The 2025 Turnbull Stakes ran on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia and was won by the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott trained import Sir Delius!
| 3. Sir Delius (14) J: Craig Williams 58kg x1x21T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | ||
| 1. Antino (6) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 11x54T: Tony Gollan | ||
| 4. Via Sistina (1) J: James McDonald 57kg 11x13T: Chris Waller | ||
| 6. Half Yours (4) J: Jamie Melham 56kg 12151T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | ||
| 7. Aeliana (5) J: Damian Lane 55kg 21x22T: Chris Waller | ||
| 12. Deakin (12) J: Daniel Stackhouse 55kg 11x07T: Phillip Stokes | ||
| 9. Adelaide River (9) J: Michael Dee 55kg 4x882T: Kris Lees | ||
| 8. Young Werther (13) J: Billy Egan 55kg 78x63T: Danny O'Brien | ||
| 11. Middle Earth (7) J: Mark Zahra 55kg 59x50T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 5. Moira (11) J: Ben Melham 56kg 0x424T: Chris Waller | ||
| 13. Zardozi (2) J: Harry Coffey 53kg 30x57T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 14. River Of Stars (8) J: Beau Mertens 53kg 73x78T: Chris Waller | ||
| 10. Golden Path (3) J: Jordan Childs 55kg 5x313T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 2. Land Legend (10) J: Jye McNeil 58kg 8x395T: Chris Waller |
Turnbull Stakes Info
- 2025 Turnbull Stakes Date: Saturday the 4th of October 2025
- Track Location: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Distance: 2,000m
- Conditions: Set Weights Plus Penalties - 4YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (AUD): $750,000
- First Run: 1865
- Reigning Turnbull Stakes Winner: Sir Delius (2025)
Looking for the latest Turnbull Stakes odds, expert racing tips and race history? The TAB NZ have all the insider insights to make informed bets on the Turnbull Stakes race this August!
The Group 1 Turnbull Stakes is a crucial early test for Australia’s top racehorses as they prepare for the prestigious horse racing majors over the spring down under.
To maximise your winnings, arm yourself with the latest Turnbull Stakes odds and tips.
TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of spring contenders eyeing runs in events including the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in Australia, our comprehensive Turnbull Stakes coverage has everything you need.
Ready for Spring racing glory? Back your Turnbull Stakes champion with TAB NZ this season!
Turnbull Stakes Fast Facts
- Last mare to win the Turnbull Stakes: Via Sistina (2024)
- Last multiple Turnbull Stakes winner: Winx (2017-18)
- Last New Zealand-trained Turnbull Stakes winner: Sunline (2001)
- Notable Fact: The Turnbull Stakes only gained Group 1 status in 2006, a year after triple Melbourne Cup hero Makybe Diva won the event as a Group 2.
Turnbull Stakes betting takes place on the popular Turnbull Stakes race which is held at Flemington Racecourse on a Saturday in early October annually.
Turnbull Stakes odds are offered on the esteemed Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Group 1 event, and the field attracts a host of quality middle-distance or staying horses heading towards bigger and better features over the coming months.
The Group 1 Turnbull Stakes is one of Australia’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1865 when The Sign became the inaugural champion.
Turnbull Stakes history shows the event was first known as the Royal Park Stakes (1865-1894).
It has undergone a number of race name changes over the years before being renamed the Turnbull Stakes in 1948 in honour of the then Victoria Racing Club Chairman, Richard Turnbull.
The Turnbull Stakes holds a special place in racing history due to the number of subsequent Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup winners the race has produced.
Taking place at arguably Australia’s most famous racecourse, Flemington, the Turnbull Stakes has been run over varying distances over its history.
It was originally a two mile (3,200m) staying race like the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.
The Turnbull Stakes distance has remained at the current 2,000m consistently since 1972.
Horses in the Turnbull Stakes field must be aged at least four and the event is contested at set weights plus penalties.
Get the best Turnbull Stakes Day racing odds for Melbourne, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the meeting’s feature Group 1 race now at the TAB NZ!
Expert Tips on the 2025 Turnbull Stakes
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Turnbull Stakes betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature at Flemington.
