Canberra Cup

See the 2024 Canberra Cup Preview and results.

See the 2023 Canberra Cup Preview and results.

See the 2022 Canberra Cup Preview and results.

The Canberra Cup was first run in 1926 over a distance of 1600 metres, and the inaugural winner Spec also won the following year. There have been several distance changes over the years as it was 1600 metres until 1952 when it was lengthened to 1750 metres for 1953 and 1954. It was run over 1800 metres from 1955 to 1962, became 2000 metres from 1963 to 1975 and then went to 2400 metres from 1976 to 1995. Since 1996 it has been 2000 metres. There is a maximum field of 16 runners.

The Canberra Cup became a Listed race in 1984. There are many years when it was not run – from 1930 to 1935 it was not held due to the depression and from 1941 to 1945 it was not held because of World War II. It was also not held in 1947, 2006 and 2011. The 2006 Cup was cancelled due to reconstruction of the track and the 2011 running was not held due to a rearrangement of the Canberra racing calendar.

In 2011 the decision was made to move the Canberra Cup from its traditional September/October timing to run it on Black Opal Stakes Sunday in March. More recently Canberra has introduced a two-day racing carnival with the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes for two-year-olds and the Listed National Sprint over 1400m on the Sunday and the Canberra Cup and the Listed Canberra Guineas on the Monday which is a public holiday in Canberra. It is the major race carnival in Canberra and has Fashions on the Field competitions, plenty of activities for children and a concert after the last race.

Last mare to win: Fill The Page (2012)

Multiple winners: Macknuckle (2009 & 2010); (Reingard (1985 & 1986); Crazy Notion (1961 & 1962); Spec (1926 & 1927)

Fastest time (2000m): Padfoot Charlie (2001) 2:02:02

Canberra Cup & Cox Plate: Superimpose (1992)

Leading trainers: Gai Waterhouse has been the most successful trainer in recent years with 5 wins (Dark Eyes 2017; Hippopus 2016: So Assertive 2004: Regal Touch 2000; Jay Cee Bee 1995) but her father TJ Smith won the race 6 times (Sir Mountable 1991; Rajaman 1989; Combat 1983; Over The Ocean 1979; Free Enterprise 1978; Hot Land 1977).

Interesting trivia: Race not run in 2006.

Local trainers have often had success in the Canberra Cup, although most years there are a number of Sydney horses running.  No Canberra Cup winner has won the Melbourne Cup, but 1992 winner Superimpose went on to win the Cox Plate.  Other notable winners include Samadoubt (2019),Padfoot Charlie (2001), Iron Horse (1998), Foxseal (1984), Nicholas John (1982), Hot Land (1977),  Forgive (1966) and Alinga (1953).

From the archives:

Canberra Cup Preview & Tips 2018

Track: Good  Weather: Fine

Following the scratching of Emperor’s Way the emergency Rose’s Song gets a run, giving a capacity field of 16 runners for the $200,000 TAB.com.au Canberra Cup. The early favourite is Show A Star who has 2 wins and 2 places from 4 runs this campaign. Vying for second favouritism are Get On The Grange who has been performing well at this distance range, and local hope Almost Court who dead-heated for first over 2000m at Randwick on 17 February.

Auvray and Imperial Aviator finished 6^th and 8^th in the Parramatta Cup last start. Gamblestown has been very consistent this campaign without winning. More Energy won the Parramatta Cup and could go well here. Jacquinot Bay is now a ten-year-old, but he won this race in 2014 and could surprise. All other runners are currently $11 or more in a fairly open race.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.