From the race’s inauguration in 1960, all the way up to the present date, we have every Champions Sprint winner listed from past race meets. Included are finishing times, sex, age and more details of the previous VRC Sprint Classic winners and Darley Classic winners.
The inaugural Champions Sprint winner was Karina in 1960 when the race was first run as the Craven ‘A’ Stakes.
The 1969 race was won by that year’s Golden Slipper – Caulfield Guineas double winner Vain.
One of the most famous VRC Sprint Classic winners in history was the brilliant mare Black Caviar who won back-to-back editions in 2010-11 during her historic 25-straight undefeated career runs.
In 2017 Redzel won the Darley Classic on the back of his success in the first edition of the world’s richest turf race, Sydney’s The Everest.
Nature Strip became a dual VRC Sprint Classic champion on non-successive years in 2019 and 2021, his second coming on the back of his win in that year’s The Everest race which is now worth $20 million.
Roch ‘N’ Horse scored an upset at $20 in 2022 becoming the first official Champions Sprint winner since the event was renamed.
The 2023 Champions Sprint winner was Imperatriz ($2.15F) who kept the wins coming making it five straight victories when handling her first Flemington assignment to dig deep late and hold out the Matthew Smith-trained Buenos Noches and the James Cummings-trained In Secret to win the Group 1 in style by a half-length on Stakes Day.
The 2024 Champions Sprint winner was the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Sunshine In Paris ($5) who thrived on the quick back-up off her Russell Balding Stakes second to fly home and deny 30/1 outsider Right To Party as well as The Everest winning mare Bella Nipotina victory.
The 2025 Champions Sprint winner was the Clayton Douglas-trained former The Everest winner Giga Kick at $5 with the classy six-year-old having come via a lead-up win in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes. He was ridden to victory by Mark Zahra from barrier three to narrowly defeat Magic Time by 0.2 lengths in a time of 1:13.30 on a Heavy rated track.
The 2026 Champions Sprint winner is TBC and will be known when the $3 million ‘Straight Six’ showdown runs at Flemington on Saturday November 7, 2026, as part of the final Melbourne Cup Carnival meeting.
Bet on the Champions Sprint 2026 Winner
Champions Sprint 2026 Odds
| 1. Giga Kick (7) 58.5kg0x089 | |||
| Last start from last on the turn 9th of 12 in a G1 The Everest at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m, on a slow track; 3 len behind Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $41. The run before that 8th of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m, 4 len behind Jimmysstar with 58.5kg at $13. Won this last year but not going well enough. | |||
| 2. Mazu (11) 58.5kg1×102 | |||
| Last start set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 8 in the G2 Mcewen Stakes at this track on October 24 over 1200m, nose behind Smooth Chino carrying 58.5kg at $14. Before that failed to make an impression; 10th of 12 in the G2 Premiere Stakes at Randwick on October 3 over 1200m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $18. Will roll along but this is much harder. | |||
| 3. Headwall (6) 58.5kgx2542 | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently came from midfield; 2nd of 15 in the G2 Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick on October 31 over 1300m, 0.8 len behind Pericles with 56.5kg at $4.60. The run before that 4th of 12 in a G1 The Everest at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m, slow going 0.7 len behind Tempted carrying 58.5kg at $51. Keeps racing well and the straight should suit. | |||