2025 Turnbull Stakes Same Race Multi Selections ($21 at time of publish)
- To Win – No. 4 Via Sistina
- Top 3 – No. 7 Aeliana
- Top 4 – No. 10 Golden Path
VIA SISTINA (1) returns as the defending champion and, despite finishing third second-up in the Makybe Diva Stakes, looks primed to bounce back and secure consecutive wins. A 10-time Group 1 winner and reigning Australian Racehorse of the Year, she’s the standout class runner in the field. Her spring campaign last year followed a similar path—winning the Winx, placing in the Makybe Diva, then beating Buckaroo in this race before her dominant eight-length Cox Plate triumph. Back to her preferred 2000m trip, drawn the rails, and with James McDonald aboard, the evergreen eight-year-old should peak at the right time. With a stronger tempo expected, she’ll be flying home from midfield and remains unbeaten at this track and distance.
AELIANA (5), the rising star stablemate to the favourite, is staking her claim as Team Waller’s next powerhouse mare. As a three-year-old, she stunned in the ATC Derby with a five-length demolition of the boys, and she’s continued to impress this prep over shorter trips, finding her rhythm as a four-year-old. Following the same lead-up path as Via Sistina, she’s run second in both the Winx and Makybe Diva Stakes—two performances full of promise. With a more favourable weight swing, a return to longer trip now, and peak fitness on her side, Aeliana shapes as a genuine Each Way threat ready to fire.
GOLDEN PATH (3) stands out as one of the more appealing roughie options to add value in SRM selections. While this is a significant test for the in-form six-year-old, he’s ticking plenty of boxes this prep. His Randwick record is solid with two wins from three starts, and his strike-rate over 2000m suggests he’ll handle the trip. He was particularly eye-catching when third in the Underwood Stakes behind Sir Delius, sticking on gamely to finish just half a length off the winner over 1800m at a similarly overlooked price. Now rock-hard fit and dropping to 55kg under the SW+P conditions, he’s well in the mix.
Turnbull Stakes Tips
Turnbull Stakes tips on which horse will win the next edition of the event flood in as the countdown to the important Flemington race heats up.
Turnbull Stakes tips on what horse will win the Turnbull Stakes this year are highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.
When looking at Turnbull Stakes race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in the Turnbull Stakes field are proven over the distance?
- Who the key Turnbull Stakes trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the Turnbull Stakes field this year?
- Turnbull Stakes barrier statistics and where your Turnbull Stakes betting selections are drawn.
- Turnbull Stakes horses that are coming off a lead-up run in a key preparatory race like the Underwood Stakes.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Turnbull Stakes race tip? The event itself takes just over 2 minutes for competing horses to run the 2,000m trip depending on track conditions.
The official Turnbull Stakes winner and winning Turnbull Stakes trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish Turnbull Stakes result.
What are the best Turnbull Stakes lead-up races to look at when placing a Turnbull Stakes bet?
Horses traditionally contest the Turnbull Stakes off an earlier spring lead-up in a race like the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield Racecourse.
The latest horses to complete the Underwood Stakes – Turnbull Stakes double in the same year are Elvstroem (2004) and Sir Delius (2025).
Sydney-Trained Horses in the Turnbull Stakes
Betting on the Sydney-trained horses in the field is more and more popular as Turnbull Stakes tips favour the proven visiting interstate hopes from Sydney-based stables.
Looking back over the Turnbull Stakes history and statistics shows that the last Sydney-trained Turnbull Stakes winners were Verry Elleegant (2020) who handed Chris Waller his fourth straight win and fifth since 2014 and the fellow Waller-trained Via Sistina (2024).
New Zealand-bred horses also have a dominant record in the Turnbull Stakes and make a good tip in the event.
Recent New Zealand-bred Turnbull Stakes winners that were trained in Australia include Smokin’ Romans (2022), Verry Elleegant (2020), Preferment (2015), and Lucia Valentina (2014).
Turnbull Stakes Tips for a Trifecta
Turnbull Stakes tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Turnbull Stakes results.
The horse to finish on top of the Turnbull Stakes trifecta is your Turnbull Stakes winner, the runner who outstayed all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a Turnbull Stakes 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 Turnbull Stakes 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 Turnbull Stakes to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding the favourite into your Turnbull Stakes trifecta bet is a top tip as the favourites have an excellent recent strike-rate running in the money without winning.
Key Turnbull Stakes Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s Turnbull Stakes by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Turnbull Stakes. Our Turnbull Stakes 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. Turnbull Stakes race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from barriers 3-9 have historically shown a higher success rate in the Turnbull Stakes.
