The 2025 The Shorts ran on Saturday, September 20, at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney and was won by Chris Waller's brilliant mare Joliestar ($4.80)!
| 4. Joliestar (8) J: James McDonald 56kg 1921xT: Chris Waller | ||
| 1. Briasa (4) J: Tyler Schiller 58kg x414xT: M, W & J Hawkes | ||
| 10. Generosity (2) J: Tim Clark 53kg 335x9T: Chris Waller | ||
| 5. Mazu (9) J: Jason Collett 56kg 516x5T: Joseph Pride | ||
| 2. Private Harry (5) J: Ashley Morgan 58kg 11x1xT: Nathan Doyle | ||
| 6. Ostraka (7) J: Chad Schofield 56kg 664x3T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | ||
| 7. Dragonstone (1) J: Braith Nock 55kg 251x0T: Joseph Pride | ||
| 3. Jedibeel (6) J: Kerrin McEvoy 57kg 9028xT: Brad Widdup | ||
| 8. Compelling Truth (3) J: Bailey Wheeler 55kg 10122T: Mack Griffith |
The Shorts Info
- 2025 The Shorts Date: Saturday the 20th of September 2025
- Track Location: Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Distance: 1,100m
- Conditions : Set Weights Plus Penalties; 3YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 2
- Prize Money (AUD): $1,000,000
- First Run: 1867
- Reigning The Shorts Winner: Joliestar (2025)
Looking for the latest The Shorts betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Sydney Group 2 race this September? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on The Shorts race this spring!
The Group 2 The Shorts is a popular set weights plus penalties test for Australia’s top short-distance horses. It is one of the earlier million-dollar features held during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival and traditionally takes place at Randwick Racecourse in mid to late September as a highlight on 7 Stakes Day conducted by the Australian Turf Club (ATC).
It is considered one of Australia’s leading short, sprint races and attracts some of the best gallopers in the country with AU$1 million in prize money.
To improve your chances of predicting the next The Shorts winner, access the latest The Shorts odds and tips online at the TAB NZ.
TAB NZ provides in-depth analysis, form guides, and betting insights to help you navigate the competitive field of spring contenders.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in Australia and New Zealand, our comprehensive The Shorts coverage has everything you need.
Get behind the next potential The Everest bound sprinter backing your The Shorts selections now at the TAB NZ!
The Shorts Fast Facts
- Last mare to win The Shorts: Joliestar (2025)
- Last three-year-old filly to win The Shorts: Mother Duck (1987)
- Last three-year-old colt / gelding to win The Shorts: Tipperary Star (1961)
- Last favourite to win The Shorts: I Am Me ($2.60 in 2024)
- Last dual The Shorts winner: Kings Favourite (1976 & 1977)
- Notable Fact: In 2020 Classique Legend went one better than his 2nd in 2019 coming from near last to win before claiming The Everest two runs later!
The Shorts betting takes place on the popular sprint race which is held at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse on a Saturday in mid to late September annually.
The Shorts odds are offered on the esteemed Group 2 event, and the field attracts a host of quality gallopers many of which are eyeing runs in the upcoming Group 1 spring majors including the world’s richest turf race – the $20 million Group 1 The Everest back at the track in October.
The Group 2 The Shorts is one of Sydney’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1867 when Gunilda won.
It has been a key event on Australia’s racing calendar for over 150 years and continues to attract the best horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country and New Zealand.
The Shorts has been won by some of the most iconic horses in Australian racing history including a number of reigning or subsequent The Everest champions.
Among the most famous winners is Nature Strip (2022), who claimed the race first-up after his international triumph at Royal Ascot. Classique Legend (2020) surged from near last to win The Shorts and then went on to conquer The Everest two starts later. Eduardo (2021) used his win as a springboard to place in The Everest and later win the Winners Stakes (now the Russell Balding Stakes.
Redzel (2017) won The Shorts before capturing the inaugural The Everest, showcasing the race’s strategic importance. He would also return and become a dual The Everest champion the next year.
Other notable The Shorts winners include Pierata (2019), Rebel Dane (2015), and Bentley Biscuit (2006), each of whom left a lasting mark on Australian sprinting.
Winning The Shorts is a significant achievement in the racing community, and the event attracts lots of attention from punters both locally and internationally in New Zealand.
