Bel Esprit Stakes Race Information

The Bel Esprit Stakes is a 1200 metre open handicap run by the Melbourne Racing Club in the autumn. It is held at Caulfield during the Autumn Racing Carnival as the feature event of the meeting.

  • Race Type: Listed
  • Distance: 1200 metres
  • Conditions: Open handicap
  • Track: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
  • Prizemoney: $175,000
  • Date: Saturday 16 March 2024

Bel Esprit Stakes Race History

See the 2023 Bel Esprit Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 Bel Esprit Stakes Preview and results.

The race was first held as the Listed Thoroughbred Club Cup over 1200m in 2013 and was won by Ready To Rip trained by Peter Moody and ridden by Brad Rawiller. In 2014 it was called the City Of Greater Dandenong Stakes and was won by Office Bearer trained by Peter Moody again and ridden by Linda Meech. In 2015 the distance was reduced to the current 1100m and the name became the Bel Esprit Stakes. In 2023 it was held over 1000m and in 2024 over 1200m.

Useful Facts

Last mare to win: Sisstar (2021)

Fastest time (1200m): William Thomas (2020) 1:03:08

Interesting trivia:

Past winners of the Bel Esprit Stakes

Winners of past Bel Esprit Stakes include horses that go on to win major spring races.

Year Winner Second Third
2024 Brudenell Maharba Rey Magnerio
2023 Pintoff Starry Legend Katsu
2022 Extreme Warrior It’sourtime Curran
2021 Sisstar Lyre Sword Of Mercy
2020 William Thomas Humma Humma Coruscate
2019 Miss Leonidas I Am Someone Eduardo
2018 Sprightly Lass Bons Away Malibu Style
2017 Malibu Style Legless Veuve Crystal Dreamer
2016 Sheidel Girl Guide Under The Louvre
2015 Politeness Thermal Current Gregers
2014 Office Bearer Go The Knuckle Happy Galaxy
2013 Ready To Rip Club Command Offenders