Bet on the next Turnbull Stakes race now!
Past Turnbull Stakes Results
Recent Turnbull Stakes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIR DELIUS (GB) 4H FRANKEL (GB) – WHATAMI (GB) DAYLAMI (IRE) |
CRAIG WILLIAMS | 58.0 | GAI WATERHOUSE & ADRIAN BOTT | 14 | |
| VIA SISTINA (IRE) 6M FASTNET ROCK (AUS) – NIGH (IRE) GALILEO (IRE) |
DAMIAN LANE | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 12 | |
| GOLD TRIP (FR) 6H OUTSTRIP (GB) – SARVANA (FR) DUBAI DESTINATION (USA) |
M J ZAHRA | 58.0 | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | 16 | |
| SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) 6G GHIBELLINES (AUS) – INFERNO (NZ) YAMANIN VITAL (NZ) |
ETHAN BROWN | 55.5 | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | 5 | |
| INCENTIVISE (AUS) 5G SHAMUS AWARD (AUS) – MISS ARGYLE (AUS) IGLESIA (AUS) |
B PREBBLE | 57.5 | PETER G MOODY | 6 | |
| VERRY ELLEEGANT (NZ) 5M ZED (NZ) – OPULENCE (NZ) DANROAD (AUS) |
M J ZAHRA | 55.5 | CHRIS WALLER | 9 | |
| KINGS WILL DREAM (IRE) 5G CASAMENTO (IRE) – ROAD HARBOUR (USA) RODRIGO DE TRIANO (USA) |
JYE MCNEIL | 54.5 | CHRIS WALLER | 3 | |
| WINX (AUS) 7M STREET CRY (IRE) – VEGAS SHOWGIRL (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 8 | |
| WINX (AUS) 6M STREET CRY (IRE) – VEGAS SHOWGIRL (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 2 | |
| HARTNELL (GB) 5G AUTHORIZED (IRE) – DEBONNAIRE (GB) ANABAA (USA) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 57.5 | JOHN O’SHEA | 3 | |
| PREFERMENT (NZ) 4H ZABEEL (NZ) – BETTER ALTERNATIVE (AUS) FLYING SPUR (AUS) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 56.5 | CHRIS WALLER | 9 | |
| LUCIA VALENTINA (NZ) 4M SAVABEEL (AUS) – STARYN GLENN (NZ) MONTJEU (IRE) |
K MCEVOY | 53.5 | KRIS LEES | 5 | |
| HAPPY TRAILS (AUS) 6G GOOD JOURNEY (USA) – MADAME FLURRY (AUS) PERUGINO (USA) |
D DUNN | 57.5 | PAUL BESHARA | 5 | |
| GREEN MOON (IRE) 5H MONTJEU (IRE) – GREEN NOON (FR) GREEN TUNE (USA) |
CRAIG WILLIAMS | 55.5 | ROBERT HICKMOTT | 8 | |
| DECEMBER DRAW (IRE) 5G MEDECIS (GB) – NEW YORK (IRE) DANZERO (AUS) |
M RODD | 54.5 | MARK KAVANAGH | 7 | |
| ZIPPING (AUS) 9G DANEHILL (USA) – SOCIAL SCENE (IRE) GRAND LODGE (USA) |
NICHOLAS HALL | 59.0 | ROBERT HICKMOTT | 6 | |
| EFFICIENT (NZ) 6G ZABEEL (NZ) – REFUSED THE DANCE (NZ) DEFENSIVE PLAY (USA) |
NICHOLAS HALL | 57.5 | JOHN SADLER | 8 | |
| LITTORIO (AUS) 4G BELLOTTO (USA) – OUR CENTASEA (AUS) CENTAINE (AUS) |
STEVEN KING | 53.0 | NIGEL BLACKISTON | 4 | |
| DEVIL MOON (AUS) 4M KING CUGAT (USA) – CLASSY BABE (NZ) MASTERCLASS (USA) |
C W BROWN | 54.0 | MARK KAVANAGH | 8 | |
| SPHENOPHYTA (NZ) 6G GROOM DANCER (USA) – BALLERMOSS (NZ) LORD BALLINA (AUS) |
D NIKOLIC | 56.5 | D L FREEDMAN | 2 | |
| MAKYBE DIVA (GB) 6M DESERT KING (IRE) – TUGELA (USA) RIVERMAN (USA) |
STEVEN KING | 56.5 | D L FREEDMAN | 16 |
Turnbull Stakes Betting Info
Turnbull Stakes betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 spring race down under at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Turnbull Stakes betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Turnbull Stakes odds online.