Taking place at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on the east coast of Australia, The Shorts is currently a 1,100m event. It began as a longer six-furlong race from 1867–1971 before before its distance was cut to 1,100m (1972–2009). It was again run over 1,200m in 2010 and 2011 but has been consistently contested over the current distance since 2012.
The Shorts was elevated to Group 2 status in 2008, the year Fritz’s Princess won.
7 Stakes Day
7 Stakes Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, 20 September at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, serving as a key fixture in the lead-up to the spring racing carnival.
The headline race, the 7 Stakes, is a 1600m weight-for-age contest for horses aged three and up, offering $1 million in prize money.
This race has quickly gained prominence as a strategic stepping-stone toward major Group 1 events like the Epsom Handicap and The Everest, attracting elite milers and versatile sprinters.
The day is also notable for featuring The Shorts, a Group 2 sprint that often showcases The Everest contenders such as Nature Strip, Eduardo, and Classique Legend.
With high-stakes racing, vibrant fashion, and premium hospitality options, 7 Stakes Day blends competitive excitement with a festive atmosphere. It’s a must-attend event for racing fans and social goers alike, offering a preview of the stars set to dominate the spring.
7 Stakes Day betting is dominated by online 7 Stakes bets, but there are also a host of exciting support races that the TAB NZ offer top Randwick racing odds on.
The 7 Stakes is the equal richest race on the card even though it does not hold Group status. The Group status 7 Stakes Day races to check out our insider Sydney racing tips for include the:
- Group 2 A$1,000,000 The Shorts (1100m),
- Group 2 A$300,000 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m),
- Group 3 A$250,000 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m), and the
- Group 3 A$250,000 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m).
Get the best 7 Stakes Day racing odds for Sydney, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the meeting’s feature Group 2 sprint race – The Shorts – race now at the TAB NZ!
Expert Tips on the 2025 The Shorts
Stay tuned for our expert tips and The Shorts betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 2 feature at Randwick.
2025 The Shorts Same Race Multi Selections ($3.85 at time of publish) – BET NOW
- To Win – No. 2 Private Harry
- Top 3 – No. 4 Joliestar
PRIVATE HARRY (5) is the clear The Shorts favourite and I’m happy to stick with the punters’ pick in this important The Everest lead-up. Nathan Doyle’s unbeaten four-year-old is five-from-five and ticks plenty of boxes to make it six on the trot racing second-up over his pet distance. He is an 1100m specialist with three of his victories being over the short sprint including his lightweight win at Rosehill in the Group 1 The Galaxy back in March. He has carried up to 58.5kg to strong wins in easier grade, including a 7-length romp home at Hawkesbury defeating Dark Glitter at just his second start, so the kilos look a non-issue this weekend. Fresh he flies and his two lead-up trials have been excellent. Over these metres to get his Everest campaign underway he’s the one to beat.
JOLIESTAR (9) resumes and while I don’t love this mare over the short 1100m distance she gets a Top 3 inclusion on class alone. Already locked in for her second shot at The Everest after running seventh last year, this triple Group 1 winning daughter of Zoustar was excellent last prep. Think she’ll kick off where she left off with an eye-catching run fresh lining-up for the first time since claiming the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup in Brisbane. Keeping her runs spaced is key and her first-up record is excellent (5:3-1-1). Loves the Randwick track and is so well in the weights. Top hoop James McDonald adds to her claims.
The Shorts Tips
The Shorts tips on which horse will win the next edition of Sydney’s 1100m feature flood in as the countdown to the important Randwick race heats up.
The Shorts race tips on what horse will win the event this year are highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.
When looking at The Shorts race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in The Shorts field are proven over the 1,100m distance?
- Who the key The Shorts trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the field this year?
- The Shorts barrier statistics and where your betting selections are drawn.
- The Shorts horses that have a good past record at the track.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning The Shorts race tip? The event itself takes around 1 minute and 10 seconds for the competing horses to run the 1,100m trip depending on track conditions.
The official The Shorts winner and winning The Shorts trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish result.
Who holds The Shorts race record? Redzel won The Shorts in 2017 in a time of 1 minute 01:83 seconds.
What are the best The Shorts lead-up races to look at when placing a The Shorts bet?
