TABTouch Gold Rush/A.J. Scahill Stakes

See the 2023 Damien Oliver Gold Rush Preview and results.

See the 2022 Gold Rush Preview and results.

The race was first held as a Principal Race over 1200m in 1978 and was won by Burgess Queen. It 1979 it was given its current Group 3 status. In 1980 the distance was increased to 1400m and has remained at that distance except for 1983 when it was over 1450m. In 2003 it was run at Belmont instead of Ascot.

In 2022 the name was changed from the A.J. Scahill Stakes to The TABTouch Gold Rush and the prizemoney was boosted from $125,000 to $1,500,000.

Allan J. Scahill  was born in 1901 and served on the Committee of the Western Australian Turf Club from 1953 to 1975. In 1975 he was vice chairman.  He was also a founding member of the Western Australian TAB. He passed away in 2000.

Last mare to win: Silverstream (2017)

Last 3YO to win: C&G Hakin Boy (1980); Filly – Burgess Queen (1978)  (These are the only two 3YOs to win).

Multiple winners: Watermans Bay (2014 & 2015)

Fastest time (1400m): Eastern Temple (1985) 1:21:2

Interesting trivia: Champion jockey Damien Oliver had his last race ride on Munhamek in 2023. He won at $7.

Winners of past A.J. Scahill Stakes include Vega Magic (2016), Watermans Bay (2014 & 2015), Grand Nirvana (2011), Waratah’s Secret (2010), Takeover Target (2008), Marasco (2006), Tribula (2001), Willoughby (1998), Bold Extreme (1997), Island Morn (1996), Pago Escort (1992), Medicine Kid (1990), Miss Muffett (1988),King Phoenix (1987),  Heron Bridge (1986), Haulpak’s Image (1983), Blazing Bags (1981) and Burgess Queen (1978).