The 2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes ran on Saturday February 28, at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia, and saw Chris Waller's unbeaten mare Autumn Glow make it 10/10 as the odds-on favourite!
| 8. Autumn Glow (3) J: James McDonald57kg 111x1T: Chris Waller | ||
| 9. Aeliana (1) J: Zac Lloyd57kg 256x2T: Chris Waller | ||
| 2. Sir Delius (6) J: Craig Williams59kg x211xT: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | ||
| 5. Soul Of Spain (5) J: Tommy Berry59kg 123x9T: Chris Waller | ||
| 4. Wootton Verni (7) J: Adam Hyeronimus59kg 411x7T: Chris Waller | ||
| 1. Ceolwulf (2) J: Chad Schofield59kg 611x6T: Joseph Pride | ||
| 7. Trinity College (4) J: Tim Clark58.5kg 2412xT: Chris Waller | ||
| 6. Valiant King (9) J: Sam Clipperton59kg 0130xT: Chris Waller | ||
| 3. Lindermann (8) J: Nash Rawiller59kg 211x3T: Chris Waller |
Verry Elleegant Stakes Info
- 2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes Date: Saturday the 28th of February 2026
- Track Location: Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Distance: 1,600m
- Conditions: Weight-For-Age - 3YOs & Upwards
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (AUD): $1,000,000
- First Run: 1925
- Reigning Verry Elleegant Stakes Winner: Autumn Glow (2026)
Looking for the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes betting odds, insider racing tips and form for the Randwick Group 1 mile race formerly known as the Chipping Norton Stakes this autumn? The TAB NZ have all the best betting guides and statistics to make informed bets on the Verry Elleegant Stakes race this autumn!
The Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes is a key mile test for Australia’s top middle-distance racehorses. It is one of the earlier Group 1 races held each Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and takes place Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse on a Saturday in either late February or early March as the highlight of Verry Elleegant Stakes Day conducted by the Australian Turf Club.
It is a hugely popular race for the season’s best thoroughbreds eyeing runs in the autumn majors.
To improve your chances of predicting the next Verry Elleegant Stakes winner, access the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes 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 autumn contenders.
Whether you’re a seasoned punter or new to betting on the horse races in Australia and New Zealand, our comprehensive Verry Elleegant Stakes coverage has everything you need.
Get behind the year’s top-line WFA horses at the right autumn racing odds at the TAB NZ today!
Verry Elleegant Stakes Fast Facts
- Former Race Name: Chipping Norton Stakes (1925-2023)
- Last mare to win the Verry Elleegant Stakes: Autumn Glow (2026)
- Last favourite to win the Verry Elleegant Stakes: Autumn Glow ($1.26 in 2026)
- Last dual Verry Elleegant (Chipping Norton) Stakes winner: Verry Elleegant (2021-22)
- Latest New Zealand trained Verry Elleegant (Chipping Norton) Stakes winners: Kingston Bay (1993) and Te Akau Shark (2020)
- Last three-year-old Verry Elleegant Stakes (Chipping Norton) Stakes winner: He’s No Pie Eater (2007)
- Last filly to win the Verry Elleegant (Chipping Norton) Stakes: Heat Of The Moment (1986)
- Notable Facts: The world-famous mare Winx won this race four years running from 2016-19, while the fellow Chris Waller-trained mare Autumn Glow (2026) secured her tenth straight win!
Bet on the next Verry Elleegant Stakes now!
Verry Elleegant Stakes Betting Info
Verry Elleegant Stakes betting is open months ahead of the Group 1 Randwick, autumn WFA race that was formerly known as the Chipping Norton Stakes at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Verry Elleegant Stakes betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Verry Elleegant Stakes odds online.
All-In Verry Elleegant Stakes betting markets are then available following the official Verry Elleegant Stakes nominations taken the Monday of race week.
Betting on the Verry Elleegant Stakes field is available following final acceptances on the Wednesday of race week.
