R N Irwin Stakes

See the 2024 R N Irwin Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2023 R N Irwin Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 R N Irwin Stakes Preview and results.

The race was first held in 1955 as a Principal Race over 6 furlongs (about 1200m) under handicap conditions at Morphettville where it was won by Never Rest, In 1975 it became a weight-for-age race and the distance was reduced to 1100 metres. In 1980 it became a Group 2 race and the distance was increased to 1450 metres for 1980 and 1981 when it was held at Victoria Park, 1200 metres from 1982 to 1985 and back to 1100 metres from 1986. In 1991 it was downgraded to the current Group 3 status. In 2001 it was held over 1000 metres at Victoria Park and in 2002 it was held over 1000m at Cheltenham Park before returning to 1100 metres at Morphettville from 2003 onwards.

It has been run as the RN Irwin Stakes from the beginning apart from being called after sponsors for two years – the German Arms Hotel Stakes in 2007 and the CMA Recycling Stakes in 2008. It was originally run in January but in 2006 moved to March as the Adelaide Cup carnival reorganised dates, then in 2012 it was moved to April where it can be used as a lead-up to the Goodwood Handicap.

Last mare to win: Dainty Tess (2018)

Last 3YO to win:  Filly – Regal Kiss (2002); C&G – Kenvain (1994);

Multiple winners: Stand By Me (2001 & 2004); Scorn Bold (1996 & 1997); Fileur (1968 & 1970)

Fastest time (1100m): Sports (1999) and Diplomatic Force (2009) 1:02:45

Interesting trivia:

Winners of past R N Irwin Stakes include Super Elegant (2005), Bomber Bill (2003), Sports (1999), La Baraka (1998), Hero Wind ( 1995), Kenvain (1994), Beau George (1991), Redelva (1988), Rory’s Jester (1986), Stormy Rex (1979), Toltrice (1974), Idolou (1973) Eastern Court (1972), Sandera (1971), Fileur (1968 & 1970).