The Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes is an important part of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival, held each year at Caulfield Racecourse under set weight conditions. Hosted on Blue Diamond Stakes Day, this 1200 metre event has become one of the key races to look forward to in February or March each year. Blue Diamond Stakes Day is the premier race day of the Caulfield Autumn, and also features the Group 1 Futurity Stakes and Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
[include file=”inpost_adrotator.php”]
The Blue Diamond Stakes was first raced in 1971, when it was won by Tolerance as a Principal event. It was elevated to its present status as a Group 1 event just a few years later in 1980. A number of notable champions have taken out this event, including the fabulous Manikato in 1978. Hurricane Sky recorded the fastest stakes time for this race in 1994, with a finishing time of 1 minute 8.10 seconds.
Jockey Dwane Dunn is one name that will always be associated with this event, managing his fourth consecutive win with Reaan in 2008 after winning with Sleek Chassis, Nadeem, and Undoubtedly in the previous three years. The Blue Diamond Stakes is now worth $1 million in prizemoney, making it Victoria’s richest two-year old race of the year.
Other big names who have won this event over the years include Sepoy in 2011, Alinghi in 2004, Bel Esprit in 2002, Redoutes Choice in 1999, Courtza in 1989, and Zeditave in 1988. Sepoy went on to great things after his victory in the Blue Diamond Stakes, winning the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes in Sydney at Rosehill Racecourse among other events.
In the last couple of seasons, winners have included Samaready in 2012 and Miracles Of Life in 2013. The Blue Diamond Stakes is a highly anticipated and much loved horse race, taking place at Caulfield Racecourse as the centrepiece attraction on Blue Diamond Stakes Day each Autumn.
