Coolmore Stud Stakes

What is the Coolmore Stud Stakes?

The Coolmore Stud Stakes is a Group 1 thoroughbred horse race exclusively for three-year-olds, run at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne each spring. Contested over 1,200 metres up the iconic Flemington straight, this feature sprint is a focal point of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. 

Key Facts

• Race Type: Thoroughbred, set weights, Group 1
• Eligibility: Three-year-olds
• Prize Money (2025): $2,000,000
• Track: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
• Distance: 1,200 metres
• Surface: Turf
• Field Size: Usually 14-18 runners

When Was the Coolmore Stud Stakes First Run?

First run in 1971, the Coolmore Stud Stakes is renowned for showcasing the best young sprinters in the country. The race is run under set weight conditions and often features future stars destined for Group 1 glory over sprint distances. Its timing and status make it a key target for owners and trainers with top-class juvenile speed.

When Is the Coolmore Stud Stakes Held?

This prestigious race is staged on Derby Day, the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival each year. The event typically falls in early November.

How Long Is the Coolmore Stud Stakes?

The contest is run over a distance of 1,200 metres on the famous Flemington ‘straight six,’ one of the most exciting sprint courses in the country. 

How Many Runners Are in the Coolmore Stud Stakes?

The race generally attracts between 14 and 18 starters. Barrier draws are crucial, given the straight track nature, and connections aim to maximize their horse’s chance at this elite level.

Previous Winners of the Coolmore Stud Stakes