is a Group 1 race held every April at Ascot racecourse. It is raced over a distance of 2400 meters and is run under same weight conditions. The race is open to three year olds of any sex and carries a prize purse of $500,000.
It was first run in 1888 and was upgraded to Group 1 status in 1979 and was switched to run in April in 2004. Notable winners of the race include Plastered, Crying Game, Beaux Art, Herocity, National Gallery, Mighty Kingdom and Bottled Sunshine.
The WATC Derby is the premier staying event for 3-year-olds held in Western Australia and will attract the best local gallopers along with several interstate raiders. In recent times this race has struggled to attract really strong fields, as the best horses will be contesting up in Sydney for the autumn carnival.
We’d recommend analysing lead up races such as the WA Guineas or WA Champion Fillies races as these two races have been the best indication of form throughout the years, producing many different winners.
Also be sure to look at Bart Cummings trained horses, he is the leading trainer for this race and has e great record over the years, his horses can never be discounted in any Group 1 event.
| Year | Winner | Track | Time | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Markus Maximus | Good | 2:31.20 | P Moody | L Nolen |
| 2008 | Grand Journey | Good | 2:28.75 | D Brideoake | W Pike |
| 2007 | Guyno | Good | 2:29.08 | L Luciani | J Whiting |
| 2006 | Cats Fun | Good | 2:29.79 | M Grant | W Pike |
| 2005 | Plastered | Good | 2:31.33 | L Smith | P Harvey |
| 2004 | Mr Sandgroper | Fast | 2:36.22 | D Edwards | P King |
| 2003 | Shirazamatazz | Fast | 2:32.86 | F Kersley | D Staek |
| 2002 | Honor Lap | Fast | 2:31.58 | G Daly | P King |
| 2000 | Old Money | Fast | 2:30.40 | L Smith | J Brown |