From the race’s inauguration in 1985, all the way up to 2026, we have a comprehensive list of Emancipation Stakes winners from past race meets. Included are finishing times, as well as jockey and weights carried to victory by the winners of the Emancipation Stakes.
Aspirations was the inaugural Emancipation Stakes winner back in 1985.
Sworn To Secrecy (2011) was the last Emancipation Stakes winning filly.
There have been three multiple Emancipation Stakes winners throughout history with Zanbagh (2016-2017), Catkins (2014-2015), and Skyerush (2012-2013) all winning on back-to-back years.
Zanbagh also holds the current Emancipation Stakes winning record over the 1500m saluting for her first in 2016 in a time of 1 minute 28:4 seconds.
The 2022 Emancipation Stakes winner Promise Of Success was too good for her rivals late storming over the top of them to win the rescheduled event that took place at Newcastle Racecourse. She went on to win the $2 million The Invitation race at Randwick that October during the spring.
The Emancipation Stakes 2023 winner was the Chris Waller-trained Roots ($6) who defeated her stablemates Atishu (2nd) and Finepoint (3rd).
The 2024 Emancipation Stakes winner was Olentia ($6.50) who handed trainer Chris Waller with back-to-back wins in the event to continue her rise through the ranks with an impressive 2.6 length victory in the Group 2.
The 2025 Emancipation Stakes winner was the Joe Pride trained Lekvarte ($18) who flashed home down the outside late to score a notable upset.
The 2026 Emancipation Stakes winner was four-year-old Dundeel mare Idle Flyer at $1.90 odds-on favouritism for trainer Matthew Smith with jockey Zac Lloyd aboard on 56kg from barrier 5 to win by 0.73 lengths on a Soft (7) track in a time of 1:30.44.
Complete List of Past Emancipation Stakes Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Weight | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Idle Flyer | Z. Lloyd | 56 kg | 1:30.44 |
| 2025 | Lekvarte | J. Parr | 55.5 kg (carried 56kg) | 1:31.49 |
| 2024 | Olentia | T. Berry | 55 kg | 1:28.79 |
| 2023 | Roots | B. Avdulla | 54 kg | 1:29.29 |
| 2022 | Promise Of Success | K. McEvoy | 54 kg | 1:32.07 |
| 2021 | Nimalee | R. King | 54 kg | 1:28.99 |
| 2020 | Positive Peace | T. Clark | 54 kg | 1:31.67 |
| 2019 | Invincible Gem | C. Brown | 56 kg | 1:33.44 |
| 2018 | Prompt Response | D. Oliver | 57 kg | 1:31.11 |
| 2017 | Zanbagh | H. Bowman | 56 kg | 1:34.55 |
| 2016 | Zanbagh | B. Shinn | 55 kg | 1:28.43 |
| 2015 | Catkins | J. B McDonald | 57 kg | 1:29.21 |
| 2013 | Skyerush | B. Shinn | 56.5 kg | 1:35.49 |
| 2012 | Skyerush | B. Shinn | 55.5 kg | 1:35.36 |
| 2011 | Sworn to Secrecy (NZ) | B. Avdulla | 52 kg | 1:39.43 |
| 2010 | Sacred Choice | M. Rodd | 56 kg | 1:35.19 |
| 2009 | Amberino | D. Oliver | 55.5 kg | 1:38.39 |
| 2008 | Kosi Bay | D. Oliver | 56 kg | 1:37.42 |
| 2007 | Hot Danish | T. Clark | 54 kg | 1:37.16 |
| 2006 | Fantasia | H. Bowman | 54 kg | 1:34.52 |
| 2005 | Perfect Promise | B. Shinn | 55.5 kg | 1:37.05 |
| 2004 | Hec of a Party | G. Boss | 55.5 kg | 1:35.98 |
| 2003 | Faith Hill | J. Cassidy | 55 kg | 1:38.27 |
| 2002 | Miss Zoe | K. McEvoy | 55 kg | 1:36.01 |
| 2001 | Heather | L. Cassidy | 56.5 kg | 1:37.15 |
| 2000 | Beat The Fade | J. Marshall | 55.5 kg | 1:39.30 |
| 1999 | Staging | R.S. Dye | 57 kg | 1:38.43 |
| 1998 | Palia | G. Childs | 52 kg | 1:40.29 |
| 1997 | Almazyoon | R.S. Dye | 52.5 kg | 1:35.99 |
| 1996 | Star County | K. Moses | 52 kg | 1:36.32 |
| 1995 | Vital Consent | R.S. Dye | 51 kg | 1:35.59 |
| 1994 | Ausmart | L. Dittman | 54 kg | 1:39.00 |
| 1993 | Hysterical | A. Matthews | 51 kg | 1:36.40 |
| 1992 | Romanee Conti | R.S. Dye | 55 kg | 1:35.00 |
| 1991 | Ice Cream Sundae | J. Marshall | 53.5 kg | 1:38.10 |
| 1990 | Top Dance | P. Cook | 52.5 kg | 1:45.00 |
| 1989 | Twining | R.S. Dye | 53 kg | 1:41.50 |
| 1988 | Balmoral | R.S. Dye | 52 kg | 1:44.80 |
| 1987 | Clavell’s Girl | Ms. M. Lyndon | 53 kg | 1:37.30 |
| 1986 | Sea Pictures | J. Cassidy | 53 kg | 1:38.50 |
| 1985 | Aspirations | L. Dittman | 51.5 kg | 1:37.40 |