The Newmarket Handicap is a Group 1 thoroughbred race held each March on Super Saturday at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Run over a distance of 1200 metres under Open Handicap conditions, this event has a long and distinguished history. First run in 1874, the Newmarket Handicap has long been considered Australia’s premier sprint race.
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The Newmarket Handicap was started by VRC committeeman Captain Frederick Standish, who thought a “short and merry” race would add to the autumn program. The inaugural Newmarket Handicap was won by Maid Of Avenel, with Aspen winning the event twice in the early years in 1880-81. Three other horses have managed to win the Newmarket Handicap twice throughout its history – Gothic in 1927-28, Correct in 1960-61, and Razor Sharp in 1982-83.
Other notable horses who have won this event over the years include Black Caviar in 2011, Miss Andretti in 2007, Takeover Target in 2006, Alinghi in 2005, General Nediym in 1998, Schillaci in 1992, and Special in 1998. In the last few years, winners include Scenic Blast in 2009, Wanted in 2010, Black Caviar in 2011, Hay List in 2012, and Shamexpress in 2013.
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The Newmarket Handicap is notable for being the only Flemington race other than the Melbourne Cup to feature a full 24 horse field. The large field and short distance of this event make it an exciting and much anticipated race each March, when it is run alongside the Group 1 Australian Cup on Super Saturday along with a range of supporting events.
The most successful trainer in the Newmarket Handicap has been Bart Cummings, with a total of eight wins in 1972, 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1990, and 1991. The most successful jockey has been Damien Oliver, with three wins in 2005, 2001, and 1992 riding Alinghi, Toledo, and Shillaci respectively. The race record for the Newmarket Handicap is held by 2000 winner Miss Pennymoney, posting the time of 1:07.6.