| 4. Caballus (8) 58.5kg6×573 | |||
| Last start set the pace for much of the race 3rd of 15 in the G2 Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick on October 31 over 1300m, 1.2 len behind Pericles with 58.5kg at $17. The run before that 7th of 12 in a G1 The Everest at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2.5 len behind Tempted with 58.5kg at $151. G1 winner here and will give a sight. | |||
| 5. Rey Magnerio (12) 58.5kg62×54 | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 5th of 9 in the G2 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 1100m, 3.5 len behind Jigsaw carrying 58.5kg at $5.50. Last start 4th of 8 in the G2 Mcewen Stakes at this track on October 24 over 1200m, 1.5 len behind Smooth Chino carrying 58.5kg at $7. Outclassed this level. | |||
| 6. Tempted (9) 56.5kg1×111 | |||
| On a six run winning streak. At the latest run ran on from midfield and won by a head in a G1 The Everest at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating Ka Ying Rising carrying 56.5kg at $6.50. The race before that won by 3 len in the G2 Premiere Stakes at Randwick on October 3 over 1200m in soft going defeating Savvy Hallie with 56.5kg at $1.60. Best sprinter in the country and should prove it again here. | |||
| 7. Joliestar (10) 56.5kgx3x23 | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 11 in a G2 The Shorts at Randwick on September 19 over 1100m, neck behind Mazu carrying 56kg at $3.70. Second run from a spell 3rd of 12 in a G1 The Everest at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m, on a slow track; 0.6 len behind Tempted with 56.5kg at $19. Racing well. Very good last time and is proven down the straight, main danger. | |||
| 8. Charm Stone (3) 56.5kg43×34 | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 13 in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Caulfield on September 27 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Jimmysstar with 56.5kg at $21. Second run from a spell raced on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 16 in the G2 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Grafterburners with 56.5kg at $8.50. Going well but doubt she’s quite good enough this level. | |||
| 9. Skybird (1) 56.5kg0x615 | |||
| Last start 5th of 16 in the G2 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Grafterburners carrying 56.5kg at $10. Before that won by a nose in the G2 Gilgai Stakes at this track on October 3 over 1200m in heavy going defeating Smooth Chino with 55kg at $2.90. Proven here, blowout hope if it’s wet. | |||
| 10. Geegees Mistruth (5) 56.5kgx5582 | |||
| Last start 2nd of 16 in the G3 Begonia Belle Stakes at this track on October 31 over 1100m, 0.5 len behind Flying For Fun carrying 59kg at $9. The race before that from last on the turn ran second last of 9 in the LR Alinghi Stakes at Caulfield on October 17 over 1100m, 3 len behind Gentle Steel carrying 61kg at $1.90. This looks out of her reach. | |||
| 11. Point Barrow (2) 56.5kg5×011 | |||
| Last start settled well back; won by 1.5 len in the G3 Northwood Plume Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 1200m defeating Naifah carrying 58kg at $3.10. Before that settled well back; won by a long-neck in the G3 How Now Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1200m defeating Bridal Waltz carrying 57kg at $7.50. Much harder now but she’s got a very good turn of foot. | |||
