H G Bolton Sprint

See the 2023 H G Bolton Sprint Preview and results.

See the 2022 H G Bolton Sprint Preview and results.

The H G Bolton Sprint was first held as a Principal Race in 1978 and was won by a four-year-old horse named Hartbalm. It became a Listed Race in 1979 and has always been run over 1200m. It was previously called the WATC H G Bolton Sprint. Currently run at the end of the racing season it was previously run earlier in the season as an autumn sprint, The main lead-up race is the Listed Beaufine Stakes over 1000m held at Belmont two weeks earlier. Although mainly contested by local horses, some runners may head east for the spring races.

The race is named in honour of Harry Bolton who was an innovative racing administrator in Western Australia. He was the secretary of the Western Australian Turf Club for 20 years, from 1958 until his death in 1978 at age 64. In 2012 he was inducted into the WA Racing Hall of Fame for the contributions he made to racing. He was instrumental in the formation of the TAB, he introduced starting gates and the movable running rail. At Belmont Park his achievements included the construction of the Grandstand and the track redevelopment, plus commissioning on-course CCTV,

Last mare to win: Amasenus (2021)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Valour Road (2019); Filly – Jungle Mist (1985)

Multiple winners: Grand Nirvana (2009 & 2010); Golden Delicious (2003 & 2004); Doctor Golly (1992 & 1995)

Fastest time (1200m): Sky Filou (1987) 1:09:29

Leading jockeys : William Pike with 5 wins (Valour Road 2019; Rebel King 2015; Celebrity Miss 2014; Marasco 2008; Is Amazing 2007). Patrick Carbery (War God 2018; Settle Strada 2013; Spook 1998) Jason Brown (Golden Delicious 2003 & 2004; Cool Business 2002) and Jason Whiting (Impressive Stats 2005; Fireband 2001; Doctor Golly 1992) have 3 winners each. Jason Brown is the only jockey to win in 3 consecutive years.

Leading trainers: Fred Kersley with 4 consecutive wins (Grand Nirvana 2009 & 2010; Marasco 2008; Amazing 2007). Jim Taylor (Golden Delicious 2003 & 2004; Cool Business 2002) and Neville Parnham (War God 2019; Electic 2006; Spook 1998) both have 3 wins.

Interesting trivia: The highest weight to win was Marasco in 2008 with 60kg. Jungle Mist is the only filly to win.

Winners of past H G Bolton Sprints include First Among Equals (2016), Power Princess (2011), Grand Nirvana (2009 & 2010), Marasco (2008); Golden Delicious (2003 & 2004), Papillion (1999), Jacks Or Better (1996), Doctor Golly (1992 & 1995), Barrosa Boy (1991), Fimiston (1988) and Jungle Mist (1985).