The race was first run as an unlisted handicap over 1100m in 1989 and was won by Good Old Ted. In 1991 it was upgraded to a Listed race, then in 1999 it was upgraded again to its current Group 3 status. In 2006 the distance was extended to 1200m. It is held on Group 1 Memsie Stakes day along with the Group 3 The Heath 1100 sprint race, the Group 3 WW Cockram Stakes over 1200m for mares and the Listed Heatherlie Handicap over 1700m.

Horses that are not first-up from a spell often come into the McNeil via the Group 3 Vain Stakes run 2 weeks before on PB Lawrence Stakes day at Caulfield. Some may come via the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Morphettville three weeks before. The race is generally very competitive and is often a stepping stone to major Group races in the Spring Carnival, including the Thousand Guineas Prelude, Thousand Guineas, Edward Manifold Stakes and Crown Oaks for fillies, plus the Danehill Stakes, Caulfield Guineas, Coolmore Stud Stakes and Victoria Derby.

There are some great horses in the list of past winners for this race. A few have even done well overseas like 2017 winner Merchant Navy who won the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington two starts later then was sold and went to Europe where he won the G2 Greenlands Stakes then the G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

2024 HDF McNeil Stakes Preview and results

2023 HDF McNeil Stakes Preview and results

2022 HDF McNeil Stakes Preview and results

2021 HDF McNeil Stakes Preview and results

2020 HDF McNeil Stakes Preview and results

Last filly to win; Lady Of Harrods (2012)

Fastest time (1200m): Golden Archer (2011) 1:09:04

Vain Stakes & HDF McNeil Stakes: Gold Symphony (2015); Starspangledbanner (2009)

Leading trainers: Lee Freedman with 5 wins (Sugar Babe 2008; Honour The Name 1999; Gold Ace 1995; Danzero 1994: Snippet’s Girl 1992).

Interesting trivia: Danehill sired 1994 winner Danzero, 2001 winner Tully Dane and 2005 winner Danerich. He was also the broodmare sire of 2014 winner Chivalry.

Winners of past HDF McNeil Stakes include Super Seth (2019), Merchant Navy (2017), Starspangledbanner (2009), Scenic Blast (2007), Miss Finland (2006), Bel Esprit (2002), Theatre (1998), La Baraka (1997), Gold Ace (1995), Danzero (1994), Sequalo (1993) and Tierce (1991).