There are a number of earlier spring races The Shorts bound horses may contest in the lead-up including the $1 million Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick at the start of September.
I Am Me (2024) was the last horse to complete the Concorde Stakes – The Shorts double.
Earlier, The Shorts contenders may have contested the feature Group 1 sprints over the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival including the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m), Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) and the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).
Joliestar (2025) won The Shorts first up having claimed the Kingsford-Smith Cup in Brisbane in the lead-up over the winter.
Australian-Bred Horses in The Shorts
Betting on the Australian-bred horses in the field is more and more popular as The Shorts tips favour the proven Australian-bred hopes who have dominated the race over the past 20 or so years.
Looking back over The Shorts history and statistics shows that since the year 2000, only Australian-bred horses have won the event.
The Shorts Tips for a Trifecta
The Shorts tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in The Shorts results.
The horse to finish on top of The Shorts trifecta is your The Shorts winner, the runner who outlasted all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a The Shorts 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 The Shorts 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 Shorts to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding the favourite in your The Shorts trifecta bets is a top tip as the favourites have a strong recent strike-rate running top three.
Key The Shorts Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s The Shorts by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for The Shorts. Our The Shorts 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. The Shorts race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from a wide range of barriers have won The Shorts making other stats like Randwick strike-rates play a higher significance when picking this year’s The Shorts winner.
Bet on the next The Shorts race now!
Past The Shorts Results
Recent The Shorts winners, jockeys, trainers, barriers, and weights carried to victory dating back to the year 2004 are detailed in the below table. Note, there was no race run in 2007 due to the equine influenza outbreak in Sydney.
| Year | Winner – Age/Gender
Breeding |
Jockey | Weight (kgs) | Trainer/s | Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOLIESTAR (AUS) 5M ZOUSTAR (AUS) – JOLIE BAY (AUS) FASTNET ROCK (AUS) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 56.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 8 | |
| I AM ME (AUS) 6M I AM INVINCIBLE (AUS) – MEFNOODA (AUS) MEDAGLIA D’ORO (USA) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 55.0 | CIARON MAHER | 2 | |
| PRIVATE EYE (AUS) 6G AL MAHER (AUS) – CONFIDENTIAL QUEEN (AUS) SHAMARDAL (USA) |
N RAWILLER | 58.0 | JOSEPH PRIDE | 9 | |
| NATURE STRIP (AUS) 8G NICCONI (AUS) – STRIKELINE (AUS) DESERT SUN (GB) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 58.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 2 | |
| EDUARDO (AUS) 8G HOST (CHI) – BLUSHING (AUS) FANTASTIC LIGHT (USA) |
N RAWILLER | 58.0 | JOSEPH PRIDE | 8 | |
| CLASSIQUE LEGEND (AUS) 5G NOT A SINGLE DOUBT (AUS) – PINOCCHIO (AUS) ENCOSTA DE LAGO (AUS) |
K MCEVOY | 57.0 | L J BRIDGE | 10 | |
| PIERATA (AUS) 5H PIERRO (AUS) – NOVEMBER FLIGHT (AUS) FLYING SPUR (AUS) |
TOMMY BERRY | 58.0 | GREGORY HICKMAN | 3 | |
| BALL OF MUSCLE (AUS) 8G DUBAWI (IRE) – PARFORE (NZ) GOLD BROSE (AUS) |
G SCHOFIELD | 56.0 | JOSEPH PRIDE | 5 | |
| REDZEL (AUS) 5G SNITZEL (AUS) – MILLRICH (AUS) RUBITON (AUS) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 58.0 | P & P SNOWDEN | 5 | |
| TAKEDOWN (AUS) 4G STRATUM (AUS) – APAMEA (GB) ZAFONIC (USA) |
TIM CLARK | 56.5 | GARY MOORE | 5 | |
| REBEL DANE (AUS) 6H CALIFORNIA DANE (AUS) – TEXARCANA (AUS) MORE THAN READY (USA) |
B AVDULLA | 58.0 | GARY PORTELLI | 2 | |
| TERRAVISTA (AUS) 5G CAPTAIN RIO (GB) – PARFORE (NZ) GOLD BROSE (AUS) |
C W BROWN | 56.5 | JOSEPH PRIDE | 4 | |
| SESSIONS (AUS) 4H LONHRO (AUS) – SEANCES (AUS) CANNY LAD (AUS) |
J PARR | 55.0 | PETER SNOWDEN | 3 | |
