The Emirates Stakes is a Group 1 handicap race held each year at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Hosted during the popular Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, this special event holds an important place in Australian racing history. The Emirates Stakes is run over 1600 metres and worth $1 million in prize money.

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The Emirates Stakes began back in 1919, although it was known at this time as the Cantala Stakes. This event has changed its name a few times over the years, being known as the George Adams Handicap between 1961-84, the Ampol Stakes between 1985-88, the Honda Stakes between 1989-92, the Nissan Stakes between 1993-95, and the Chrysler Stakes between 1996-97.

Only four horses have managed to win the Emirates Stakes on two occasions, Amounis in 1926 and 1929, Aquanita in 1960 and 1961, Heroic Stone in 1965 and 1967, and Seascay in 1994 and 1995. Some of the other notable horses to take out this event over the years include Wenona Girl, Storm Queen, Gunsynd, All Shot, Taj Rossi, Family Of Man, Better Loosen Up, and Testa Rossa.

Better Loosen Up will always be remembered in association with this race, winning here in 1989 before going on to win the Group 1 Winfield Stakes, Group 2 Blamey Stakes, Group 1 Railway Stakes, and Group 1 Segenhoe Stakes in the same season. After a spell, the champion came back even stronger in the next season to win the Group 2 John Feehan Stakes, Group 2 Turnbull Stakes, Group 1 WS Cox Plate, Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes, and Group 1 Japan Cup.

In recent seasons, winners of the Emirates Stakes include Divine Madonna in 2006, Tears I Cry in 2007, All Silent in 2008, All American in 2009, Wall Street in 2010, Albert The Fat in 2011, and Happy Trails in 2012. The Emirates Stakes is an important part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and continues to attract a solid field of runners each year.