2010 AJC Metropolitan Handicap

The AJC Metropolitan Handicap is a 2400 metre race held under open handicap conditions for horses three-year-old and upwards at Randwick. It is run in October on Epsom Handicap Day by the Australian Jockey Club.

Race Type: Group 1, 3YO & Up Open Handicap
Distance: 2400m
Track: Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, New South Wales
Date: 2 Oct 2010

AJC Metropolitan Handicap Racing Odds – Click Here

The AJC Metropolitan Handicap has a long history and was first run over 16 furlongs (about 3200 metres) in 1863 when it was won by Regno. The distance was reduced to 12 furlongs in 1892 and there have been other distance changes until it became the current 2400 metres in 2001. The only year the race was not held was in 2007 when an outbreak of equine influenza (EI) caused many races in Australia to be cancelled.

Many horses have their lead-up race in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality Handicap over 2400 metres, and many have won the Colin Stephen – Metropolitan double including Railings (2005), Dress Circle (2001), Coco Cobanna (2000), Vita Man (1999), In Joyment (1998), Heart Ruler (1997), Hula Flight (1996) and Zamination (1993).

As the Metropolitan is held on the last major race day of the Sydney spring carnival the stronger contestants continue their spring campaigns in Melbourne. Metropolitan winners that have gone on to win the Caulfield Cup are Tawqeet (2006), Railings (2005), Hayai (1983) and Redcraze (1956). Metropolitan winners to win the Melbourne Cup are Macdougal (1959), Straight Draw (1957), Dalray (10952), Delta (1951) and Tim Whiffler (1867).

No horse has ever won the Australian handicap treble of the AJC Metropolitan, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. Five horses have won the race twice and these are Hayai (1983 and 1984), Tails (1969 and 1970), Murray Stream (1945 and 1947), Cagou (1913 and 1917) and Mooltan (1907 and 1908).

Past winners of the AJC Metropolitan Handicap: