Always Welcome Stakes Race Information
The Always Welcome Stakes is a 1200 metre open handicap race run by the Victorian Racing Club in early November. It is held at Flemington as part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
- Race Type: Listed
- Distance: 1200 metres
- Conditions: Open handicap
- Track: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
- Prizemoney: $175,000
- Date: Saturday 9 November 2024
Always Welcome Stakes Race History
It was first held as a Listed race over 1200m in 2011 when it was won by Facile Tigre. It has been run as the MSS Security Sprint but the registered race name is the Always Welcome Stakes.
Lead-up races include The Kosciuszko, Group 2 Caulfield Sprint, Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes and Listed Caulfield Village Stakes.
Previously held on Melbourne Cup Day it was moved to the following Saturday in 2023.
Our Runner by Runner Previews
2024 Always Welcome Stakes Preview and results
Useful Facts
Last mare to win; Teleplay (2014)
Multiple winners: none
Fastest time (1200m): Richie’s Vibe (2013) 1:08:70
Leading jockeys: Damien Oliver with 2 wins (Tactical Advantage 2019; Richie’s Vibe 2013).
Interesting trivia:
Past winners of the Always Welcome Stakes
Winners of past Always Welcome Stakes/MSS Security Sprints include horses that go on to race at Group level.
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2024 | Rey Magnerio | Robrick | Front Page |
| 2023 | General Beau | Parisal | It’sourtime |
| 2022 | Vespertine | Shelby Sixtysix | Crestani |
| 2021 | Quantico | Sirius Suspect | Prime Candidate |
| 2020 | Exhilarates | The Astrologist | Sirius Suspect |
| 2019 | Tactical Advantage | Holbien | Milwaukee |
| 2018 | Teleplay | Moonlover | Holbien |
| 2017 | Ocean Embers | Faatinah | I Thought So |
| 2016 | Flippant | Faatinah | Supreme Effort |
| 2015 | Sea Lord | Gregers | The Monstar |
| 2014 | Reparations | Office Bearer | Final Crescendo |
| 2013 | Richie’s Vibe | Sea Lord | Pago Rock |
| 2012 | Unpretentious | Altar | Excellantes |
| 2011 | Facile Tigre | Top Drop | Parables |