| PAMPELONNE (AUS) 4G ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (IRE) – JESTAJEWEL (AUS) RORY’S JESTER (AUS) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 56.5 | T R MARTIN | 14 | |
| LOVE CONQUERS ALL (AUS) 5H MOSSMAN (AUS) – SHE’S A MEANIE (NZ) PRINCE SALIERI (AUS) |
J CASSIDY | 56.0 | MICHAEL & WAYNE & JOHN HAWKES | 10 | |
| HOT DANISH (AUS) 7M NOTHIN’ LEICA DANE (AUS) – HOT ‘N’ BREEZY (AUS) ZEPHYR ZIP (NZ) |
TIM CLARK | 56.5 | L J BRIDGE | 8 | |
| GOLD TRAIL (AUS) 5G HUSSONET (USA) – TRAIL OF GOLD (AUS) DANEWIN (AUS) |
N RAWILLER | 56.0 | GARY PORTELLI | 14 | |
| FRITZ’S PRINCESS (AUS) 6M MORE THAN READY (USA) – SUPERB LADY (AUS) CAN’T FIGHT FATE (AUS) |
J CASSIDY | 53.5 | KRIS LEES | 5 | |
| BENTLEY BISCUIT (AUS) 5G PEINTRE CELEBRE (USA) – TYCOON JOY (AUS) LAST TYCOON (IRE) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 55.5 | MS G WATERHOUSE | 10 | |
| BLACK INK (AUS) 5G SNIPPETS (AUS) – EMPRESS REGINA (AUS) LUSKIN STAR (AUS) |
M A CAHILL | 54.0 | L D KELLY | 10 | |
| DANCE THE WAVES (AUS) 4G HENNESSY (USA) – TIMELESS WINDS (AUS) MISTER C. (USA) |
D BEASLEY | 52.0 | GRAHAME BEGG | 5 |
The Shorts Betting Info
The Shorts betting is open months ahead of million-dollar Sydney, spring race down under at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination The Shorts betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures The Shorts odds online.
All-In The Shorts betting markets are then available following the official The Shorts nominations taken the Monday of race week.
Betting on The Shorts field is available following final acceptances which close on the Wednesday of race week.
Betting on The Shorts favours middle distance and staying gallopers coming off lead-up runs in earlier spring sprints like the Group 3 Concorde Stakes with this race proving a good form line to follow into The Shorts each spring.
The Shorts race betting traditionally focuses on the older runners aged at least five and those heading towards bigger and better events over the spring.
For the best online betting on The Shorts, consider tipping a horse to win both The Shorts and a Group 1 race over the carnival in a spring double!
The Shorts Field
The Shorts field attracts a line-up of top-line horses each season with runners coming from stables around Australia and New Zealand.
The Shorts Field & Acceptance Dates
It is crucial to take note of when The Shorts field is out, what time The Shorts nominations close and the official The Shorts acceptance dates when placing a The Shorts bet online as horses may drop out of the race and bets may be cancelled.
See below for the official The Shorts field dates for 2025.
- 2025 The Shorts Nominations: Close on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:00pm (Sydney time).
- 2025 The Shorts Final Field: Revealed on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 9:00am (Sydney time).
- 2025 The Shorts Barrier Draw: Conducted on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Where can you bet on The Shorts?
The best place to bet on this year’s The Shorts race is through the TAB NZ online.
The Shorts Odds
The Shorts odds and online betting tips on The Shorts are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the older runners in the race and Sydney-trained gallopers who have a great record in the event heading towards the event second or third-up for the spring.
Where can I find The Shorts odds?
For the latest odds and updates on The Shorts, 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 Shorts
Want to know how to make a bet on The Shorts? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest The Shorts betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on The Shorts online.
You can place a The Shorts bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on The Shorts.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, The Shorts is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest The Shorts race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the spring carnival at Randwick Racecourse, The Shorts race has it all!
This important spring lead-up race showcases Australia’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country as the count down to the ‘Big 3’ spring majors heats up!
How to Bet on The Shorts 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 Shorts betting guide, The Shorts form guide and our expert The Shorts racing tips.