Betting on the Verry Elleegant Stakes favours the locally trained middle-distance champions from the best Australian horse racing stables in Sydney and Melbourne.
Verry Elleegant Stakes race betting traditionally focuses on any past Group 1 winning milers who have an outstanding record in the event and the mares who have a brilliant strike-rate in the former Chipping Norton Stakes race.
Verry Elleegant Stakes race tips centre on the season’s top weight-for-age horses that have good lead-up form in similar grade autumn events, horses with previous experience at the Randwick track and the runners from the key stables in Sydney who have dominated Verry Elleegant Stakes race results.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes is a weight-for-age event open to horses aged three-year-old an upwards.
Expert Tips on the 2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Verry Elleegant Stakes betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature at Randwick.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Tips
Verry Elleegant Stakes tips on which horse will win the next edition of New South Wales’ mile feature flood in as the countdown to the important Randwick 1600m race heats up.
Verry Elleegant Stakes 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- What horses in the Verry Elleegant Stakes field are proven over the distance?
- Who the key Verry Elleegant Stakes trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the Verry Elleegant Stakes field this year?
- Verry Elleegant Stakes barrier statistics and where your Verry Elleegant Stakes betting selections are drawn.
- Verry Elleegant Stakes horses that have a good past record at the track.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Verry Elleegant Stakes race tip? The event itself takes just over one and a half minutes for the competing horses to run the 1,600m trip depending on track conditions.
The official Verry Elleegant Stakes winner and winning Verry Elleegant Stakes trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish Verry Elleegant Stakes result.
Who holds the Verry Elleegant (Chipping Norton) Stakes race record? Winx holds the current Chipping Norton Stakes race record winning in 2019 in a time of 1 minute 33:27 seconds.
What are the best Verry Elleegant Stakes lead-up races to look at when placing a Verry Elleegant Stakes bet?
There are a number of earlier summer / autumn races Verry Elleegant Stakes bound horses may contest in the lead-up including the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in mid-February.
Anamoe (2023) and Autumn Glow (2026) are the latest horse to complete the Apollo Stakes / Verry Elleegant Stakes double.
New Zealand-Bred Horses in the Verry Elleegant Stakes
Betting on the New Zealand-bred horses in the field is increasingly popular with the race results showing the Kiwi-foaled milers enjoying plenty of recent success.
Looking back over the Chipping Norton Stakes/ Verry Elleegant Stakes race history and statistics shows that recent winners bred in New Zealand include Te Akau Shark (2020) and Verry Elleegant (2021-22).
Sydney Trained Horses in the Verry Elleegant Stakes
Betting on the locally trained horses from the Sydney stables is a key Verry Elleegant Stakes tip. Before New Zealand trained Te Akau Shark was successful in 2000, Starcraft (2004) was the last non-Sydney trained winner in the event.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Tips for a Trifecta
Verry Elleegant Stakes tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Verry Elleegant Stakes results.
The horse to finish on top of the Verry Elleegant Stakes trifecta is your Verry Elleegant Stakes winner, the runner who outlasted all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a Verry Elleegant 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 Verry Elleegant 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding the favourite into your Verry Elleegant Stakes trifecta bet is a top tip as the favourites have a strong recent strike-rate running in the money.
Key Verry Elleegant Stakes Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s Verry Elleegant Stakes by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Verry Elleegant Stakes. Our Verry Elleegant 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. Verry Elleegant Stakes race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from barriers 2-4 have historically shown a higher success rate in the Verry Elleegant Stakes.
2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes Field
Nominations close: Mon 23-Feb-26 11:00PM AEDT
Weights declared by: Tues 24-Feb-26 4:00PM AEDT
Acceptances must be declared before: Wed 25-Feb-26 9:00AM AEDT
Riders must be declared before: Wed 25-Feb-26 12:00PM AEDT
Verry Elleegant Stakes betting takes place on the popular race which is held at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse on a Saturday in late February or early March annually.
