John Dillon Stakes Race Information
The John Dillon Stakes is a 1400 metre open handicap race run by the Melbourne Racing Club in late January. It is held at Caulfield as one of the feature races of the meeting.
- Race Type: Listed
- Distance: 1400 metres
- Conditions: Quality handicap
- Track: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
- Prizemoney: $175,000
- Date: Saturday 25 January 2025
John Dillon Stakes Race History
The race dates back to 1984 when it was called the VATC Barton Handicap over 1000m and won by a horse called Centaine. In 1992 the distance was increased to the current 1400m. It was called the MRC Barton Stakes until it became the John Dillon Stakes in 2009.
In 2025 it was held at Sandown Lakeside as an arsonist set fire to the Norman Robinson stand at Caulfield on Tuesday 7th January 2025. It was the first meeting at Sandown for some time following major renovations.
Our Runner by Runner Previews
2025 John Dillon Stakes Preview and Results.
2024 John Dillon Stakes Preview and Results.
2022 John Dillon Stakes Preview and Results.
Useful Facts
Last mare to win: Southern Speed (2012)
Fastest time (1400m): Mister Obliging (2001) 1:21:70
Interesting trivia:
Past winners of the John Dillon Stakes
Winners of past John Dillon Stakes include horses that go on to win Group races.
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2025 | Coastwatch | Chorlton Lane | Buffalo River |
| 2024 | Ayrton | Ka Bling | Buffalo River |
| 2023 | Gentleman Roy | Dawn Passage | Crosshaven |
| 2022 | Open Minded | Lighthouse | Excelida |
| 2021 | Blazejowski | Brave Song | Viral |
| 2020 | Morvada | Yulong January | Streets Of Avalon |
| 2019 | Rock ‘N’ Gold | Manolo Blahniq | Chamois Road |
| 2018 | Tshahitsi | Dollar For Dollar | Wyndspelle |
| 2017 | Grande Rosso | Tonopah | Duke Of Brunswick |
| 2016 | Mighty Like | Tried And Tired | Baligari |
| 2015 | Reparations | Decircles | Tried And Tired |
| 2014 | Finishing Card | Limes | Chase The Rainbow |
| 2013 | Le Remas | Under The Eiffel | Future Solution |
| 2012 | Southern Speed | Shout Out Loud | Danzylum |
| 2011 | Danzylum | Wind Shear | It’s Prince |
| 2010 | Joku | Danzylum | Zarita |
| 2009 | Time Matters | Sand Sweeper | Just Look |
| 2008 | Cargo Cult | Larson | Stickpin |
| 2007 | Sonic Quest | Our Spur | Recapitalize |
| 2006 | Forest Spy | Mock | Step Ahead |
| 2005 | Youth | Lord Volksraad | Grundy’s Crossing |
| 2004 | Tycoon Ruler | Monahan Tweed | Domine |
| 2003 | Panorama Heights | British Buska | Mr Casanova |
| 2002 | Tears Royal | Corvain | Accuse |
| 2001 | Mister Obliging | Shorblue | Slalom |
| 2000 | Jugahtrice | Ekalaka | Czar Hero |