The race was first run as a Principal Race over 7 furlongs (about 1400m) in 1955 and was won by a horse called Seacraft. In 1979 it became a Listed race and in 1992 it was upgraded to the current Group 3 status. In 2016 the race was transferred to Rosehill as the Newcastle track was declared unsafe after prolonged rain. Every other year it has been run over 7 furlongs or 1400m at Newcastle Broadmeadow racecourse, apart from 1987 when the race was abandoned. In 2024 the name was changed from the Newcastle Newmarket Handicap to the Newcastle Stakes.

2024 Newcastle Stakes Preview and results.

2023 Newcastle Stakes Preview and results.

Last mare to win: Princess Posh (2019)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Gay Blade (1973); Filly – Yir Tiz (1981).

Multiple winners: Manuan (1983 & 1984); Brandy Lad (1964 & 1965).

Fastest time (1400m): Solo Flyer (2009) 1:20:98

Interesting trivia: In 2016 the meeting was abandoned after prolonged rain and the race was rescheduled as the tenth race on Golden Slipper day at Rosehill. Not held in 1987.

Winners of past Newcastle Newmarket Handicaps include Happy Clapper (2017), Laser Hawk (2015), He’s Remarkable (2012), Falaise (2009), Patezza (2005), Platinum Scissors (2004), Crawl (2001), Bezeal Bay (1998), Secret Savings (1997), Ricochet Rosie (1991), Manuan (1983 & 1984), Grey Receiver (1982) and Foresight (1968).