4. Choose a The Shorts bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or The Shorts Trifecta. There are many more The Shorts betting options available so make sure to check out our The Shorts betting markets.
5. Select The Shorts horse you want to bet on from the early markets, The Shorts nominations or The Shorts field.
What are the popular betting markets for The Shorts?
When it comes to betting on The Shorts, 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 Shorts so popular?
The fact that The Shorts is now a million-dollar race and one of the key lead-up races at the Sydney Carnival of Racing make it a must watch and must bet on horse racing event.
With a lucrative $1,000,000 prize purse, the race attracts some of Australia’s fastest and most promising short-distance specialists.
It serves as a key lead-up race to the prestigious $20 million The Everest, the world’s richest turf race, meaning punters get an early look at potential Everest contenders.
The race’s set weights plus penalties conditions ensure a level playing field for top-class horses, and its history of producing future Group 1 winners, including several favourites saluting, adds to its appeal.
Furthermore, the availability of various betting options, coupled with extensive form guides and expert tips from online bookmakers, makes it an accessible and engaging event for both seasoned and casual punters.
What makes The Shorts so special?
The Shorts serves as a great guide to other important spring races like The Everest and even Melbourne’s Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington over the Cup Carnival in Victoria, so using The Shorts form for these upcoming events is popular with punters.
Australian and international racing fans, including those in New Zealand, tune into the thrilling 1100m spring event every season to see if their bets on The Shorts won!
The Shorts currently offers A$1,000,000 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 The Shorts champions.
The Shorts race tips centre on proven sprint stars that have good lead-up form, horses with previous experience at the track, and Sydney-trained horses who have a dominant recent record in the race.
The Shorts is a set weights plus penalties race open to horses aged three-years-old and above meaning the higher rated the horse, the more weight they will carry.
The highest-rated and weighted horse in The Shorts field dons the number one saddlecloth.
How many mares have won The Shorts?
Since the year 2000, four mares have won The Shorts, most recently I Am Me (2024) followed by Joliestar (2025).
What age group has the best The Shorts record?
Five-year-olds have dominated The Shorts results in recent years with 10 saluting between 2000 and 2025, most recently Joliestar in 2025.
The oldest recent The Shorts winner was Nature Strip who became the latest eight-year-old to win in 2022.
The youngest The Shorts winner was Mother Duck who saluted as a three-year-old filly back in 1987.
Between 2000 and 2025 the breakdown of The Shorts winners by age is as follows:
- 3YOS – 0
- 4YOs – 7 (latest Takedown in 2016)
- 5YOs – 10 (latest Joliestar in 2025)
- 6YOs – 4 (latest I Am Me in 2024)
- 7YOs – 1 (latest Hot Danish in 2010)
- 8YOs – 3 (latest Nature Strip in 2022)
The Shorts Prize Money
The Shorts 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 Shorts prize money is set at A$1,000,000 in total stakes allocated between first to tenth place.
How much does The Shorts winner get? The winning The Shorts horse receives a total of A$580,000 in prize money.
See below for the official breakdown of The Shorts prizes on offer from The Shorts winner to the tenth horse to cross the finish line in the official The Shorts results.
- First: A$580,000
- Second: A$190,000
- Third: A$96,000
- Fourth: A$42,000
- Fifth: A$21,000
- Sixth: A$10,000
- Seventh: A$10,000
- Eighth: A$10,000
- Ninth: A$8,000
- Tenth: A$8,000
How many international horses have won The Shorts?
None. So far, a horse trained outside of Australia or New Zealand has not won The Shorts with most Northern Hemisphere raiders opting to target the longer-distance features like the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup races later in the spring.
How many horses have won The Shorts more than once?
Six horses have won multiple editions of The Shorts race throughout history, the latest being Kings Favourite (1976 & 1977).
Multiple The Shorts Winners: Kings Favourite (1976 & 1977); Nagpuni (1953 & 1954); Winnipeg 91941 & 1944); Calmest (1926 & 1927); Greenstead (1919 & 1921); Gigandra (1912, 1914 & 1915).
What races will runners out of The Shorts target in the spring?
Following a run in The Shorts key spring targets for the top contenders include the Group 2 $1 million Premiere Stakes (1200m), Group 1 $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in October and the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) – formerly the Winners Stakes – at Rosehill in early November.