Verry Elleegant Stakes odds are offered on the esteemed Group 1 WFA event, and the field attracts a host of quality thoroughbreds many of which are eyeing other Group 1 targets in the autumn majors including the Doncaster Mile and Sydney Cup for which the Verry Elleegant Stakes winner is exempt from ballot.
The Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes is one of Australia’s most popular early autumn horse races and has been run and won since 1925 when Wallace Mortlake became the inaugural champion of the event.
Originally the race was known as the Chipping Norton Stakes and conducted at Warwick Farm. It was named after the suburb, Chipping Norton, south-west of Sydney.
The event has been contested over various distances since its inception in 1925, starting at 10 furlongs (2000 metres) until 1972, then extending to 2100 metres until 1979, before being shortened to its current distance of 1600m in 1980.
It has been a key event on Australia’s racing calendar for nearly a century and continues to attract the best horses, jockeys and trainers from across the country and New Zealand.
The race has seen many notable winners including the event’s now namesake Verry Elleegant who went back-to-back in 2021-22, and her iconic stablemate Winx who enjoyed a historic four-peat between 2016 and 2019.
After saluting in the race for a second time in 2022, Verry Elleegant became the fourth highest all-time prizemoney earner after securing her 11th Group 1 victory in the Chipping Norton Stakes.
Tie The Knot (1999-2002) is the other four-time Chipping Norton Stakes / Verry Elleegant Stakes champion.
The event’s other legendary winners include the 1930 Melbourne Cup hero Phar Lap, remarkable mare Tranquil Star who was the first horse to win the Cox Plate race twice, outstanding heavyweight champ Bernborough, and one of the greatest racehorses in Australian history Tulloch.
Winning the Verry Elleegant Stakes is a significant achievement in the racing community, and the event attracts lots of attention from punters both locally and internationally in New Zealand.
Now taking place at Randwick in New South Wales on the east coast of Australia, the Verry Elleegant Stakes is a 1600m event and only the best milers prevail.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes, then Chipping Norton Stakes, was elevated to Group 1 status in 1986 the year Heat Of The Moment won.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Day
Verry Elleegant Stakes Day is set to take place on Saturday, 28th February 2026 at Royal Randwick Racecourse. This event marks the first Group 1 races of the year in Sydney, featuring the Verry Elleegant Stakes (formerly the Chipping Norton Stakes) and the Surround Stakes.
Key 2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes Day races:
- Verry Elleegant Stakes (Group 1): Formerly known as the Chipping Norton Stakes, this 1600-metre race is run under weight-for-age conditions and offers a prize pool of $1,000,000.
- Surround Stakes (Group 1): A 1400-metre race for three-year-old fillies, also run under weight-for-age conditions, with a prize pool of $750,000.
- Guy Walter Stakes (Group 2): A 1400-metre race for mares, offering a prize pool of $300,000.
- Sweet Embrace Stakes (Group 2): A 1200-metre race for two-year-old fillies heading towards the Golden Slipper Stakes, offering a prize pool of $300,000.
- Skyline Stakes (Group 2): A 1200-metre race for Golden Slipper-bound two-year-old colts and geldings, with a prize pool of $300,000.
- Liverpool City Cup (Group 3): A 1300-metre race open to all horses, with a prize pool of $250,00.
The day celebrates the achievements of the champion mare Verry Elleegant, who won 11 Group 1 races, with eight of those victories on Australian Turf Club tracks.
Racegoers are encouraged to wear a touch of red to honor the late Verry Elleegant. Verry Elleegant, the celebrated Melbourne Cup winner, tragically passed away on February 18, 2024, due to complications while giving birth to her first foal.
The event promises a blend of world-class racing, entertainment, fashion, and cuisine, making it a highlight of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes card takes place in Sydney on the same date Melbourne hosts the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.
