Coolmore Stud Stakes

Now known as the Coolmore Stud Stakes, the Ascot Vale Stakes had been a long established Flemington 2YO race in the Autumn. This all changed in 1969, when it was re-programmed as a Spring sprint race for 3YO's over 1200 metres in early September. The first winner was the mighty colt Vain, the reigning Golden Slipper winner. At the time, Vain's breathtaking performances at the 1969 Melbourne Cup Carnival were just a few months away.

The new race was not only an instant success, but it was a sustained one. Other notable winners down the years include Tolerance (1971), Century (1972), Taj Rossi (1973), Toy Show (1975), Surround (1976), Manikato (1978), Rancher (1982), Campaign King (1985), Zedative (1988), Courtza (1989), Tierce (1991), Encosta Delago (1996), Alinghi (2004) and Gold Edition (2006).

From its inception until 2002, the field limit for the Ascot Vale Stakes had been set at just 12 horses, to ensure that only the highest quality runners competed. After this time, it was believed that the range of quality 3YO's year by year had broadened, and with other metropolitan programming changes for this age group, the 12 horse limit had become too restrictive.

In 2004, prizemoney for the Ascot Vale Stakes was lifted to $AUD500,000 but despite this, the race was unable to attract Australia's best - a trend had emerged whereby Sydney's best 3YO's were being kept for racing in NSW until late September or early October.

In 2006, a decision was made by the VRC to transfer the Ascot Vale Stakes to AAMI Victoria Derby Day, knowing that Australia's best horses converge on Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Australian Pattern Committee responded immediately by granting the race Group 1 status.

In 2007, the race was re-named Coolmore Stud Stakes. The elite rating (Group 1) and new date for the Coolmore Stud Stakes has changed the dynamic in the way some 3YO's are now prepared for the Melbourne Spring, with a number still progressing to the Caulfield Guineas but then being freshened for the 1200m of the Flemington race. Recent developments with the Coolmore Stud Stakes certainly augur well for the VRC, its stakeholders, and for the Australian breeding industry.

Year	Winner	Jockey	Trainer	2nd	3rd
2008	Northern Meteor	Nash Rawiller	Gai Waterhouse	Fist of Fury	All American
2007	Weekend Hussler	Brad Rawiller	Ross McDonald	Bel Mer	Scenic Blast
2006	Gold Edition	Jim Byrne	Ron Maund	Splashing Out	Churchill Downs

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