2010 Spring Racing Carnival

Victoria Derby

• Type: Group 1 set weight race
• Distance: 2500 metres
• Age: 3 year olds
• Racecourse: Flemington, Melbourne
• 1st Place Prize Money: $900,000 plus trophies to owner, trainer and rider
• Set Weight: Colts & Geldings 55.5 kg, Fillies 53.5 kg

After an unpromising debut in 1854 with only one entry received, the Victoria Derby is now the longest running classic race in Australia and is often regarded as the race which is the true test of a horse’s staying power. For racing purists, Victoria Derby Day is like being a kid in a candy store as all the day’s races have a group status. Held on the last Saturday before the Melbourne Cup, the Victoria Derby has only been won two consecutive times by Fireworks in 1867 and 1868, proving just how strenuous this race is.

Known as race 6 on the AAMI Victoria Derby Day time sheet, the 2.55pm race was first hosted by the Turf Club and then in 1857, it was handed over to the Jockey Club until 1864 when the club was renamed as the Victoria Race Club. Between 1868 and 1869, the race was held on New Year’s Day and in 1888 Martini Henri became the first Maiden winner of the race. Although the first three winners of the race were all fillies, the event is another male dominated race with the last filly, Frances Tressady winning in 1923. In 2004 Phar Lap was named the greatest Derby winner by racing experts after his win in 1929. Following his success, geldings were prohibited from racing in the Victoria Derby between 1931 and 1956.

Bart Cummings also etched his name into the Derby books after his wins in 1972 and 1973 with Dayana and Taj Rossi. In that same year (1973), the Victoria Derby race length was increased to 2500 metres. Between 1988 and 2007, the race winners became eligible to run in the Melbourne Cup, increasing the desire of all jockeys and trainers to win. Inspirational jockey Damien Oliver won the race in three consecutive years, 2001, 2002, 2003.

Victoria Derby Winners