Get the best Verry Elleegant Stakes Day odds, racing stats, previews, form and insider tips on races like the Verry Elleegant Stakes now at the TAB NZ!
Where can you bet on the Verry Elleegant Stakes?
The best place to bet on this year’s Verry Elleegant Stakes race is through the TAB NZ online.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Odds
Verry Elleegant Stakes odds and online betting tips on the Verry Elleegant Stakes horse race in Australia are dominated by proven Group 1 horses, the locally trained middle-distance performers in the race and backing the Apollo Stakes graduates in the mix who have a great record in the event.
Where can I find the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Verry Elleegant 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes
Want to know how to make a bet on the Verry Elleegant Stakes? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Verry Elleegant Stakes online.
You can place a Verry Elleegant Stakes bet online anytime markets are live.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Verry Elleegant Stakes.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement, the Verry Elleegant Stakes is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes race field, joining a sweepstake with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the autumn Randwick racing, the Verry Elleegant Stakes has it all!
This important autumn race showcases Australia’s finest thoroughbreds and attracts attention from all over the country and here in New Zealand as one of the best events early in the autumn!
How to Bet on the Verry Elleegant Stakes this year?
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 Verry Elleegant Stakes betting guide, Verry Elleegant Stakes form guide and our expert Verry Elleegant Stakes tips.
4. Choose a Verry Elleegant Stakes bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Verry Elleegant Stakes Trifecta. There are many more Verry Elleegant Stakes betting options available so make sure to check out our Verry Elleegant Stakes betting markets.
5. Select the Verry Elleegant Stakes horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Verry Elleegant Stakes nominations or Verry Elleegant Stakes field.
What makes betting on the Verry Elleegant Stakes so popular?
The fact that the Verry Elleegant Stakes is one of the key Group 1 NSW weight-for-age races run during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and one of the key autumn horse races in Australasia make it a must watch and must bet on racing event.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes is a popular middle-distance race that has produced a host of subsequent Group 1 winning horses both locally and across the Tasman.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes often serves as a key lead-up race for other major events, providing valuable insights into the form and potential of the horses for future races.
For the best online betting on the Verry Elleegant Stakes, consider tipping a horse to win both the Verry Elleegant Stakes and another Group 1 race over the carnival in an autumn race double!
The race’s competitive nature and the presence of high-profile horses provide numerous betting opportunities, from win/place bets to exotic bets like trifectas and quinellas.
What makes the Verry Elleegant Stakes so special?
The Verry Elleegant Stakes is a standout event in the horse racing calendar.
Previously known as the Chipping Norton Stakes, this prestigious race is now named after the champion mare Verry Elleegant, who had an illustrious racing career. This adds a sense of excitement and honour to the event.
The Verry Elleegant Stakes serves as a great guide historically to other important Australian and New Zealand Group 1 races so using the Verry Elleegant Stakes winners’ list for upcoming Group events is popular with punters.
It is a highly competitive and prestigious race that grows in popularity each autumn.
Australian and international racing fans, including those in New Zealand, tune into the thrilling 1600m autumn event every season to see if their bets on the Verry Elleegant Stakes race won!
The Verry Elleegant Stakes currently offers AU$1 million 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes champions.
What are the popular betting markets for the Verry Elleegant Stakes?
When it comes to betting on the Verry Elleegant 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.
How many mares have won the Verry Elleegant Stakes in recent years?
Since the year 2000, nine editions of the Chipping Norton Stakes / Verry Elleegant Stakes have been won by the mares with: Tuesday Joy (2009), historic four-time champion Winx (2016-19), the event’s now namesake Verry Elleegant (2021-22), Via Sistina (2025), and most recently the then undefeated Autumn Glow (2026).
What age group has the best Verry Elleegant Stakes record?
