Mitchell McKenzie Stakes Race Information
The Mitchell McKenzie Stakes is a 1200 metre set weights plus penalties race for three-year-old colts and geldings run by the Moonee Valley Racing Club in September. It is held at Moonee Valley as part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
- Race Type: Listed
- Distance: 1200 metres
- Conditions: Set weights plus penalties, 3YO colts and geldings
- Track: Moonee Valley Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
- Prizemoney: $175,000
- Date: Saturday 9 September 2023
Mitchell McKenzie Stakes Race History
See the 2023 McKenzie Stakes Preview and results.
See the 2022 McKenzie Stakes Preview and results.
See the 2021 McKenzie Stakes Preview and results.
See the 2020 McKenzie Stakes Preview and results.
The race was originally a Listed race over 1000m and began in 1994 when it was won by talented colt St Covet who had already won the Black Opal Stakes in Canberra, ran 2nd in the 1994 Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes and won the Group 1 AJC Sires Produce Stakes. Later on he went on to win the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas. Not all winners have been so talented, although many winners have gone on to win Group races and some, like Bel Esprit, went on to be quality sires that have produced many winners.
In 2007 the distance was increased to 1200m and it has remained at that distance. It was won by Light Fantastic in that year and he still holds the race record for fastest time. The race was held on the first Moonee Valley race day of the racing season but has been moved to September.
In 2020 incessant rain caused the Mo0nee Valley meeting to be abandoned after five races due to safety concerns and this race was moved from 25 August to 28 November. In 2023 it was moved from August to September
Mitchell McKenzie Stakes Facts
Fastest time (1200m): Light Fantastic (2007) 1:09:85
Mitchell McKenzie Stakes & Caulfield Guineas: Anacheeva (2010), St Covet (1994)
Mitchell McKenzie Stakes & Doncaster Mile: Brutal (2018)
Leading jockeys: Dwayne Dunn has done well in this race in recent years (Brutal 2018; Overshare 2017; Rich Enuff 2014).
Interesting trivia: 2019 winner Condo’s Express cost $3000 as a yearling. 1994 winner St Covet still holds the race record for the Black Opal Stakes. In 2020 the meeting was abandoned and the race was rescheduled in November.
Past winners of the Mitchell McKenzie Stakes
Winners of past races include Carrara (2009), Anacheeva (2010). Light Fantastic (2008), Bel Esprit (2002), Blazing Reality (1996) and St Covet (1994).
Year | Winner | Second | Third |
2023 | Steparty | Scentify | Brave Mead |
2022 | Fast Witness | Shalaman | El Padrino |
2021 | He’s Xceptional | Jigsaw | Athelric |
2020 | Ocean Beyond | Deep Speed | Free To Move |
2019 | Condo’s Express | Hightail | Hawker Hurricane |
2018 | Brutal | Tavisan | Leonardo Da Hinchi |
2017 | Overshare | Bandipur | Sunquest |
2016 | Ken’s Dream | Dam Ready | Throssell |
2015 | Well Sprung | Danuki | Odyssey Moon |
2014 | Rich Enuff | Fast Cash | Turfane |
2013 | Cauthen | Shamus Award | Long John |
2012 | Rusambo | Dominant | Adjuster |
2011 | Amah Rock | Hot Spin | Secret Hills |
2010 | Anacheeva | The Ruffian | Bullbars |
2009 | Carrara | Umanugget | Nicastro |
2008 | Minnesota Shark | Acoustic Sound | Captain Fantastic |
2007 | Light Fantastic | Gibraltar Campion | Pit Lane |
2006 | Mondano | Due Sasso | Muzdaher |
2005 | Danerich | Langarza | Undoubtedly |
2004 | How Good Is He | Tirade | Strath Valley |
2003 | Lago Delight | Cross Current | Great Is Great |
2002 | Bel Esprit | Able Choice | Yell |
2001 | Strategic Image | Abyssinian | Tuscanos |
2000 | Slipstream | Scenic Warrior | Sound The Alarm |
1999 | Hasta La Quista | Fappiano’s Son | Ruthless Tycoon |
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