2008 Turnbull Stakes

The Turnbull Stakes is a 2000 metre race for Australia’s best middle distance horses. The race is held in October each year at Flemington during the Spring Racing Carnival.

Race Type: Group 1 4YO & up SWP
Distance: 2000m
Track: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria

The first Turnbull Stakes was run in 1948 and was named for Mr Richard Turnbull who was VRC Chairman at that time. Prior to that it was ran under several different names including October Stakes, September Stakes and Royal Park Stakes, with the first running in 1865 being won by The Sign. It has been a 2000m event since the 1972 running as a metric race.

The Turnbull has had several format changes throughout its history as it was a handicap event until 1963 and then a weight-for-age event from 1964-1970. Since then it has been a Set Weights and Penalties race. It was a Group 2 race when it was won by the champion mare Makybe Diva in 2005, and has only been a Group 1 race from 2006. It carries prizemoney of $500,000 and attracts quality middle distance gallopers.

Since 1948 only two horses have won the race more than once – Vo Rogue (1987/1988) and Comic Court (1949/1950). Notable winners of the race include Elvstroem (2004), Northerly (2002), Sunline (2000), Doriemus (1996), Naturalism (1992), Let’s Elope (1991), Better Loosen Up (1990), Super Impose (1989), Dulcify (1979), Leilani (1974), Galilee (1968), Tobin Bronze (1966) and Rising Fast (1954).