Five-year-olds have dominated the Chipping Norton Stakes / Verry Elleegant Stakes results in recent years with eight saluting between 2000 and 2026, most recently Verry Elleegant for her first of two wins in 2021.
The youngest recent Verry Elleegant Stakes winners were Starcraft (2004) and He’s No Pie Eater (2007) who saluted as three-year-olds.
The oldest recent Verry Elleegant Stakes winner was Think It Over (2024) who won as an eight-year-old.
Between 2000 and 2026 the breakdown of Verry Elleegant Stakes winners by age is as follows:
3YOs – 2 (latest He’s No Pie Eater in 2007)
4YOs – 6 (latest Autumn Glow in 2026)
5YOs – 8 (latest Verry Elleegant in 2021)
6YOs – 6 (latest Verry Elleegant in 2022)
7YOs – 4 (latest Via Sistina in 2025)
8YOs – 1 (latest Think It Over in 2024)
What races will runners out of the Verry Elleegant Stakes target next?
Following a run in the Verry Elleegant Stakes many horses will target upcoming autumn Group 1 features including the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill in late March, the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at the same Golden Slipper as the George Ryder, the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships, and the lucrative Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) traditionally run on the second Saturday of April.
Anamoe (2023) was the last horse to complete the Verry Elleegant (Chipping Norton) Stakes / George Ryder Stakes double.
Via Sistina (2025) was the last horse to complete the Verry Elleegant Stakes / Ranvet Stakes double.
Winx (2016) was the last horse to complete the Verry Elleegant (Chipping Norton) Stakes / Doncaster Mile double.
Via Sistina (2025) was the last horse to complete the Verry Elleegant Stakes / Queen Elizabeth Stakes double.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Barriers
The Verry Elleegant Stakes barrier draw and allocated Verry Elleegant Stakes starting gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
What is the most successful recent Verry Elleegant Stakes barrier draw?
Barrier 4 has produced eight Chipping Norton / Verry Elleegant Stakes winners between 2000 and 2026 most recently Verry Elleegant in 2021.
Barrier 12 is the widest gate to produce a Chipping Norton / Verry Elleegant Stakes winner between 2000 and 2026 with Te Akau Shark (2020).
Note, Te Akau Shark (2020) is the only Chipping Norton / Verry Elleegant Stakes winner going back to at least the year 2000 to jump from a double-digit barrier.
Barrier 3 was the last gate to produce back-to-back Chipping Norton / Verry Elleegant Stakes winners with Verry Elleegant (2022) and Anamoe (2023).
Barrier 3 is the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes winning barrier with Autumn Glow in 2026.
Breakdown of winning Chipping Norton / Verry Elleegant Stakes barriers between 2000-26:
Barrier 1 – 2 (latest Theseo in 2010)
Barrier 2 – 4 (latest Think It Over in 2024)
Barrier 3 – 4 (latest Autumn Glow in 2026)
Barrier 4 – 8 (latest Verry Elleegant in 2021)
Barrier 5 – 1 (latest Shoot Out in 2012)
Barrier 6 – 2 (latest Winx in 2018)
Barrier 7 – 1 (latest Grand Armee in 2005)
Barrier 8 – 4 (latest Via Sistina in 2025)
Barrier 9 – 0
Barrier 10 – 0
Barrier 11 – 0
Barrier 12 – 1 (latest Te Akau Shark in 2020)
Verry Elleegant Stakes Form
We offer a complete Verry Elleegant Stakes form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Verry Elleegant Stakes field in addition to insider Verry Elleegant Stakes racing tips and betting odds.
Our Verry Elleegant Stakes form guides include:
- Verry Elleegant 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes or you are an expert Verry Elleegant Stakes tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Verry Elleegant Stakes.
How to Read the Verry Elleegant Stakes 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 Verry Elleegant 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes race.
Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Verry Elleegant Stakes, as this can impact performance.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Results
The Verry Elleegant Stakes results are known when the event takes place in either late February or early March annually.