Takedown (2016) was the last horse to complete The Shorts – Premiere Stakes double in the same year.
Redzel (2017) was the last horse to complete The Shorts – The Everest double in the same year.
Eduardo (2021) was the last horse to complete The Shorts – Russell Balding Stakes (then Winners Stakes) double in the same year.
The Shorts Barriers
The Shorts barrier draw and allocated The Shorts starting gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
When is The Shorts barrier draw?
The Shorts barrier draw is conducted on the same day as final acceptances close which is the Wednesday of race week around 9:00am local Sydney time.
What is the most successful recent The Shorts barrier draw?
Barrier 5 has produced five The Shorts winners between 2000 and 2025, most recently Ball Of Muscle (2018).
Barrier 14 is the widest gate to produce a The Shorts winner between 2000 and 2025, most recently Pampelonne (2012).
Barrier 5 is the latest gate to produce back-to-back The Shorts winners with three on the trot with Takedown (2016), Redzel (2017) and Ball Of Muscle (2018).
Barrier 8 is the latest The Shorts winning barrier with Joliestar in 2025.
Breakdown of winning The Shorts barriers between 2000-25:
Barrier 1 – 0
Barrier 2 – 3 (latest I Am Me in 2024)
Barrier 3 – 3 (latest Pierata in 2019)
Barrier 4 – 1 (latest Terravista in 2014)
Barrier 5 – 5 (latest Ball Of Muscle in 2018)
Barrier 6 – 1 (latest Lucky Night in 2003)
Barrier 7 – 0
Barrier 8 – 3 (latest Joliestar in 2025)
Barrier 9 – 3 (latest Private Eye in 2023)
Barrier 10 – 4 (latest Classique Legend in 2020)
Barrier 11 – 0
Barrier 12 – 0
Barrier 13 – 0
Barrier 14 – 2 (latest Pampelonne in 2012)
The Shorts Form
We offer a complete The Shorts form guide and expert analysis on every horse in The Shorts field in addition to insider The Shorts racing tips and betting odds.
Our The Shorts form guides include:
- The Shorts 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 Shorts or you are an expert The Shorts tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on The Shorts.
How to Read The Shorts Form 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 The Shorts 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 Shorts race.
Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to The Shorts as this can impact performance.
The Shorts Results
The Shorts results are known when the event takes place in September annually.
You can bet on The Shorts race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures The Shorts markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on The Shorts results entails picking The Shorts winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on The Shorts field with our The Shorts race tips and form guide.
Other The Shorts race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete The Shorts 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 Shorts results!
The Shorts exotic results show how all the exotic The Shorts bet types resulted like The Shorts Quinella, The Shorts Exacta, The Shorts Trifecta, and The Shorts First Four.
The Shorts Jockeys
Securing a ride in The Shorts 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 trophy during the carnival.
What jockeys are riding in The Shorts field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official The Shorts jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
James McDonald is the latest The Shorts winning jockey having ridden Joliestar to victory in 2025.
James McDonald on I Am Me (2024) and Joliestar (2025) is the last back-to-back The Shorts winning jockey.
Four-time champion Hugh Bowman is most successful The Shorts jockey in recent history with wins aboard Bentley Biscuit (2006), Wall Street (2010), Pampelonne (2012) and Redzel (2017).
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of The Shorts horses this summer.
The Shorts Trainers
The most successful The Shorts trainer throughout history is Joe Pride who has won the race four times with Rebel Dane (2015), Ball Of Muscle (2018), Eduardo (2021) and Private Eye (2023).
Pride has built a reputation for preparing tough, high-performing sprinters capable of peaking in major Sydney races. His success in The Shorts reflects his ability to target the race with precision, often using it as a springboard to The Everest, Australia’s richest turf race. Horses like Eduardo and Private Eye not only won The Shorts but went on to perform strongly in The Everest, showcasing Pride’s skill in managing elite sprinting talent.
Chris Waller is the latest The Shorts winning trainer having prepared Joliestar in 2025.
The Shorts Winners
Notable The Shorts winners throughout history include:
The Marne (1935): The Marne was a standout sprinter of the 1930s, known for his explosive speed and consistency. His win in The Shorts came during a dominant period where he captured multiple feature sprints, earning a reputation as one of the best short-course specialists of his time.
Winnipeg (1941 & 1944): Winnipeg was a dual winner of The Shorts, showcasing remarkable longevity and class. His victories during wartime racing added to his legend, and he was a crowd favourite for his tenacity and ability to perform under pressure.
Nagpuni (1953-54):
Nagpuni’s back-to-back wins in The Shorts highlighted his dominance in the early 1950s. A reliable sprinter, he was known for his strong finishes and ability to handle varying track conditions, making him a standout in Sydney’s sprinting ranks.
King’s Favourite (1976-77):
King’s Favourite was a rare repeat winner in the modern era, capturing The Shorts in consecutive years. His victories were marked by tactical brilliance and a powerful turn of foot, earning him a place among the elite sprinters of the 1970s.
Mother Duck (1987):
Mother Duck was a top-class mare who made her mark with a win in The Shorts. Her victory was part of a strong campaign that saw her compete against the best sprinters of her generation, and she later became a successful broodmare.
Euclase (1991):
Euclase was a brilliant sprinter who used The Shorts as a springboard to Group 1 success. His win in 1991 was a key moment in a career that included victory in the SAJC Goodwood Handicap, and he later became a respected sire.
Moss Rocket (1995):
Moss Rocket was a fan favourite known for his consistency and speed. His win in The Shorts was one of several high-profile victories, and he was a regular contender in Australia’s top sprint races throughout the mid-1990s.
Ab Initio (1999):
Ab Initio was a tough and talented sprinter who claimed The Shorts in a competitive field. His win was part of a strong campaign that saw him perform well across Sydney and Melbourne, earning respect for his durability and fighting spirit.
Bentley Biscuit (2006):
Bentley Biscuit was a star of the mid-2000s, trained by Gai Waterhouse. His win in The Shorts was part of a stellar run that included victories in the All-Aged Stakes and TJ Smith Stakes, cementing his status as a Group 1 performer.
Hot Danish (2010):
Hot Danish was a beloved mare who overcame adversity to become a Group 1 winner. Her win in The Shorts was a highlight of her career, showcasing her toughness and will to win. She was tragically lost to injury but remains a fan favourite.
Terravista (2014):
Terravista was a brilliant sprinter who used The Shorts as a launchpad for a successful spring campaign. He later won the Darley Classic and was a consistent performer in top-level sprints, known for his explosive finishes.
Rebel Dane (2015):
Rebel Dane was a warrior of the turf, competing at the highest level for many seasons. His win in The Shorts was part of a career that included Group 1 victories in the Manikato Stakes and the Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Redzel (2017):
Redzel’s win in The Shorts was a key lead-up to his historic victory in the inaugural The Everest. Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Redzel became a dual Everest winner and one of Australia’s most successful sprinters of the modern era.
Classique Legend (2020):
Classique Legend produced a stunning last-to-first win in The Shorts, showcasing his elite talent. He went on to win The Everest later that spring, confirming his status as one of the best sprinters in the world.
Eduardo (2021):
Eduardo’s win in The Shorts was part of a remarkable resurgence late in his career. Trained by Joe Pride, he became a Group 1 winner and a regular Everest contender, known for his front-running style and toughness.
Nature Strip (2022):
Nature Strip returned from his international triumph in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot to win The Shorts in dominant fashion. A multiple Group 1 winner and Everest champion, he is considered one of the greatest sprinters in Australian history.
Private Eye (2023):
Private Eye scored a first-up upset in The Shorts, showcasing his versatility and class. Trained by Joe Pride, he went on to place in The Everest and continued to be a major player in elite sprint races across Australia.
I Am Me (2024): I Am Me completed the Concorde Stakes–The Shorts double, confirming her status as a top-class mare. Trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by James McDonald, she was aimed at The Everest, reflecting her rise to prominence in the sprinting ranks.
Joliestar (2025): Joliestar was enormous fresh to put over a length on the next best in the 2025 The Shorts results to kick off her The Everest campaign for Chris Waller. She raced wide with James McDonald aboard, but the triple Group 1 winning mare was too good despite the 1100m being short of her best distance.
Bet on the next The Shorts winner with our professional The Shorts form guide and expert The Shorts tips at the TAB NZ!
This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.