The 2025 Champions Mile runs on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia the TAB NZ have all the top Champions Mile betting tips and odds!

Looking for the latest Champions Mile odds, expert racing tips and race history? The TAB NZ have all the insider insights to make informed bets on the Champions Mile race this Melbourne Cup Carnival!

The Group 1 Champions Mile is a crucial end-of-spring mile test for Australia’s top middle-distance racehorses as they race at Flemington Racecourse on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in November.

To maximise your winnings, arm yourself with the latest Champions Mile odds and tips.

TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of spring contenders that may be coming off runs in some of the country’s biggest races including the Cox Plate.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in Australia, our comprehensive Champions Mile coverage has everything you need.

Ready to back your favourite miler at Flemington this spring? Back your Champions Mile champion with TAB NZ this season!

Champions Mile Fast Facts

• Last mare to win the Champions Mile: Pride Of Jenni (2023)
• Last multiple Champions Mile winner: Seascay (1994 & 1995)
• Last favourite to win the Champions Mile: Boban ($4.60 in 2013)
• Last three-year-old Champions Mile winner: Skyjack (1974)
• Last filly to win the Champions Mile: Storm Queen (1966)
• Notable Fact: Roughies have plenty of form in this race over the years including when 100/1 outsiders Tears I Cry and Bird Dancer ran the quinella in 2007!

Champions Mile betting takes place on the popular Champions Mile race – registered as the Cantala Stakes – which is held at Flemington Racecourse on a Saturday in early November annually.

Champions Mile odds are offered on the esteemed, weight-for-age, Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Group 1 event, and the field attracts a host of quality horses coming off the country’s biggest spring races.

The event is held as part of a bumper meeting to close out the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival taking place on the Saturday after the world-famous Melbourne Cup race on the first Tuesday of November.

The Group 1 VRC Champions Mile is one of Australia’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1881 when Courtenay won the then Coburg Stakes.

It was known as the Coburg from its inauguration in 1881 to 1918 and has undergone a host of name changes throughout its history.

Race Name Changes: 

• Coburg Stakes (1881-1918)
• Cantala Stakes (1919-61)
• George Adams Handicap (1962-84)
• Ampol Stakes (1985-88)
• Honda Stakes (1989-92)
• Nissan Stakes (1993-95)
• Chrysler Stakes (1996-97)
• Emirates Stakes (1998-2015)
• Cantala Stakes (2016)
• Kennedy Mile (2017-18)
• Kennedy Cantala Stakes (2019-21)
• Kennedy Champions Mile (2022-23)
• VRC Champions Mile (2024-onwards)

The VRC Champions Mile holds a special place in racing history due to the number of subsequent or reigning Cox Plate winners and turf stars that have won the event.

Taking place at arguably Australia’s most famous racecourse, Flemington, the Champions Mile was moved from the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival to Victoria Derby Day, the carnival’s opening day, in 2016 effectively swapping its prominent position with the LKS Mackinnon Stakes (now Champions Stakes), which then became the feature on the closing day. However, in 2022, the race reverted to the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and was renamed the VRC Champions Mile, a change implemented to align with the overarching “Champions Day” branding for the entire race meeting, replacing its previous “Stakes Day” designation.

The race distance was originally 1,800m but the event has been run over the 1,600m consistently since 1895 with the only exceptions being in 1994 (1616m) and 2006 (1610m).

It gained Group 1 status in 1979 the year Bit Of A Skite won.

Champions Stakes Day 

Champions Stakes Day 2025 at Flemington Racecourse is set to be a spectacular finale to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, taking place on Saturday, 8 November 2025. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect:

🏇 Feature Races

Champions Stakes Day showcases three prestigious Group 1 races, each offering $3 million in prize money 1:

• Champions Stakes (2000m) – A weight-for-age classic for elite middle-distance horses.
• VRC Champions Mile (1600m) – A premier mile race, returning to Stakes Day after being held on Derby Day.
• Champions Sprint (1200m) – A high-speed contest for the season’s top sprinters.

Additional races include:

• Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) – For mares.
• Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) – A staying test that often attracts horses balloted out of the Melbourne Cup field.