You can bet on the Verry Elleegant Stakes race results weeks ahead of race day with our futures Verry Elleegant Stakes markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the Verry Elleegant Stakes results entails picking the Verry Elleegant Stakes winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Verry Elleegant Stakes field with our Verry Elleegant Stakes tips and form guide.
Other Verry Elleegant Stakes race results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete Verry Elleegant Stakes 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes results!
Verry Elleegant Stakes exotic results show how all the exotic Verry Elleegant Stakes bet types resulted like the Verry Elleegant Stakes Quinella, Verry Elleegant Stakes Exacta, Verry Elleegant Stakes Trifecta, and Verry Elleegant Stakes First Four.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Jockeys
Securing a ride in the Verry Elleegant Stakes field is a highly sought-after achievement for jockeys around Australia and New Zealand. Winning this important autumn 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 Verry Elleegant Stakes field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Verry Elleegant Stakes jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
James McDonald is the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes winning jockey having ridden Autumn Glow to victory in 2026.
James McDonald is the last back-to-back Verry Elleegant Stakes winning jockey having enjoyed a hat-trick between 2021-23 with Verry Elleegant (2021 & 2022) and Anamoe (2023). He also won on Contributor in 2015 and again in 2025 with Via Sistina and 2026 with Autumn Glow giving him six victories in total.
The most successful jockey in recent Chipping Norton / Verry Elleegant Stakes history is Hugh Bowman with seven victories between 2011 and 2019 aboard Danleigh (2011), Shoot Out (2012-13), and Winx (2016-19).
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the Verry Elleegant Stakes horses this autumn.
Verry Elleegant Stakes Trainers
The most successful trainer in recent Verry Elleegant Stakes history is Chris Waller who prepared 12 of the 16 winners from 2011 – 2026 including four-time hero Winx (2016-19), dual champion Verry Elleegant (2021-22), recently Via Sistina (2025) who led an all-Waller trifecta, and his the unbeaten mare Autumn Glow (2026).
Chris Waller is the latest Verry Elleegant Stakes winning trainer having prepared Autumn Glow to victory in 2026.
Chipping Norton Stakes / Verry Elleegant Stakes Winners
Notable Chipping Norton Stakes / Verry Elleegant Stakes winners throughout history include:
Phar Lap (1930): Phar Lap, the legendary New Zealand-bred champion, won the Chipping Norton Stakes in 1930 as part of his illustrious career. Known for his incredible size, powerful strides, and unwavering determination, Phar Lap captured the hearts of a nation during the Great Depression. His other major wins included the Cox Plate, the AJC Derby, and the Victoria Derby. Phar Lap’s tragic death at just five years old remains one of Australian racing’s greatest mysteries.
Bernborough (1946): Bernborough, a Queensland champion, took out the Chipping Norton Stakes in 1946. Overcoming a late start to his racing career due to a wartime ban on racing in Queensland, Bernborough quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the greatest racehorses Australia has ever seen. His other notable victories include the Caulfield Cup, the Doomben 10,000, and the Epsom Handicap.
Tulloch (1958 & 1960): Tulloch, a champion three-year-old, won the Chipping Norton Stakes twice, in 1958 and 1960. Trained by the legendary Tommy Smith, Tulloch was a dominant force on the Australian racing scene, winning 15 of his 20 starts. His other major wins included the Caulfield Guineas, the Victoria Derby, and the AJC Derby. Tulloch’s racing career was tragically cut short by injury, but his legacy as one of the greatest three-year-olds ever to grace the Australian turf remains.
Lough Neagh (1980): Lough Neagh, a versatile and tough competitor, won the Chipping Norton Stakes in 1980. While not as widely celebrated as some other winners on this list, Lough Neagh was a consistent performer at the highest level, demonstrating his ability to compete in a variety of distances and conditions. This victory was a testament to his adaptability and racing prowess, adding to his respectable record which included other Group wins.
