The BMW is a Group 1 horse race held each year at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney.  Run over 2400 metres, The BMW is run under weight for age conditions and worth $2,250,000 in prizemoney.  Even though the relatively short history of The BMW Stakes only stretches back to 1963, this special event has been won by a number of well known horses over this time.

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The BMW Stakes has been through a number of name changes throughout its short history, known originally as the HE Tancred Cup between 1963-76 before changing to the HE Tancred Stakes between 1977-80.  Shortened to the Tancred Stakes between 1981-89, this event was also known as The BMW International Stakes in 1990, The BMW Stakes between 1991-95, the Mercedes Classic between 1996-2001, and The BMW Stakes once again from 2002 onwards.

This Group 1 event has also been through some distances changes over the years, originally run over 1 1/2 miles before being shortened to a 1 1/4 mile race in 1964 and reverting back to its original distance in 1965.  The BMW officially became a 2400 metre race in 1973 with the advent of the metric system.  This event was run as a Principal Race up until 1979, when it was elevated to its current Group 1 status.

Many of the countries most notable horses have won this event over the years, including names like Makybe Diva in 2005, Ethereal in 2002, Tie The Knot in 1999-2000, Might And Power in 1998, Octagonal in 1996-97, and New Zealander Our Poetic Prince in 1989.  In earlier years, notable winners also include Apollo Eleven in 1973, Kingston Town in 1980, and Bonecrusher in 1986.

The BMW Stakes is run alongside the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes and Group 1 Storm Queen Stakes, on what is the biggest autumn day of racing on the Rosehill calendar.  The 2013 edition of The BMW Stakes was won by Fiveandahalfstar, with Silent Achiever coming home second and Sangster in third.