Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Past Winners & Results History

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is a notable Group 1 race in Melbourne, and we look at the past results and history of the 1400m race.

Some of Australia’s more promising thoroughbreds have won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, so we’re excited to see who will etch their name in Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes history.

Recent Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Winners

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has produced some champion winners over the last 20 years, including Sepals, Behemoth, Toorak Toff, and Turrfontein.

Here are the last 20 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winners:

• 2025 – Sepals
• 2024 – Kimochi
• 2023 – Magic Time
• 2022 – Callsign Mav
• 2021 – Sierra Sue
• 2020 – Behemoth
• 2019 – Begood Toya Mother
• 2018 – Jungle Cat
• 2017 – Santa Ana Lane
• 2016 – Bon Aurum
• 2015 – Stratum Star
• 2014 – Trust in a Gust
• 2013 – Rebel Dane
• 2012 – Moment of Change
• 2011 – Toorak Toff
• 2010 – Response
• 2009 – Turrfontein
• 2008 – Orange County
• 2007 – Bon Hoffa
• 2006 – Rewaaya
• 2005 – Barely a Moment

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is one of the most interesting Group 1 races on the calendar. It’s often won by horses on the rise, such as Sepals and Kimochi, so it provides the slightly lesser tier horses a chance to win at Group 1 level.

It’s a good betting race, with value odds available with many winners, including former New Zealand runner Callsign Mav, who won in 2022. However, it has produced some quality types, including future stallions Turrfontein and Toorak Toff, who were always tough to beat at the top level.

Notable Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Winners

There have been some notable Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winners throughout its long history, including Exceed and Excel, Manikato, and Encosta de Lago.

It’s a stallion making race, with the likes of Exceed and Excel and Encosta de Lago going on to have illustrious stud careers, with Exceed and Excel still producing champions to this day.

Testa Rossa won consecutive races in 1999 and 2000, which was arguably the best time in the races’ history. It attracted some of the best fields in Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes history, and it helped establish this race as a genuine Group 1 contest.

Jovial Lad was the first winner in 1951, and since then, there have been many household names win, including Mannerism, Our Maizcay, Cap D’Antibes, and Canny Lass.

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes History

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is one of Australia’s notable Group 1 thoroughbred races, held annually at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. The race was originally known as the George Adams Handicap, before being renamed in honour of Sir Rupert Clarke, a prominent Victorian businessman, philanthropist, and racing identity. 

Over the decades, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has developed a reputation for producing exciting, competitive fields and memorable finishes. Its long association with Caulfield and Victorian racing has helped establish it as a significant fixture of the Australian spring carnival.

It became a Group 1 in 1979 during a pattern change, and it has a current stake of $1 million.

How many horses have won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes twice?

A handful of gallopers have managed to win the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes more than once, adding real depth to the race’s history and giving Neds punters useful insight when assessing Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes betting trends.

Multiple Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Winners

• St Joel – the standout, winning the race three times (1953, 1956 & 1959), each victory spaced three years apart.
• Tauto – produced a rare back‑to‑back double in 1970–71.
• Private Talk – claimed the race twice on non‑consecutive years (1976 & 1979).
• Testa Rossa – the most recent dual winner, saluting in 1999 & 2000.

In total, four horses have won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes multiple times, with St Joel the only triple winner and Testa Rossa the latest to complete the double.

What age group has the best recent Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes record?

Age trends in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes continue to give punters a strong read on the type of horse that excels in Caulfield’s high‑pressure 1400m handicap. While the race has produced winners across the spectrum, one age group stands out clearly in the modern era.

Recent Age Profile: Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

• Four‑year‑olds dominate — They’ve been the most successful group by a margin, producing 14 winners between 2000 and 2025, most recently Sepals (2025). Their blend of maturity, speed and upside makes them the key age bracket for Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes betting plays.
• Youngest recent winner — Exceed And Excel (2003) remains the latest three‑year‑old to win, highlighting how rare it is for younger horses to handle the pressure of this race.
• Oldest recent winner — Callsign Mav (2022) became the latest six‑year‑old to score, showing seasoned gallopers can still strike when the tempo suits.

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Winners by Age (2000–2025)

• 3YOs – 1 Latest: Exceed And Excel (2003)
• 4YOs – 14 Latest: Sepals (2025)
• 5YOs – 8 Latest: Sierra Sue (2021)
• 6YOs – 3 Latest: Callsign Mav (2022)

Latest Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 Odds