All-In Turnbull Stakes betting markets are then available following the official Turnbull Stakes nominations taken the Monday of race week.
Betting on the Turnbull Stakes field is then available following final acceptances which close on the Wednesday of race week.
Betting on the Turnbull Stakes often favours the Chris Waller-trained runners in the event as he boasts a great Turnbull record, plus the higher-rated runners who have the class edge to carry more weight to victory.
Turnbull Stakes race betting traditionally focuses on the Australian-trained staying horses with the majority heading towards bigger and better events over the spring.
For the best online betting on the Turnbull Stakes, consider tipping a horse to win both the Turnbull Stakes and another Group 1 race over the carnival in a spring double!
Turnbull Stakes Field
The Turnbull Stakes field attracts a line-up of top-line horses each season with runners coming from mainly local Sydney and Melbourne stables.
Turnbull Stakes Acceptance Dates
It is crucial to take note of when the Turnbull Stakes field is out, what time Turnbull Stakes nominations close and the official Turnbull Stakes acceptance dates when placing a Turnbull Stakes bet online as horses may drop out of the race and bets may be cancelled.
The Turnbull Stakes field features a capacity of 16 horses with 4 emergencies.
See below for the official Turnbull Stakes field dates for 2025.
- 2025 Turnbull Stakes Nominations: Close on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 12:00pm (Melbourne time).
- 2025 Turnbull Stakes Final Field: Revealed on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 9:30am (Melbourne time).
- 2025 Turnbull Stakes Barrier Draw: Conducted on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Where can you bet on the Turnbull Stakes?
The best place to bet on this year’s Turnbull Stakes race is through the TAB NZ online.
Turnbull Stakes Odds
Turnbull Stakes odds and online betting tips on the Turnbull Stakes are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the Waller-trained runners and local gallopers heading towards the event first-up or second-up for the spring.
Where can I find the Turnbull Stakes odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Turnbull Stakes, 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 Turnbull Stakes
Want to know how to make a bet on the Turnbull Stakes? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Turnbull Stakes betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Turnbull Stakes online.
You can place a Turnbull Stakes bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Turnbull Stakes.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Turnbull Stakes is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Turnbull Stakes race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the spring carnival at Flemington Racecourse, the Turnbull Stakes has it all!
This important spring major’s lead-up race showcases Australia’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as the count down to the Melbourne Cup heats up!
How to Bet on the Turnbull Stakes 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 Turnbull Stakes betting guide, Turnbull Stakes form guide and our expert Turnbull Stakes tips.
4. Choose a Turnbull Stakes bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Turnbull Stakes Trifecta. There are many more Turnbull Stakes betting options available so make sure to check out our Turnbull Stakes betting markets.
5. Select the Turnbull Stakes horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Turnbull Stakes nominations or Turnbull Stakes field.
What are the popular betting markets for the Turnbull Stakes?
When it comes to betting on the Turnbull Stakes, 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 Turnbull Stakes so popular?
The fact that the Turnbull Stakes is the first Group 1 race at Flemington over further than a mile each spring and one of the leading lead-up races at the carnival held down under make it a must watch and must bet on horse racing event.
What makes the Turnbull Stakes so special?
The Turnbull Stakes serves as a great guide historically to spring majors like the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup races so using it as a form for these upcoming events is popular with punters.
Australian and international racing fans, including those in New Zealand, tune into the 2000m spring lead-up every season to see if their bets on the Turnbull Stakes won!
The Turnbull Stakes currently offers A$750,000 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 Turnbull Stakes champions.
How many horses can run in the Turnbull Stakes?
The Turnbull Stakes field has a 16-starter limit plus four emergencies with final acceptances announced the Wednesday of race week.
Turnbull Stakes race tips centre on proven weight-for-age stars that have good lead-up form, horses with previous experience at the famous Flemington track, and locally-trained Melbourne horses who have a dominant record in the race.
The Turnbull Stakes is a set weights plus penalties race open to horses aged four-years-old and above meaning the better performed they are the more weight they will carry.
The highest-rated horse in the Turnbull Stakes field dons the number one saddlecloth.
