Grand Prix Stakes

See the 2023 Grand Prix Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 Grand Prix Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2021 Grand Prix Stakes Preview and results.

The race was first run in 1971 as a Principal Race over 1.5 miles (about 2400m) at Eagle Farm and was won by a horse called Mode.  In 1973 the distance became 2400 metres then in 1975 it was reduced to 2200m. It was a Group 2 race from 1979 to 2005, then was downgraded to the current Group 3 status in 2006.  It used  to be a good lead-up to the Queensland Derby which was held a week later. In 2019 it was moved from May as part of the Winter Racing Carnival to December in the summer.  As a result it was run twice in 2019.

The distance was reduced from 2200m to 2100m in 2021.

Last filly to win: Gypsy Goddess  (2021)

Fastest time (2100m): Kovalica  (2022) 2:09:59

Fastest time (2200m): Heavenly Thought (2018) 2:14:22

Grand Prix & Queensland Derby: Brambles (2012), Ice Chariot (2006), Half Hennessy (2003), Air Seattle (1993), Dorset Downs (1991), Hidden Rhythm (1989), Handy Proverb (1986), Librici (1984), Our Planet (1982), Mr Cromwell (1981), Kingston Town (1980), Double Century (1979), Lefroy (1978).

Interesting trivia: The Grand Prix Stakes was held twice in 2019 as it was moved from winter to summer.

Winners of past Grand Prix Stakes include Sirmione (2007), Distinctly Secret (2002), Stargazer (1990), Handy Proverb (1986), Our Sophia (1985), Kingston Town (1980), Double Century (1979), Surround (1977), Balmerino (1976), Latin Knight (1972) and Mode (1971).