Peter Young Stakes

See the 2024 Peter Young Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2023 Peter Young Stakes Preview and results.

It is the first weight-for-age race at the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival run over a distance greater than 1400m.

The race was first run as a Principal race over a mile (about 1600m) in 1900. It was called the St George Stakes and was won by a horse called Parthian. In 1904 the distance was increased to one and an eighth of a mile (about 1800m) and became 1800m in 1973 with the introduction of metric measurements. Years when it hasn’t been at this distance were 1979 (1200m), 1982 (1600m), 1984-1987 (1600m) and 1995 (2000m),

It was held at Flemington during World War II and also in 1996 when Caulfield was undergoing renovations. It wasn’t held during 1921 due to an embargo on racing by the Victorian Cabinet.

Last mare to win: Campionessa (2024)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Ashbah (1977); Filly – Tranquil Star (1941)

Multiple winners: Northerly (2002 & 2003); Istadaad (1997 & 1998); Durbridge (1994 & 1995); Vo Rogue (1988 & 1989); Leilani (1975 & 1976); Rain Lover (1069 & 1970); Dhaulagirl (1961 & 1962); Lord (1959 & 1960); Comic Court (1950 & 1951); Tranquil Star (1941, 1944 & 1945); High Caste (1040 & 1942); Black Duchess (1928 & 1929); The Hawk (1924 & 1925).

Fastest time (1800m): Cent Home (2001) 1:47:19

CF Orr Stakes & Peter Young Stakes: Elvstroem (2005); Lonhro (2004); Let’s Elope (1992); Vo Rogue (1988 & 1989); Lawman (1982); Leilani (1975); Winfreux (1968); Tobin Bronze (1967); Aquanita (1963); Lord (1959 & 1960); Comic Court (1951); Attley (1947); Flight (1946). High Caste (1940); Whittier (1926).

Peter Young Stakes & Australian Cup: Fiorente (2014); Pompeii Ruler (2007); Lonhro (2004); Northerly (2003); Istidaad (1999); Dane Ripper (1998); Durbridge (1994 & 1995); Let’s Elope (1992); Vo Rogue (1989); Hyperno (1981); Leilani (1975); Gay Icarus(1971).

Interesting trivia: Vo Rogue won in 1988 and 1989, He was first past the post in 1990, but lost on protest to King’s High. In 1981 Hyperno and Little Brown Jug dead-heated for first.

Winners of past Peter Young Stakes include horses that go on to win middle-distance and staying events.