🎉 Event Highlights

• Hospitality & Experiences: From the Skyline Lounge with panoramic views to the Kirin Ichiban Pavilion and The 350 Collective, there are premium dining and viewing options for every taste.
• Family Day: The event is also known as “Family Day,” featuring entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.
• Fashion & Fun: Expect vibrant fashion, gourmet food, and a festive atmosphere to close out Cup Week in style.

Get the best Champions Stakes Day racing odds for Melbourne, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the meeting’s feature Group 1 races now at the TAB NZ!

Expert Tips on the 2025 Champions Mile

Stay tuned for our expert tips and Champions Mile betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature at Flemington.

To Win: TBD

Champions Mile Tips

Champions Mile tips on which horse will win the next edition of the event flood in as the countdown to the important Flemington race heats up.

Champions Mile tips on what horse will win the Champions Mile this year are highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.

When looking at Champions Mile race tips it is important to consider factors including:

• What horses in the Champions Mile field are proven over the distance?
• Who the key Champions Mile trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the Champions Mile field this year?
• Champions Mile barrier statistics and where your Champions Mile betting selections are drawn.
• Champions Mile horses that are coming off a lead-up run in a key preparatory race like the Cox Plate.

How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Champions Mile race tip? The event itself takes around one and a half minutes for competing horses to run the 1,600m trip depending on track conditions.

The official Champions Mile winner and winning Champions Mile trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish Champions Mile result.

Who holds the Champions Mile race record? The race record for the Champions Mile was set by Scenic Peak who won in 2002 in a time of 1 minute 33:49 seconds.

What are the best Champions Mile lead-up races to look at when placing a Champions Mile bet?

Horses traditionally contest the Champions Mile off earlier spring lead-up in races including the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in September, the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Flemington in early October, the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) on Caulfield Guineas Day, and the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) run at The Valley at the end of October.

Mr Brightside (2024) was the last horse to complete the Makybe Diva Stakes – Champions Mile double in the same year.

Fierce Impact (2019) was the last horse to complete the Toorak Handicap – Champions Mile double in the same year.

No horse has won the Cox Plate – Champions Mile double in the same year since Taj Rossi (1973).

New Zealand-Bred Horses in the Champions Mile

Betting on the New Zealand-bred but Australian-trained horses in the field is more and more popular as Champions Mile tips favour the proven Kiwi-bred hopes from Australian-based stables.

Looking back over the Champions Mile history and statistics shows that the last New Zealand-bred winner was Mr Brightside in 2024.

Since the year 2000, four Champions Mile winners were New Zealand-bred.

Champions Mile Tips for a Trifecta

Champions Mile tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Champions Mile results.

The horse to finish on top of the Champions Mile trifecta is your Champions Mile winner, the runner who outstayed all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.

Placing a Champions Mile trifecta exotic bet on the race is a great way to add to the thrill and potentially be rewarded with a generous pay-out.

A Champions Mile trifecta is only successful if the three horses in your bet finish in the exact order you predict. Punters may choose instead to box their trifecta bets on the Champions Mile to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.

Avoiding the favourite in your Champions Mile trifecta bet is a top tip as the favourites have a poor strike-rate in recent years.

Key Champions Mile Statistics and Insights

Place an informed bet on this year’s Champions Mile by considering the following key statistics and insights:

• Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Champions Mile. Our Champions Mile betting tips available at the TAB NZ Punters Lounge provide detailed win rate statistics.
• Place Percentages: Evaluate horses with consistent place percentages, indicating reliability and competitiveness. Champions Mile race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
• Barrier Success Rates: Horses have won the event from a wide range of barriers making other stats more important when selecting the Champions Mile winner.

2025 Champions Mile Betting

2025 Champions Mile Preview

Bet on the 2025 Champions Mile race now!

Past Cantala Stakes / Champions Mile Results

Recent Champions Mile winners, jockeys, trainers, barriers, and weights carried to victory dating back to the year 2005 are detailed in the below table.

