Newmarket Handicap
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 Bernborough, 1946 winner | |
| Class | Group 1 |
|---|---|
| Location | Flemington Racecourse |
| Inaugurated | 1874 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | Yulong Stud (2022-26) |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1,200 metres |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Straight |
| Qualification | Maidens ineligible |
| Weight | Handicap |
| Purse | $2,000,000 (2026) |
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]
1954 racebook
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]
1954 VRC Newmarket Handicap racebook front cover
1954 VRC Newmarket Handicap raceday officials
1954 VRC Newmarket Handicap starters and results
1954 VRC Newmarket Handicap showing the winner, Birdwood
1954 VRC Newmarket Handicap starters and results
1954 VRC Newmarket Handicap starters and results
Distance
- 1874–1972 - 6 furlongs (~1200 metres)
- 1973 onwards - 1200 metres
Grade
- 1874–1979 - Principal Race
- 1979 onwards - Group 1
Venue
In 2007 the race was run at Caulfield Racecourse due to refurbishment work at Flemington Racecourse.[3]
Records
Five horses in the history of the event have won the Newmarket Handicap twice.
- Aspen - 1880, 1881
- Gothic - 1927, 1928
- Correct - 1960, 1961
- Razor Sharp - 1982, 1983
- Redkirk Warrior - 2017, 2018
The most successful trainer has been Bart Cummings with eight wins[4] – (1972, 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1990, 1991).[5] His grandson, James Cummings, trained the winner in 2020, 2023 and 2024.
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]