WATC Challenge Stakes Race Information
The WATC Challenge Stakes is a 1500 metre set weights plus penalties race for three-year-olds run by the Western Australian Turf Club in February. It is held at Ascot as one of the feature events of the meeting.
- Race Type: Listed
- Distance: 1500 metres
- Conditions: Set weights & penalties, 3YOs
- Track: Ascot Racecourse, Perth, Western Australia
- Prizemoney: $125,000
- Date: Wednesday 21 February 2024
WATC Challenge Stakes Race History
See the 2024 WATC Challenge Stakes Preview and results.
See the 2023 WATC Challenge Stakes Preview and results.
There is also a Group 2 race in Sydney called the Challenge Stakes.
The race was first held as a Principal Race over 1400m in 1978 when it was won by horse called Sovereign Shell. In 1979 it became a Listed race and in 2012 the distance was increased to the current 1500m.
Useful Facts
Last filly to win: Feels Playful (2023)
Fastest time (1500m): Precious Memories (2017) 1:28:56
Interesting trivia:
Past winners of the WATC Challenge Stakes
Winners of past WATC Challenge Stakes include many horses who go on to become good milers and middle distance horses.
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2024 | Russian To The Bar | Investmentstrategy | A Lot Of Good Men |
| 2023 | Feels Playful | Admiration Express | Saintorio |
| 2022 | Trix Of The Trade | Hear Me Sing | Let’sdeal |
| 2021 | Solaia | Kissonallforcheeks | Western Empire |
| 2020 | Superstorm | Naughty By Nature | Wine Night |
| 2019 | Creative Hero | Regal Power | Final Hearing |
| 2018 | Private Dancer | Showcase | Abdicator |
| 2017 | Precious Memories | Veuve De Vega | Gangbuster |
| 2016 | Dreamtime Dancer | Spirit Bird | Impassioned |
| 2015 | Neverland | Palace Intruder | Delicacy |
| 2014 | Spin Da Wheels | Black Heart Bart | My Sister Lil |
| 2013 | Express Service | Antique Belle | Helder The Painter |
| 2012 | Full Reign | Pop Culture | Flag Officer |
| 2011 | Big Hold Up | Private Dance | Favourite Star |
| 2010 | Morant | Yabigorse | Zentrate |
| 2009 | Danebeela | Jeverre | Locus Standi |
| 2008 | Jolanta Star | Proart | Verossi |
| 2007 | French Favorite | Beaugondo | Mr President |
| 2006 | Raise A Call | Scenic Shot | Storm On By |
| 2005 | Local Legend | King’s Carnival | Danny Blue |
| 2004 | Mr Sandgroper | Knight Academy | Rockatansky |
| 2003 | Early Express | Mercury Halo | Moon Talk |
| 2002 | Oxidation | White Foil | Suspicion |
| 2001 | Old Fashion | Metal Master | Simon Said |
| 2000 | Devilish Dealer | Voile D’Or | Face Your Fears |