Year	Winner – Age/Gender Breeding	Jockey	Weight (kgs)	Trainer/s	Barrier
2024	MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) 7G BULLBARS (AUS) – LILAHJAY (NZ) TAVISTOCK (NZ)	CRAIG WILLIAMS	59.0	BEN, WILL & JD HAYES	3
2023	PRIDE OF JENNI (AUS) 6M PRIDE OF DUBAI (AUS) – SANCERRE (NZ) O’REILLY (NZ)	DECLAN BATES	57.0	C MAHER & D EUSTACE	3
2022	ALLIGATOR BLOOD (AUS) 6G ALL TOO HARD (AUS) – LAKE SUPERIOR (AUS) ENCOSTA DE LAGO (AUS)	TIM CLARK	59.0	G WATERHOUSE & A BOTT	3
2021	SUPERSTORM (AUS) 5G SEBRING (AUS) – STORMY NOVA (AUS) METAL STORM (FR)	DAMIEN OLIVER	56.0	DANNY O’BRIEN	12
2020	YULONG PRINCE (SAF) 6H GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT (AUS) – CONGESTION CHARGE (GB) DIKTAT (GB)	DAMIAN LANE	55.0	CHRIS WALLER	11
2019	FIERCE IMPACT (JPN) 5H DEEP IMPACT (JPN) – KEIAI GERBERA (JPN) SMARTY JONES (USA)	CRAIG WILLIAMS	56.0	MATTHEW SMITH	14
2018	BEST OF DAYS (GB) 4H AZAMOUR (IRE) – BAISSE (GB) HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE)	CRAIG WILLIAMS	52.0	JAMES CUMMINGS	1
2017	SHILLELAGH (NZ) 6M SAVABEEL (AUS) – TROCAIR (AUS) FLYING SPUR (AUS)	MICHAEL DEE	52.0	CHRIS WALLER	2
2016	LE ROMAIN (AUS) 4G HARD SPUN (USA) – MIGNARD (AUS) STRATEGIC (AUS)	HUGH BOWMAN	55.5	KRIS LEES	8
2015	TURN ME LOOSE (NZ) 4H IFFRAAJ (GB) – INDOMITABLE (NZ) DANEHILL (USA)	K MCEVOY	56.5	MURRAY BAKER & ANDREW FORSMAN	10
2014	HUCKLEBUCK (AUS) 4G ELVSTROEM (AUS) – KONDARI (NZ) O’REILLY (NZ)	D TOURNEUR	55.5	PHILLIP STOKES	5
2013	BOBAN (AUS) 4G BERNARDINI (USA) – KENBELLE (AUS) KENMARE (FR)	G SCHOFIELD	57.0	CHRIS WALLER	3
2012	HAPPY TRAILS (AUS) 5G GOOD JOURNEY (USA) – MADAME FLURRY (AUS) PERUGINO (USA)	DAMIEN OLIVER	58.0	PAUL BESHARA	9
2011	ALBERT THE FAT (AUS) 7G MAGIC ALBERT (AUS) – ALEMAR (AUS) BUREAUCRACY (NZ)	M J ZAHRA	54.0	CHRIS WALLER	9
2010	WALL STREET (NZ) 6G MONTJEU (IRE) – VILLA WANDA (GB) GRAND LODGE (USA)	HUGH BOWMAN	55.5	JEFF LYNDS	9
2009	ALL AMERICAN (AUS) 4H RED RANSOM (USA) – MILVA (USA) STRAWBERRY ROAD (AUS)	C W BROWN	53.0	D A HAYES	6
2008	ALL SILENT (AUS) 5G BELONG TO ME (USA) – LISHEENOWEN (AUS) SEMIPALATINSK (USA)	D DUNN	53.5	GRAHAME BEGG	4
2007	TEARS I CRY (AUS) 5G LACRYMA CRISTI (IRE) – CASSAZIONE (AUS) SALIERI (USA)	MS N BERIMAN	51.0	CIARON MAHER	16
2006	DIVINE MADONNA (AUS) 4M HURRICANE SKY (AUS) – MY MADONNA (AUS) PREGO (IRE)	S BASTER	51.0	MARK KAVANAGH	10
2005	VALEDICTUM (AUS) 5G UMATILLA (NZ) – WUNDERSCHOEN (AUS) TWIG MOSS (FR)	STEVEN KING	52.5	DANNY O’BRIEN	12

 

Champions Mile Betting Info

Champions Mile betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 spring race at the TAB NZ.

We offer pre-nomination Champions Mile betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Champions Mile odds online.

All-In Champions Mile markets are then available following the official Champions Mile nominations taken the Monday of race week.

Betting on the Champions Mile field is then available following final acceptances which close on the Wednesday of race week.

