The race was first held in 1977 over 1000m at Victoria Park and was won by a horse called Bonfield ridden by Mick Goreham and trained by Les Patterson. The following year it was won by Bagalot ridden by John Letts and trained by Bart Cummings. Forty-one years later Barts grandson James Cummings trained Soothing to win in 2019. In 1996 the race was moved to Cheltenham until 2000, then returned to Victoria Park for one year in 2001. In 2002 the race was moved to Morphettville and the distance increased to 1050m then in 2005 the distance was increased again to the current 1100m.

Clare Lindop was the first female jockey to win the race on Grand Duels in 2010, The following year Lauren Stojakovic won on Just Sybil, and in 2019 Raquel Clark won on Soothing.

2024 W H Wylie Handicap Preview and results.

2023 W H Wylie Handicap Preview and results.

2022 W H Wylie Handicap Preview and results.

Last mare to win: Grey River (2023)

Multiple winners:Karacatis (2013 & 2014); Blahnik (2007 & 2008); Paddington End (1996 & 1997); Red Hope ( 1994 & 1995)

Fastest time (1100m): Karacatis (2014) 1:03:15

Leading jockeys: David Tootell with 6 wins (Lemonade Parade 2003; Star Hit 2002; Duke Abbey 1989; Baptize 1987; Sunny Cheval 1982; Bold Prospect 1981). Dwayne Dunn has had 4 winners.

Interesting trivia: In 1984 the race was not held when the meeting was abandoned.

Winners of past W H Wylie Handicaps include horses that go on to win major spring races. Most winners are four and five year olds and it is not won by a mare very often. Notable winners include Happy Clapper, Hauraki, Lucia Valentina, Shaftesbury Avenue, Imposing, Wenona Girl and Amounis.