Since 2001, two Turnbull Stakes winners have carried 59kg to victory with Northerly (2002) and Zipping (2010).
How many mares have won the Turnbull Stakes in recent years?
Since 1948, 12 mares have beaten home the boys in the Turnbull Stakes results with the ill-fated Verry Elleegant (2020) and the fellow Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina (2024) the latest.
What age group has the best Turnbull Stakes record?
Six-year-olds have dominated the Turnbull Stakes results in recent years with eight saluting between 2000 and 2025, most recently Smokin’ Romans (2022).
The oldest recent Turnbull Stakes winner was Zipping in 2010 who saluted as a nine-year-old.
Between 2000 and 2025 the breakdown of Turnbull Stakes winners by age is as follows:
- 4YOs – 7 (latest Preferment in 2015)
- 5YOs – 7 (latest Sir Delius in 2025)
- 6YOs – 8 (latest Smokin’ Romans in 2022)
- 7YOs – 3 (latest Via Sistina in 2024)
- 8YOs – 0
- 9Yos – 1 (latest Zipping in 2010)
Turnbull Stakes Prize Money
The Turnbull Stakes 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 Turnbull Stakes prize money is set at A$750,000 in total stakes allocated between first to eighth place.
How much does the Turnbull Stakes winner get? The winning Turnbull Stakes horse receives a total of A$450,000 in prize money.
See below for the official breakdown of Turnbull Stakes prizes on offer from the Turnbull Stakes winner to the eighth horse to cross the finish line in the official Turnbull Stakes results.
- First: A$450,000
- Second: A$135,000
- Third: A$67,500
- Fourth: A$33,750
- Fifth: A$18,750
- Sixth: A$15,000
- Seventh: A$15,000
- Eighth: A$15,000
Conducted by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), the Turnbull Stakes is an early feature race at the Flemington track over the all-important Melbourne Spring Carnival.
The Turnbull Stakes has been won by a host of turf greats including heroic New Zealand-trained mare Sunline (2001), triple Melbourne Cup winning mare Makybe Diva (2005), and four-time Cox Plate champ Winx (2017-18).
How many international horses have won the Turnbull Stakes?
None. So far, a horse trained outside of Australia or New Zealand has not won the Turnbull Stakes with most Northern Hemisphere raiders opting to wait until later in the spring before beginning their campaigns down under.
How many horses have won the Turnbull Stakes more than once?
Nine horses have won multiple editions of the race with Ajax (1938 & 1940) the only to do so on non-successive years.
Multiple Turnbull Stakes winners:
Trenton (1885-86), Gladsome (1904-05), Tangalooma (1921-22), Whittier (1923-24), Viol D’Amour (1931-32), Ajax (1938 & 1940), Comic Court (1949-50), Vo Rogue (1987-88), and Winx (2017-18).
Turnbull Stakes Race Records
What was the fastest Turnbull Stakes winning time? Elvstroem set the current Turnbull Stakes race record saluting in 2004 in a slick time of 2 minute 00.40 seconds.
What races will runners out of the Turnbull Stakes target in the spring?
Following a run in the Turnbull Stakes a key spring targets for the top contenders include the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), and the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Plenty of elite Australasian racehorses have won the Turnbull Stakes on way to the Caulfield Cup.
Incentivise (2021) was the last horse to complete the Turnbull Stakes – Caulfield Cup double in the same calendar year.
Via Sistina (2024) was the last horse to complete the Turnbull Stakes – Cox Plate double in the same calendar year.
Green Moon (2012) was the last hose to complete the Turnbull Stakes – Melbourne Cup double in the same calendar year.
Via Sistina (2024) was the last horse to complete the Turnbull Stakes – Champions Stakes double in the same calendar year.
What Time Does the Turnbull Stakes Start?
The Turnbull Stakes start time is traditionally scheduled around 4:25pm (AEST) in Melbourne.
- Queensland: 3:25pm
- New South Wales: 4:25pm
- Victoria: 4:25pm
- Tasmania: 4:25pm
- Northern Territory: 3:55pm
- ACT: 4:25pm
- Western Australia: 2:25pm
- UK & Ireland: 7:25am
- New Zealand: 7:25pm
- Japan: 3:25pm
- Hong Kong: 3:25pm
- Dubai: 9:25am
Note: Times listed are subject to change.