Betting on the Champions Mile often favours the season’s best Cox Plate graduates who have a great Champions Mile record, plus the Sydney raiders who have a strong strike-rate over their local Victorian counterparts in the Melbourne Cup Carnival showdown.

Champions Mile race betting traditionally focuses on the Australian-trained horses with the majority having already run top three in a previous spring Group 1 race.

For the best online betting on the Champions Mile, consider tipping a horse to win both the Champions Mile and another Group 1 race over the carnival in a spring double!

Champions Mile Field

The Champions Mile field attracts a line-up of top-line horses each season with runners coming from mainly local Sydney and Melbourne stables.

Champions Mile Acceptance Dates

It is crucial to take note of when the Champions Mile field is out, what time Champions Mile nominations close and the official Champions Mile acceptance dates when placing a Champions Mile bet online as horses may drop out of the race and bets may be cancelled.

See below for the official Champions Mile field dates for 2025.

• 2025 Champions Mile Nominations: Close on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00pm (Melbourne time).
• 2025 Champions Mile Final Field: Revealed on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 9:30am (Melbourne time).
• 2025 Champions Mile Barrier Draw: Conducted on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Where can you bet on the Champions Mile?

The best place to bet on this year’s Champions Mile race is through the TAB NZ online.

Champions Mile Odds

Champions Mile odds and online betting tips on the Champions Mile are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the four and five-year-old runners who have a great recent record and graduates out of earlier spring races like the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).

Where can I find the Champions Mile odds?

For the latest odds and updates on the Champions Mile, TAB NZ is your go-to source. They provide real-time odds fluctuations, ensuring you have the most current information to make informed betting decisions. It’s crucial to monitor these odds closely, as they reflect the market’s perception of each horse’s chances, influenced by factors like form, barrier draw, and track conditions.

How to Place a Bet on the Champions Mile Race

Want to know how to make a bet on the Champions Mile? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Champions Mile betting odds and options.

It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Champions Mile online.

You can place a Champions Mile bet online anytime markets are live.

There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Champions Mile.

From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Champions Mile is a race for everyone.

Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Champions Mile race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the spring carnival at Flemington Racecourse, the Champions Mile has it all!

This important spring race showcases Australia’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as the action of the Melbourne Cup Carnival comes to a close.

How to Bet on the Champions Mile in 2025?

1. Log in or sign-up with TAB NZ.

2. Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.

3. Check out the Champions Mile betting guide, Champions Mile form guide and our expert Champions Mile tips.

4. Choose a Champions Mile bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Champions Mile Trifecta. There are many more Champions Mile betting options available so make sure to check out our Champions Mile betting markets.

5. Select the Champions Mile horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Champions Mile nominations or Champions Mile field.

What are the popular betting markets for the Champions Mile?

When it comes to betting on the Champions Mile, there are a number of more popular betting options with punters including:

Exotics: These include Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four, where you predict the specific order of finishers, offering potentially higher payouts but requiring more precise predictions.

Win & Place: Bet on a horse to win or finish in the top places. This is one of the most straightforward and popular betting options.

Each-Way: A combination of win and place bets, providing a safety net if your chosen horse doesn’t win but finishes in the top positions.

What makes betting on the Champions Mile so popular?

The fact that the Champions Mile is one of the final Group 1 Melbourne races run during the festival and one of the key races at the Melbourne Cup Carnival make it a must watch and must bet on horse racing event.

As the final Group 1 mile race of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, it consistently attracts the best middle-distance horses from both Australia and overseas.

Elite Competition: The race is a weight-for-age event over 1600m, which means the best milers from around Australia and sometimes the world are competing on an even scale. This guarantees a true test of a horse’s ability and provides a strong form guide for future races.

Cox Plate & Other Lead-Up Form: The Champions Mile is perfectly positioned on the calendar for horses coming out of other major spring races. Punters can analyse form from events like the Cox Plate, Toorak Handicap, and Epsom Handicap, giving them a clear picture of which horses are in top form and ready to win.

Big Price Upsets: While many favorites have won, the Champions Mile is also known for big-priced upsets. This unpredictability attracts punters looking for value, with recent winners like Pride Of Jenni ($13) and Alligator Blood ($9) coming from a double-digit starting price. This adds an extra layer of excitement and possibility for a big payout.