Super Impose (1990 & 1991): Super Impose, a champion middle-distance galloper, won the Chipping Norton Stakes twice, in 1990 and 1991. Known for his powerful finishing bursts and remarkable consistency, Super Impose was a crowd favorite. His other major wins included the Epsom Handicap (twice), the Doncaster Mile, and the Cox Plate. Super Impose’s ability to produce stunning come-from-behind victories cemented his place as one of the most exciting and popular horses of his era.
Tie the Knot (1999, 2000, 2001 & 2002): Tie the Knot, a champion stayer, won the Chipping Norton Stakes an incredible four times in a row, from 1999 to 2002. Known for his toughness and remarkable consistency, Tie the Knot was a crowd favorite, earning the nickname “The People’s Champion.” His other major wins included the Caulfield Cup, the Sydney Cup, and the AJC Metropolitan Handicap.
Winx (2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019): Winx, the world’s best mare, won the Chipping Norton Stakes four times in succession, from 2016 to 2019. Undefeated in her final 33 starts, Winx captivated audiences with her extraordinary talent and incredible will to win. Her other major victories included four Cox Plates, a Doncaster Mile, and a George Ryder Stakes. Winx’s dominance on the track and her ability to capture the hearts of racing fans cemented her legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Verry Elleegant (2021 & 2022): Verry Elleegant, a champion mare, won the Chipping Norton Stakes twice, in 2021 and 2022. Known for her versatility and remarkable staying power, Verry Elleegant excelled at distances ranging from 1400m to 3200m. Her other notable wins include the Caulfield Cup, the Melbourne Cup, and the Tancred Stakes. Verry Elleegant’s toughness and her ability to perform at the highest level earned her a special place in the hearts of racing fans. The Chipping Norton Stakes was renamed the Verry Elleegant Stakes in 2024 in her honor.
Anamoe (2023): Anamoe, a champion three-year-old colt, won the Chipping Norton Stakes in 2023. Godolphin’s star galloper, Anamoe, boasts an impressive record, including victories in the Cox Plate, the Caulfield Guineas, and the Rosehill Guineas. His win in the Chipping Norton Stakes further solidified his reputation as one of the most talented horses of his generation.
Via Sistina (2025): Chris Waller’s 11th champion came in the form of the brilliant seven-year-old mare Via Sistina in 2025 who edged out stablemates Fangirl and Lindermann to salute. The previous year’s Cox Plate winner celebrated her seventh Group 1 success in the event. She would go on to win a host more elite level races that year including completing the Ranvet – Queen Elizabeth double in the autumn and taking out the spring’s Cox Plate before her retirement.
Autumn Glow (2026): Trainer Chris Waller kept the Verry Elleegant wins coming with his 12th in 2026 with his unbeaten The Autumn Sun mare Autumn Glow backing-up from an Apollo Stakes win to salute as the odds-on $1.26 favourite to take her undefeated streak to 10 straight.
Bet on the next Verry Elleegant Stakes winner with our comprehensive Verry Elleegant Stakes form guide and expert Verry Elleegant Stakes tips at the TAB NZ!
