The race was first held as a Principal Race called the Eclipse Stakes over a mile (about 1600m) in 1898 and was won by a horse called Cocos. In 1900 the distance was increased to 2200m. The name was changed to the Herbert Power Handicap in 1920 and the distance was increased to 1.5 miles (about 2400m). Herbert Power was a former VATC Chairman and thoroughbred owner who passed away in 1919. It has had several name changes over the decades  – the Quick-Eze Stakes from 1993 to 1996, the Perrier Mineral Water Stakes in 1997, the Perrier Stakes from 1998-1999, Herbert Power Stakes in 2000, Winning Edge Presentations stakes from 2001 to 2008 and back to the Herbert Power Stakes from 2009 onwards. It was a Group 3 race from 1979-1980 and was upgraded to it’s current Group 2 status in 1981.

2024 Herbert Power Stakes Preview and results

2023 Herbert Power Stakes Preview and results

2022 Herbert Power Stakes Preview and results

2021 Herbert Power Stakes Preview and results

Last mare to win: Sea Moon (2013)

Last 3YO to win: C&G –  Taisho (1929); Filly – no filly has won the Herbert Power Stakes

Multiple winners: Durham (1951 & 1952); Dashing Beau (1949 & 1950); Royal Charter (1925 & 1927); Easingwold (1923 & 1924); Anna Carlovna (1913 & 1914); Alawa (1908 & 1909); Poseidon (1906 & 1907); Wakeful (1902 & 1903)

Fastest time (2400m): Yucatan (2018) 2:26:47

Herbert Power Stakes & Caulfield Cup: Master O’Reilly (2007); Beer Street (1970); Rising Fast (1955); My Hero (1953); Poseidon (1907); Marvel Loch (1905)

Herbert Power Stakes & Melbourne Cup: Rogan Josh (1999); Arwon (1978); Van Der Hum (1976); Gala Supreme (1973); Colonus (1942); Poseidon (1905)

Leading trainers: Robert Hickmott has won 4 times in 10 years with Assign (2016), Arnralah (2015), Sea Moon (2013) and Linton (2010)

Interesting trivia: Arwon went close to winning the Herbert Power Stakes, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup treble in 1978. He won the Herbert Power and the Melbourne Cup but was beaten a lip in the Caulfield Cup by Takisan.

Winners of past Herbert Power Stakes include The Chosen One (2019), Yucatan (2018), Big Memory (2014), Sea Moon (2013), Shahwardi (2012), Linton (2010), Alcopop (2009), Master O’Reilly (2007),  Rogan Josh (1999), Just A Dancer (1990), Arwon (1978), Van Der Hum (1976), Gala Supreme (1973), Gala Crest (1966), Rising Fast (1955), Wodalla (1954), Eurythmic (1921), Comedy King (1911), Poseidon (1906 & 1907) and Wakeful (1902/1903).

Shewan finished first in 2011 but was disqualified in 2021 due to prohibited ownership of the horse at the time of running.