Flemington’s Course: The 1600m start at Flemington gives every horse a fair chance to find a position before the long, straight run to the finish. This reduces the risk of being caught in traffic and allows the best horse on the day to have a clean run, giving bettors more confidence in their selections.

What makes the Champions Mile so special?

The Champions Mile field is almost exclusively comprised of Group 1 winners or horses very close to that level, the race consistently drawing a star-studded line-up.

Australian and international racing fans, including those in New Zealand, tune into the thrilling 1600m spring event every season to see if their bets on the Champions Mile race won!

The Champions Mile currently offers A$3,000,000 in prize money plus bragging rights with jockeys, trainers and owners from across the country and further abroad keen to add their names to the list of VRC Champions Mile champions.

How many horses can run in the Champions Mile?

The Champions Mile field has a 16-starter limit plus emergencies with final acceptances announced the Wednesday of race week.

Champions Mile race tips centre on proven stars that have good lead-up form in events like the Cox Plate, horses with previous experience at the Flemington track, and confirmed Group 1 stars.

The Champions Mile is a weight-for-age race meaning the older a horse is the more weight they will carry.

How many mares have won the Champions Mile in recent years?

Since the year 2000, four mares have won the Champions Mile with Sky Cuddle (2004), Divine Madonna (2006), Shillelagh (2017), and most recently Pride Of Jenni (2023).

What age group has the best recent Champions Mile record?

Four-year-olds have dominated the Champions Mile results in recent years with 11 saluting between 2000 and 2024, most recently Best Of Days (2018).

The oldest recent Champions Mile winner was Mr Brightside (2024) who was the last seven-year-old to win.

The youngest recent Champions Mile winner was Skyjack (1974) who was the last three-year-old to win.

Between 2000 and 2024 the breakdown of Champions Mile winners by age (in Australia) is as follows:

• 3YOS – 0
• 4YOs – 11 (latest Best Of Days in 2018)
• 5YOs – 7 (latest Superstorm in 2021)
• 6YOs – 5 (latest Pride Of Jenni in 2023)
• 7YOs – 2 (latest Mr Brightside in 2024)

Champions Mile Prize Money

The Champions Mile prize money may not compare to the stakes on offer in events like the A$20 million The Everest and A$10 million The Golden Eagle which are both held in Sydney over the spring, but it remains a highlight of the Australian racing calendar.

The Champions Mile prize money is set at A$3,000,000 in total stakes allocated between first to eighth place.

How much does the Champions Mile winner get? The winning Champions Mile horse receives a total of A$1,800,000 in prize money.

See below for the official breakdown of Champions Mile prizes on offer from the Champions Mile winner to the eighth horse to cross the finish line in the official Champions Mile results.

• First: A$1,800,000
• Second: A$540,000
• Third: A$270,000
• Fourth: A$135,000
• Fifth: A$75,000
• Sixth – Eighth: A$60,000

How many international horses have won the Champions Mile?

None. To date, no internationally trained horse has won the Champions Mile with the European gallopers more suited to longer distance races than the sprints / middle-distance races in Australia.

How many horses have won the Champions Mile more than once?

Five horses have won multiple editions of the Champions Mile, most recently Seascay (1994-95).

Multiple Champions Mile winners: Iolaire (1907-08), Amounis (1926 & 1929), Aquanita (1960-61), Heroic Stone (1965 & 1967), Seascay (1994-95).

What races will runners out of the Champions Mile target next?

Following a run in the Champions Mile most horses head to the paddock for a spell.

Champions Mile Barriers

The Champions Mile barrier draw and allocated Champions Mile gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.

When is the Champions Mile barrier draw?

The Champions Mile barrier draw is conducted on the same day as final acceptances close which is the Wednesday of race week around 9:30am local Melbourne time.

What is the most successful recent Champions Mile barrier draw?

Barrier 3 has produced five Champions Mile winners between 2000 and 2024, most recently Mr Brightside (2024).

Barrier 16 is the widest gate to produce a Champions Mile winner between 2000 and 2024, most recently Tears I Cry (2007).

Barrier 3 is the last gate to produce back-to-back Champions Mile winners with three on the trot with Alligator Blood (2022), Pride Of Jenni (2023) and Mr Brightside (2024).