Turnbull Stakes Barriers
The Turnbull Stakes barrier draw and allocated Turnbull Stakes gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
When is the Turnbull Stakes barrier draw?
The Turnbull Stakes 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.
Barriers have historically affected the Turnbull Stakes results with the distance and make-up of the course best suited to horses drawn between barriers three to nine.
Barrier 14 is the most recent Turnbull Stakes winning barrier with Sir Delius in 2025.
Six Turnbull Stakes winners from 2000-2025 jumped from double-digit gates with the latest being Sir Delius (14 in 2025).
Barrier 16 is the widest barrier to produce a Turnbull Stakes winner between 2000 and 2025 with Makybe Diva also successful from that alley in 2005.
What is the most successful recent Turnbull Stakes barrier draw?
Barrier 8 has produced four Turnbull Stakes winners between 2006 and 2025 most recently Winx for her second success in 2018.
Breakdown of winning Turnbull Stakes barriers between 2003-25:
- Barrier 1 – 1 (latest Northerly in 2002)
- Barrier 2 – 3 (latest Winx in 2017)
- Barrier 3 – 2 (latest Kings Will Dream in 2019)
- Barrier 4 – 2 (latest Littorio in 2008)
- Barrier 5 – 3 (latest Smokin’ Romans in 2022)
- Barrier 6 – 2 (latest Incentivise in 2021)
- Barrier 7 – 1 (latest December Draw in 2011)
- Barrier 8 – 4 (latest Winx in 2018)
- Barrier 9 – 2 (latest Verry Elleegant in 2020)
- Barrier 10 – 0
- Barrier 11 – 0
- Barrier 12 – 2 (latest Via Sistina in 2024)
- Barrier 13 – 1 (latest Studebaker in 2003)
- Barrier 14 – 1 (latest Sir Delius in 2025)
- Barrier 15 – 0
- Barrier 16 – 2 (latest Gold Trip in 2023)
Turnbull Stakes Betting Favourites
Favourites in Turnbull Stakes betting are those horses that jump at the shortest Turnbull Stakes odds.
Last Turnbull Stakes favourite to win: Verry Elleegant ($5 in 2020)
Last odds-on Turnbull Stakes favourite to win: Winx ($1.20 in 2017 and $1.10 in 2018)
Shortest-priced Turnbull Stakes favourite to win: Winx ($1.10 in 2018)
Last Turnbull Stakes favourite to finish worse than third: Romantic Warrior (4th in 2023)
The last Turnbull Stakes favourite to finish worse than third and miss out on a spot in the Turnbull Stakes trifecta was Romantic Warrior who started at $2.45 before running fourth to Gold Trip ($19) in 2023.
Turnbull Stakes Form
We offer a complete Turnbull Stakes form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Turnbull Stakes field in addition to insider Turnbull Stakes racing tips and betting odds.
Our Turnbull Stakes form guides include:
- Turnbull Stakes 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 Turnbull Stakes or you are an expert Turnbull Stakes tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Turnbull Stakes.
How to Read the Turnbull Stakes 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 Turnbull Stakes 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 Turnbull Stakes race.
Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Turnbull Stakes as this can impact performance.
Turnbull Stakes Day Betting
Turnbull Stakes Day betting is dominated by online Turnbull Stakes bets, but there are also a host of exciting support races that the TAB NZ offer top Flemington racing odds on.
The Turnbull Stakes is the only Group 1 event on the card, but the other Group status Turnbull Stakes Day races to check out our insider Melbourne racing tips for include the:
- Group 3 A$500,000 The Bart Cummings (2520m),
- Group 2 A$300,000 Danehill Stakes (1200m),
- Group 2 A$300,000 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m),
- Group 2 A$300,000 Gilgai Stakes (1200m), and the
- Group 2 A$300,000 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m).
Turnbull Stakes Results
The Turnbull Stakes results are known when the event takes place on a Saturday in early October with the race traditionally running around 4:25pm (AEST) local time.
You can bet on the Turnbull Stakes race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures Turnbull Stakes markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the Turnbull Stakes results entails picking the Turnbull Stakes winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Turnbull Stakes with our Turnbull Stakes tips and form guide.
Other Turnbull Stakes results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete Turnbull Stakes finishing order shows what position every horse in the traditional 16-horse field ran.
Some punters even like to place bets on what horse will finish last in the Turnbull Stakes results!