Past Chipping Norton Stakes / Verry Elleegant Stakes Results
Recent Chipping Norton Stakes / Verry Elleegant 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | AUTUMN GLOW (AUS) 4M THE AUTUMN SUN (AUS) – VIA AFRICA (SAF) VAR (USA) | JAMES MCDONALD | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 3 |
| 2025 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) 7M FASTNET ROCK (AUS) – NIGH (IRE) GALILEO (IRE) | JAMES MCDONALD | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 8 |
| 2024 | THINK IT OVER (AUS) 8G SO YOU THINK (NZ) – PERSONAL SERVICE (AUS) ZABEEL (NZ) | NASH RAWILLER | 59.0 | KERRY PARKER | 2 |
| 2023 | ANAMOE (AUS) 4H STREET BOSS (USA) – ANAMATO (AUS) REDOUTE’S CHOICE (AUS) | JAMES MCDONALD | 59.0 | JAMES CUMMINGS | 3 |
| 2022 | VERRY ELLEEGANT (NZ) 6M ZED (NZ) – OPULENCE (NZ) DANROAD (AUS) | JAMES MCDONALD | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 3 |
| 2021 | VERRY ELLEEGANT (NZ) 5M ZED (NZ) – OPULENCE (NZ) DANROAD (AUS) | JAMES MCDONALD | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 4 |
| 2020 | TE AKAU SHARK (NZ) 5G RIP VAN WINKLE (IRE) – BAK DA CHIEF (NZ) CHIEF BEARHART (CAN) | O P BOSSON | 59.0 | JAMIE RICHARDS | 12 |
| 2019 | WINX (AUS) 7M STREET CRY (IRE) – VEGAS SHOWGIRL (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) | HUGH BOWMAN | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 4 |
| 2018 | WINX (AUS) 6M STREET CRY (IRE) – VEGAS SHOWGIRL (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) | HUGH BOWMAN | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 6 |
| 2017 | WINX (AUS) 5M STREET CRY (IRE) – VEGAS SHOWGIRL (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) | HUGH BOWMAN | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 4 |
| 2016 | WINX (AUS) 4M STREET CRY (IRE) – VEGAS SHOWGIRL (NZ) AL AKBAR (AUS) | HUGH BOWMAN | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 8 |
| 2015 | CONTRIBUTER (IRE) 5H HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) – SERISIA (FR) EXIT TO NOWHERE (USA) | JAMES MCDONALD | 59.0 | JOHN O’SHEA | 4 |
| 2014 | BOBAN (AUS) 4G BERNARDINI (USA) – KENBELLE (AUS) KENMARE (FR) | G SCHOFIELD | 59.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 4 |
| 2013 | SHOOT OUT (AUS) 6G HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) – PENTAMEROUS (NZ) PENTIRE (GB) | HUGH BOWMAN | 59.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 2 |
| 2012 | SHOOT OUT (AUS) 5G HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) – PENTAMEROUS (NZ) PENTIRE (GB) | HUGH BOWMAN | 59.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 5 |
| 2011 | DANLEIGH (AUS) 7G MUJAHID (USA) – GRACEFUL LILY (AUS) DR. GRACE (NZ) | HUGH BOWMAN | 59.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 8 |
| 2010 | THESEO (AUS) 6G DANEWIN (AUS) – OZONE SAND (USA) L’ENJOLEUR (CAN) | N RAWILLER | 59.0 | MS G WATERHOUSE | 1 |
| 2009 | TUESDAY JOY (NZ) 5M CARNEGIE (IRE) – JOIE DENISE (AUS) DANEHILL (USA) | C W BROWN | 57.0 | MS G WATERHOUSE | 8 |
| 2008 | CASINO PRINCE (AUS) 4H FLYING SPUR (AUS) – LADY CAPEL (AUS) LAST TYCOON (IRE) | DAMIEN OLIVER | 59.0 | ANTHONY CUMMINGS | 2 |
| 2007 | HE’S NO PIE EATER (AUS) 3C CANNY LAD (AUS) – LADIES’ DAY (CAN) ASCOT KNIGHT (CAN) | Z PURTON | 56.0 | GRAEME ROGERSON | 4 |
| 2006 | DESERT WAR (AUS) 5G DESERT KING (IRE) – HIGH HEELS (AUS) CAN’T FIGHT FATE (AUS) | L V CASSIDY | 58.0 | MS G WATERHOUSE | 2 |
| 2005 | GRAND ARMEE (AUS) 6G HENNESSY (USA) – TAMBOUR (AUS) MARAUDING (NZ) | D BEASLEY | 58.0 | MS G WATERHOUSE | 7 |
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