Barrier 3 is the latest Champions Mile winning barrier with Mr Brightside in 2024.

Breakdown of winning Champions Mile barriers between 2000-24:

• Barrier 1 – 3 (latest Best Of Days in 2018)
• Barrier 2 – 1 (latest Shillelagh in 2017)
• Barrier 3 – 5 (latest Mr Brightside in 2024)
• Barrier 4 – 1 (latest All Silent in 2008)
• Barrier 5 – 1 (latest Hucklebuck in 2014)
• Barrier 6 – 1 (latest All American in 2009)
• Barrier 7 – 0
• Barrier 8 – 2 (latest Le Romain in 2016)
• Barrier 9 – 3 (latest Happy Trails in 2012)
• Barrier 10 – 2 (latest Turn Me Loose in 2015)
• Barrier 11 – 1 (latest Yulong Prince in 2020)
• Barrier 12 – 2 (latest Superstorm in 2021)
• Barrier 13 – 0
• Barrier 14 – 1 (latest Fierce Impact in 2019)
• Barrier 15 – 0
• Barrier 16 – 2 (latest Tears I Cry in 2007)

Champions Mile Form

We offer a complete Champions Mile form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Champions Mile field in addition to insider Champions Mile racing tips and betting odds.

Our Champions Mile form guides include:

• Champions Mile race preview and predictions
• Racing analysis on the event and runners
• Previous runs, barrier trials and lead-up statistics
• Key information on all horses in the race like trainer and jockey form
• Runner commentary

Whether you are just starting out tipping horses in the Champions Mile or you are an expert Champions Mile tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Champions Mile.

How to Read the Champions Mile Guide

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to interpret a horse’s form and performance indicators when looking at this year’s Champions Mile form guide:

Barrier Position: Evaluate the horse’s barrier draw and its historical performance from similar starting positions.

Recent Performances: Review the horse’s last few races, focusing on finish positions and the quality of competition faced.

Track and Distance Records: Check the horse’s performance on similar track conditions and distances to gauge suitability.

Jockey and Trainer Stats: Consider the success rates of the jockey and trainer combination, particularly in the Champions Mile race.

Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Champions Mile as this can impact performance.

Champions Mile Results

The Champions Mile results are known when the event takes place on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup race in early November.

You can bet on the Champions Mile race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures Champions Mile markets here at the TAB NZ.

Betting on the Champions Mile results entails picking the Champions Mile winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Champions Mile field with our Champions Mile tips and form guide.

Other Champions Mile race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.

The complete Champions Mile finishing order shows what position every horse in the field ran.

Some punters even like to place bets on what horse will finish last in the Champions Mile results!

Champions Mile exotic results show how all the exotic Champions Mile bet types resulted like the Champions Mile Quinella, Champions Mile Exacta, Champions Mile Trifecta, and Champions Mile First Four.

Champions Mile Jockeys

Securing a ride in the VRC Champions Mile field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around Australia and New Zealand. Winning this important spring race is a nice campaign goal for many of Australasia’s top riders looking to secure a Group 1 trophy during the carnival.

What jockeys are riding in the Champions Mile field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Champions Mile jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.

Craig Williams is the latest Champions Mile winning jockey having ridden Mr Brightside to victory in 2024.

Craig Williams is the latest back-to-back Champions Mile winning jockey aboard Best Of Days (2018) and Fierce Impact (2019).

Nikita Beriman is the latest female jockey to win the Champions Mile with Tears I Cry (2007).

Who are the most successful recent Champions Mile jockeys? Since the year 2000, Craig Williams is the most successful jockey in the race with three wins aboard Best Of Days (2018), Fierce Impact (2019) and Mr Brightside (2024).

Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the Champions Mile horses this spring.

Champions Mile Trainers

Since the year 2000, is the most successful Champions Mile winning trainer with four wins is Chris Waller with Albert The Fat (2011), Boban (2013), Shillelagh (2017) and Yulong Prince (2020).

Ben, Will & JD Hayes are the latest Champions Mile winning trainers having prepared Mr Brightside in 2024.