Turnbull Stakes exotic results show how all the exotic Turnbull Stakes bet types resulted like the Turnbull Stakes Quinella, Turnbull Stakes Exacta, Turnbull Stakes Trifecta, and Turnbull Stakes First Four.
Turnbull Stakes Jockeys
Securing a ride in the Turnbull Stakes field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around Australia and New Zealand. Winning this important spring lead-up race is a nice early 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 Turnbull Stakes field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Turnbull Stakes jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
Craig Williams is the latest Turnbull Stakes winning jockey having ridden Sir Delius in 2025.
Mark Zahra enjoyed two wins in the four years from 2020-23 having guided Gold Trip (2023) and Verry Elleegant (2020) to victory.
Hugh Bowman was the last back-to-back Turnbull Stakes winning jockey aboard Winx in 2017-18.
Who is the most successful recent Turnbull Stakes jockey? Between 2014 and 2018 Hugh Bowman won the Turnbull Stakes three times. The first was on Preferment in 2015 followed by the Winx double in 2017-18.
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the 16 Turnbull Stakes horses this spring.
Turnbull Stakes Trainers
Lee Freedman is the most successful Turnbull Stakes trainer having prepared an impressive eight winners with Rising Fast (1954), Galilee (1968), Super Impose (1989), Let’s Elope (1991), Naturalism (1992), Doriemus (1996), Northerly (2001), and Elvstroem (2004).
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott are the latest Turnbull Stakes winning trainers having prepared Sir Delius in 2025.
Turnbull Stakes Winners
Notable Turnbull Stakes winners throughout history include:
The Barb (1868): Great Aussie stayer who won the 1866 Melbourne Cup and the Sydney Cup on two occasions.
Don Juan (1873): Completed that year’s Turnbull – Melbourne Cup spring double.
Wakeful (1903): Outstanding and versatile race mare who won top level events across all distances including the Oakleigh Plate (1901) sprint right up to the 3200m of the following year’s Sydney Cup.
Ajax (1938, 1940): Racing sensation Ajax was on an 18-straight winning streak before going down at 40/1 to end the charmed run in 1939. Some of his best-known victories were three-peats in the Underwood Stakes, Memsie Stakes, Futurity Stakes, and All Aged Stakes between 1938 and 1940. Is also the only two-time Turnbull Stakes winner to salute on non-successive years.
Redcraze (1955): New Zealand champion who won a host of the best Australasian races including the 1957 Cox Plate and 1956 Caulfield Cup. Ran in three Melbourne Cup races without success.
Tobin Bronze (1966): Australian Hall of Famer who was one of the best horses getting around in the 1960s claiming events including the Victoria Derby (165), the Cox Plate twice (1966 & 1967) and Caulfield Cup (1967).
Super Impose (1989): Kiwi-bred champion and Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee prepared by Lee Freeman.
Doriemus (1996): New Zealand expat best known for completing the 1995 Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double.
Sunline (2001): The best mare to ever come out of New Zealand, the front-running Sunline was at the time the world’s highest earning race mare. This four-time New Zealand Horse of the Year and three-time Australian Horse of the Year set a plethora of records on the track and was the most winningest Group 1 New Zealand horse with 13 until surpassed by Melody Belle in 2021.
Makybe Diva (2005): Mention any list of great Australian stayers and Makybe Diva is on it as the only triple champion of the world’s richest handicap. But she was more than just a dour stayer, this mighty mare won a host of shorter distance features including the 2005 Cox Plate with Glen Boss aboard. The Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) race at Flemington over the spring is named in her honour.
Winx (2017-18): One of the best horses to ever grace the turf, Chris Waller’s darling captured the hearts of racing fans globally and is best known for her Cox Plate four-peat.
Verry Elleegant (2020): Another esteemed mare from the Waller stable, this New Zealand-bred champion won 11 Group 1 events over her career including the 2020 Caulfield Cup and 2021 Melbourne Cup.
Sir Delius (2025): The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott trained import Sir Delius was enormous winning the 2025 Turnbull Stakes on the back of a lead-up victory in the Underwood Stakes when denying the reigning champion and Australian Racehorse of the Year, Via Sistina, back-to-back wins.
Bet on the next Turnbull Stakes winner with our comprehensive Turnbull Stakes form guide and expert Turnbull Stakes tips at the TAB NZ!
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