| 12. Plaintiff (4) 56.5kg2×498 | |||
| At the latest run 8th of 14 in the LR Silver Eagle at Randwick on October 17 over 1300m, slow going 4 len behind Apocalyptic carrying 55kg at $13. The start before that 9th of 12 in the G2 Premiere Stakes at Randwick on October 3 over 1200m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Tempted carrying 56.5kg at $11. Outclassed. | |||
Complete List of Past Champions Sprint Winners
| Year | Winner | Weight | Time | Colour | Sex | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Giga Kick | 58.5 kg | 1:13.30 | Chestnut | Gelding | 6 |
| 2024 | Sunshine In Paris | 56.5 kg | 1:09.25 | Bay | Mare | 5 |
| 2023 | Imperatriz | 56.5 kg | 1:09.08 | Bay or Brown | Mare | 5 |
| 2022 | Roch ‘N’ Horse | 56.5 kg | 1:09.19 | Chestnut | Mare | 6 |
| 2021 | Nature Strip | 58.5 kg | 1:08.7 | Chestnut | Gelding | 7 |
| 2020 | Bivouac | 58.5 kg | 1:08.6 | Bay | Horse | 4 |
| 2019 | Nature Strip | 58.5 kg | 1:09.2 | Chestnut | Gelding | 5 |
| 2018 | Santa Ana Lane | 58.5 kg | 1:08.6 | Bay | Gelding | 6 |
| 2017 | Redzel | 58.5 kg | 1:08.7 | Bay | Gelding | 5 |
| 2016 | Malaguerra | 58.5 kg | 1:10.2 | Bay | Gelding | 4 |
| 2015 | Delectation | 58.5 kg | 1:10.0 | Brown | Gelding | 4 |
| 2014 | Terravista | 58.5 kg | 1:08.7 | Chestnut | Gelding | 4 |
| 2013 | Buffering | 58.5 kg | 1:10.3 | Bay | Gelding | 5 |
| 2012 | Mental | 58.5 kg | 1:09.0 | Bay | Gelding | 4 |
| 2011 | Black Caviar | 56.5 kg | 1:08.3 | Brown | Mare | 5 |
| 2010 | Black Caviar | 56.5 kg | 1:07.9 | Brown | Mare | 4 |
| 2009 | All Silent | 58.5 kg | 1:08.7 | Bay | Gelding | 6 |
| 2008 | Swick | 58.5 kg | 1:11.0 | Bay | Gelding | 7 |
| 2007 | Miss Andretti | 56 kg | 1:08.9 | Bay/brown | Mare | 6 |
| 2006 | Dance Hero | 57.5 kg | 1:08.6 | Bay | Gelding | 5 |
| 2005 | Glamour Puss | 55 kg | 1:08.9 | Bay | Mare | 5 |
| 2004 | Takeover Target | 52.5 kg | 1:08.2 | Bay | Gelding | 5 |
| 2003 | Ancient Song | 55 kg | 1:11.0 | – | – | – |
| 2002 | Rubitano | 52.5 kg | 1:07.1 | – | – | – |
| 2001 | Sudurka | 55 kg | 1:08.4 | – | – | – |
| 2000 | Easy Rocking | 57.5 kg | 1:10.0 | – | – | – |
| 1992 | Unspoken Word | 49.5 kg | 1:10.6 | Chestnut | Gelding | 5 |
| 1991 | Final Card | 50.5 kg | – | Bay | Horse | 4 |
| 1985 | Lord Ballina | 54.5 kg | – | Bay | Horse | 6 |
| 1983 | River Rough | 50 kg | – | Brown | Horse | 4 |
| 1982 | Forgone Conclusion | 49.5 kg | – | Bay | Gelding | 7 |
| 1981 | Zegna | 51 kg | – | Bay | Horse | 5 |
| 1980 | Watney | 51.5 kg | – | Brown | Horse | 4 |
| 1978 | Always Welcome | 56 kg | – | Bay/Brown | Horse | 5 |
| 1977 | Galway Bay | 51 kg | – | Bay | Horse | 5 |
| 1976 | Maybe Mahal | 49 kg | – | Bay | Mare | 4 |
| 1975 | Miss Lockleys | 49 kg | – | Grey | Mare | 4 |
| 1974 | Scamanda | 51 kg | – | Chestnut | Gelding | 3 |
| 1973 | Century | 59 kg | – | Brown | Horse | 4 |
| 1972 | Beaches | 54 kg | – | Bay | Horse | 4 |
| 1971 | Dual Choice | 7.11 stone | – | Chestnut | Filly | 3 |
| 1969 | Vain | 8.7 stone | – | Chestnut | Colt | 3 |
| 1968 | Snub | 8.9 stone | – | Bay | Gelding | 5 |
| 1967 | Iga Ninga | 7.6 stone | – | Bay | Colt | 3 |
| 1966 | Marmion | 8.8 stone | – | Brown | Gelding | 5 |
| 1965 | Picca | 7.9 stone | – | Bay | Gelding | 5 |
| 1964 | Star Of Heaven | 7.11 stone | – | Chestnut | Colt | 3 |
| 1963 | Ripa | 7.6 stone | – | Bay | Filly | 3 |
| 1962 | Samson | 8.1 stone | – | Bay | Gelding | 5 |
| 1961 | Bengal Tiger | 7.5 stone | – | Chestnut | Horse | 4 |
| 1960 | Karina | 8.1 stone | 1:10.0 | Brown | Mare | 4 |