Cantala Stakes / Champions Mile Winners

Notable Cantala Stakes / Champions Mile winners throughout history include:

Violoncello (1922): Violoncello was a British import who made a significant impact on Australian racing in the early 20th century. His win in the Cantala Stakes (now Champions Mile) was part of a stellar career that included victories in the inaugural Cox Plate and the AJC Doncaster Handicap, showcasing his versatility and class.

Amounis (1926 & 1929): Amounis is one of the few horses to win the race twice. A champion of his era, he defeated the legendary Phar Lap in the 1930 Warwick Stakes and won 33 races overall. His dual victories in the Cantala Stakes cemented his reputation as a durable and elite miler.

Aquanita (1960-61): Aquanita was a dominant force in Australian racing during the early 1960s. Winning the Cantala Stakes in consecutive years, he was known for his consistency and toughness, later becoming a successful sire.

Wenona Girl (1963): Wenona Girl was one of Australia’s greatest mares, winning 27 races including multiple Group 1s. Her victory in the Cantala Stakes added to a glittering resume that included the Lightning Stakes and the George Main Stakes.

Vain (1969): Vain is widely regarded as one of the best sprinters in Australian history. His win in the Cantala Stakes came during a season where he dominated the sprinting ranks, winning 12 of his 14 starts and setting multiple track records.

Gunsynd (1971): Known as the “Goondiwindi Grey,” Gunsynd was a crowd favourite and a champion miler. His Cantala Stakes win was part of a career that included victories in the Epsom Handicap, Toorak Handicap, and a third in the Melbourne Cup. He was later inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Taj Rossi (1973): Taj Rossi had a brief but brilliant career, winning the Cantala Stakes during a spring campaign that also included the Cox Plate and Victoria Derby. He was named Australian Horse of the Year in 1973.

Maybe Mahal (1976): Maybe Mahal was a top-class mare who won the Cantala Stakes as part of a dominant run in the mid-1970s. She was named Australian Horse of the Year in 1977 and later inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Family Of Man (1978): Family Of Man was a versatile and durable performer, winning the Cantala Stakes with a heavy weight. He had a long career with multiple Group 1 wins and was known for his toughness and consistency.

Better Loosen Up (1989): Better Loosen Up won the Cantala Stakes before going on to international glory in the Japan Cup in 1990. He also won the Cox Plate and was named Australian Horse of the Year, making him one of the most accomplished horses to win this race.

Shaftesbury Avenue (1990): Shaftesbury Avenue was a brilliant miler who won multiple Group 1 races across different distances. His Cantala Stakes win was part of a career that included victories in the George Main Stakes and the Newmarket Handicap.

Seascay (1994-95): Seascay is notable for being one of the few back-to-back winners of the race. His victories in the mid-90s showcased his dominance over the mile and his ability to handle the Flemington track.

Testa Rossa (2000): Testa Rossa carried a hefty 59kg to victory in the Cantala Stakes, a rare feat. He was a top-class sprinter-miler and later became a successful sire, producing multiple Group winners.

Divine Madonna (2006): Divine Madonna was a classy mare who won the Cantala Stakes and went on to claim three more Group 1s in 2007. Her win marked a resurgence of mares in the race and highlighted her turn of foot and versatility.

Boban (2013): Boban’s win in the Cantala Stakes was part of a breakout spring campaign where he also won the Epsom Handicap. Trained by Chris Waller, he became a multiple Group 1 winner and fan favourite.

Fierce Impact (2019): Fierce Impact completed the rare Toorak Handicap–Cantala Stakes double, showcasing his elite form and adaptability. His win marked the rise of Japanese-bred horses in Australian racing.

Yulong Prince (2020): Yulong Prince made history by becoming a Group 1 winner in both South Africa and Australia. His Cantala Stakes win was a testament to his international class and adaptability.

Alligator Blood (2022): Alligator Blood was a cult hero known for his fighting spirit. His win in the Champions Mile added to a resume that included the Australian Guineas and Stradbroke Handicap, making him one of the most popular horses of his generation.

Pride Of Jenni (2023): Pride Of Jenni pulled off a remarkable feat by winning both the Empire Rose Stakes and the Champions Mile within a week. Her front-running style and tenacity made her a standout performer of the spring carnival.

Mr Brightside (2024): Mr Brightside finally broke through in the Champions Mile after placing in previous editions. Already a dual Doncaster Mile winner, his victory at Flemington solidified his status as one of Australia’s premier milers.

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