Bill Ritchie Handicap Race Information
The Bill Ritchie Handicap is a 1400 metre quality handicap race run by the Australian Turf Club in September. It is held at Randwick as part of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
- Race Type: Group 3
- Distance: 1400 metres
- Conditions: Quality handicap, 3YO & upwards
- Track: Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, New South Wales
- Prizemoney: $250,000
- Date: Saturday 16 September 2023
Bill Ritchie Handicap Race History
See the 2023 Bill Ritchie Handicap Preview and results.
See the 2022 Bill Ritchie Handicap Preview and results.
It was first run in 1978 and was won by a horse called Go Mod. It was a Listed race from 1989 to 1997 and was upgraded to a Group 3 race in 1998.
It is a traditional lead-up to the Epsom Handicap.
Useful Facts
Last mare to win: Atishu (2021)
Last 3YO to win: C&G – none; Filly – none
Multiple winners: Zebarra (2002 & 2003); Royal Reel (1987 & 1989)
Fastest time (1400m): Flaming (2005) 1:21:27
Bill Ritchie & Epsom Handicap: Kolding (2009); Boban (2013)
Leading jockeys: Jim Cassidy with 5 wins (Sadler’s Lake 2015; Steps In Time 2012; Fouardee 2001; Rouslan 1994; Full Page 1986).
Interesting trivia: Race not run in 2007 due to equine influenza. Dead heat for 2nd behind Full Page in 1986 between Shinakima and The Cowboy.
Past winners of the Bill Ritchie Handicap
Winners of past Bill Ritchie Handicaps include Probabeel (2020), Kolding (2019), Comin’ Through (2017), Manawanui (2014), Boban (2013), Steps In Time (2012), Zabarra (2002/2003), Landsighting (2000), Bezeal Bay (1998), Holy Roller (1997), Monopolize (1995), Rouslan (1994), Prince Of Praise (1992), Rechabite (1991), Our Poverty Bay (1990), Dinky Flyer (1985) and Leica Planet (1983).
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2023 | Rediener | Cuban Royale | Wild Planet |
| 2022 | Top Ranked | Purple Sector | Cross Talk |
| 2021 | Atishu | Looks Like Elvis | Aramayo |
| 2020 | Probabeel | Cuba | Brandenburg |
| 2019 | Kolding | Fierce Impact | Desert Lord |
| 2018 | Siege Of Quebec | Pierata | Music Magnate |
| 2017 | Comin’ Through | Tom Melbourne | Burning Passion |
| 2016 | Sons Of John | Torgersen | Federal |
| 2015 | Sadler’s Lake | Rudy | Heart Testa |
| 2014 | Manawanui | Rock Sturdy | Tougher Than Ever |
| 2013 | Boban | Belltone | Choice Bro |
| 2012 | Steps In Time | Said Com | Wild And Proud |
| 2011 | Thankgodyou’rehere | Startsmeup | Miss Keepsake |
| 2010 | Drumbeats | Kenny’s World | Captain Sonador |
| 2009 | McClintock | Walking or Dancing | Faulconbridge |
| 2008 | Judged | Rockwood | Kiloton |
| 2007 | ** Race not run ** | ||
| 2006 | Coalesce | New Edge | Flaming |
| 2005 | Flaming | Devil | Messiaen |
| 2004 | Osca Warrior | Utzon | In a Bound |
| 2003 | Zabarra | Britt’s Best | Forum Floozie |
| 2002 | Zabarra | This Manshood | Swiss Echo |
| 2001 | Fouardee | Defier | Adamantly |
| 2000 | Landsighting | Tie The Knot | Valuate |
| 1999 | Brave Prince | Al Mansour | Stanzaic |
| 1998 | Bezeal Bay | Deep Snip | Super Crest |
| 1997 | Holy Roller | Pimpala Son | Prairie |
| 1996 | Mamzelle Pedrille | Persian Flyer | Headstrong |
| 1995 | Monopolize | Juggler | Flight To Fantasy |
| 1994 | Rouslan | Over The Top | Big Dreams |
| 1993 | Belas Knap | Cohort | Telesto Mighty Tango |
| 1992 | Prince Of Praise | East Ocean Friend | Stormy Guest |
| 1991 | Rechabite | Somalia | Be Able |
| 1990 | Our Poverty Bay | Remember Peter | Mocha |
| 1989 | Royal Reel | Our Palliser | Black Routine |
| 1988 | Pleasant Flight | Gold Trump | Regal Native |
| 1987 | Royal Reel | True Reason | Piccata |
| 1986 | Full Page | Shinakima The Cowboy |
* dead-heat 2nd |
| 1985 | Dinky Flyer | Eureka Stockade | Magnitude |
| 1984 | Muffler | Tandrio | Wage Freeze |
| 1983 | Leica Planet | Lord Ballina | Elroy |
| 1982 | Note Of Victory | Christian Prince | Maybe Michelle |
| 1981 | Gooree Pride | High Classic | Irish Flyer |
| 1980 | Tulip Town | The Funofit | Snow Vain |
| 1979 | Drummer | Glenfield Lad | Daddy Cool |
| 1978 | Go Mod | Le Dejeuner | Tattenham Lad |