The Winterbottom Stakes began as a principal race over 7 furlongs. It was first held in 1952, and was won by Raconteur. In 1973 the distance was converted to 1400 metres, and in 1979 the race was granted Group 2 status. The distance was reduced to 1200 metres in 1993, and in 2003 the race was run at Belmont Park instead of Ascot. In 2011 it became a Group 1 race.

This race is now run one week after the Group 1 Railway Stakes and the WA Guineas which are both over 1600 metres. In previous years the Railway Stakes was run 2 weeks before and in 2009 Ortensia finished sixth in the Railway Stakes a fortnight before her fast-finishing Winterbottom Stakes win.

Major lead-up races are the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes over 1400 metres held 2 weeks before, the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes over 1100m held on Melbourne Cup day about 2½ weeks before, and the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes over 1200 metres about 4 weeks before. In 1991 M’Lady’s Jewel won the Prince of Wales Stakes, Reeves Stakes, Lee Steere Stakes, Railway Stakes and Winterbottom Stakes.

2024 Winterbottom Stakes Preview and results

2023 Winterbottom Stakes Preview and results

2022 Winterbottom Stakes Preview and results

2021 Winterbottom Stakes Preview and results

2020 Winterbottom Stakes Preview and results

Last mare to win: Graceful Girl (2021)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Hardrada (2002); Filly – Belinda’s Star (1975)

Multiple winners: Overpass  (2023 & 2024); Buffering (2013 & 2015); Hardrada (2002 & 2003); Belinda’s Star (1975 & 1976); La Trice (1970 & 1971); Asteroid (1953 & 1955).

Fastest time (1200m): Buffering (2015) 1:08:1

Interesting trivia: 1982 winner Fimiston sired 2001 winner Fair Alert and 2004 winner Ellicorsam. 1952 winner Raconteur sired 1972 winner Acello.

Five horses have managed to win this race on more than one occasion. Buffering won in 2013 and 2015, Hardrada won in 2002 and 2003, Belinda’s Star won in 1975 and 1976, La Trice won in 1970 and 1971 and Asteroid won in 1953 and 1955. The winner of the first Winterbottom Stakes in 1952, Raconteur, sired the 1972 winner Acello. The 1982 winner Fimiston sired 2001 winner Fair Alert and 2004 winner Ellicorsam.

From the archives:

2018 Winterbottom Stakes Preview & Tips

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 15 runners for the $1,000,000 2018 Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes. The early favourite is 2017 winner Viddora who followed a strong win in the Moir Stakes with a disappointing 10^th in The Everest but has won a trial since. Second favourite is Enticing Star who won 8 races in a row before 6^th in the Lee Steere Stakes where she was in season and lacked her usual dash. Third in the market is Malaguerra who resumed for 10^th in the Darley Classic then 12^th in the Manikato Stakes.

Voodoo Lad came 8^th in the Manikato and is having his first run here. I’ll Have A Bit has been a close 3^rd in Listed races at her last two starts. Runson has 2 wins from 4 races this campaign. Malibu Style won the Listed Doveton Stakes last start. Dainty Tess has won 10 races on this track. All other runners are currently 16 to 1 or longer, including Durendal who won the Colonel Reeves Stakes last start.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.