The Railway Stakes has a long history and was first run as a principal race over 12 furlongs (about 2400 metres) in 1887 when it was won by Nimrod.  Its name comes from the opening of the Fremantle to Midland rail line. Like many of the older races it has had several changes in distance. From 1972 to 1981 it was run over 1500 metres and since 1984 it has been run over 1600 metres.

As the Melbourne Spring Carnival has finished good milers may travel to Perth for the big prizemoney on offer in the Railway Stakes. Local horses have a good record in the race possibly because they are more accustomed to the extreme heat conditions in Perth and horses from the eastern states can have difficulty coping with the high temperatures. In past years the race was often held in late December.

Major lead-up races to the Railway Stakes are the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes over 1400 metres, the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400 metres and the Group 3 RJ Peters Stakes over 1500 metres. After the Railway Stakes horses may go on to run in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic over 1800 metres in two weeks time.

2023 Railway Stakes Preview and results

2022 Railway Stakes Preview and results

2020 Railway Stakes Preview and results

Last mare to win; Inspirational Girl (2020)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Marjoleo (1977); Filly – Jungle Dawn (1987)

Multiple winners: Luckygray (2011 & 2013); Tudor Mak (1966 & 1967)

Fastest time (1600m): Marwong (1988) 1:33:7

Railway Stakes & Kingston Town Classic: Sniper’s Bullet (2009), Modem (2004), Old Comrade (2001),  Better Loosen Up (1989).

Interesting trivia: 1968 winner La Trice was also first past the post in 1970 but lost on protest to Kirickle.

It is a tough race to win twice although Luckygray won in 2011 and 2013, and Tudor Mak did it in 1966 and 1967. Often a horse who has placed will win the following year. Examples include Snipers Bullet who was second in 2008 then won in 2009, Hardrada was second in 2002 then won in 2003 and Old Comrade was second in 2000 and won in 2001. Better Loosen Up won in 1989 and went on to win the Cox Plate in 1990. Northerly won in 2000 and won the Cox Plate in 2001 and 2002 and the Caulfield Cup in 2002.

From the archives:

2018 Railway Stakes Preview & Tips:

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 15 runners for the $1,000,000 2018 Kirin Railway Stakes. Six of them had their last start in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes, three in the G1 Kennedy Mile, two in the G3 Asian Beau Stakes and two in the G3 RJ Peters Stakes. The early favourite is Galaxy Star who has won 9 of her 12 races and came 2^nd at the other 3. Her last run was a 2.5 length win in the G3 Asian Beau Stakes. Second favourite is Peaceful State who ran 3^rd in the Kennedy Mile last stat and is one of two runners for Darren Weir. Third favourite is Iconoclasm who is the other Weir runner and was 8^th in the Kennedy Mile following 2 good wins in Melbourne.

Gatting resumed with a good win in the Lee Steere Stakes. Material Man resumes here and has a great first-up record and has won 2 trials recently. Prized Icon was 4^th in the G1 Mackinnon Stakes last start, Man Booker was 4^th in the Lee Steere Stakes and Action was 5^th in the RJ Peters Stakes. All other runners are currently 16 to 1 or longer.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.