J J Atkins Plate (GR1)
(Claret Stakes)
From 1893 to 1975 the Claret Stakes was one of the principal races for two year olds during the Brisbane winter carnival. From 1976 to the present, the Claret stakes has undergone a series of sponsorship deals and name changes, so much so, that it seems to have completely lost its identity.
1600m
2024 total prize money: $1,000,000
1st $600,000, 2nd $180,000, 3rd $90,000
From 1893 to 1975 the Claret Stakes was one of the principal races for two year olds during the Brisbane winter carnival. From 1976 to the present, the Claret stakes has undergone a series of sponsorship deals and name changes, so much so, that it seems to have completely lost its identity.
Name changes from 1976 to
the present have seen the race labelled the Marlboro Stakes, the Castlemaine
Stakes, the Channel Nine Stakes, the Castlemaine Stakes again, the QTC Classic,
the T. J. Smith & the J. J. Atkins.
For fourteen years (1999 –
2012) the race was known as The T. J. Smith Stakes and it seemed that the race had
once again gained some permanency in its identity.
But this was not to be as
in 2013 the race name was changed again to the J. J. Atkins, in honour of one
of Queensland’ greatest horse trainers, Jim Atkins.
I have started my summary
of this race at 1976 when Romantic Dream won the first running of the Marlboro Stakes.
2024 Broadsiding
Godolphin
Royal blue
B c 2y Too Darn Hot – Speedway
Trainer J. Cummings
Rider J. McDonald 57
13 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP 4/7F
2nd Bittercreek 57
3rd Bosustow 57
4 ¼ len x sht hd. Time 1:34.89
2023 King Colorado
SOS/WEI Partnership 2 (Mgr: G Williams), Sheikh M B K Al Maktoum, J Scaresbrook, J Schumacher, B Stubbs, Mrs H Evans & G Waters
Black, gold stars, black cap with gold stars
B c 2y Kingman – More Aspen
Trainer C. Maher & D. Eustace
Rider J. Collett 57
17 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 13/1
2nd Miracle Of Love 55
3rd Tannhauser 57
1 len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:36.42
2022 Sheeza Belter
J Warwick, V Galati, Mrs P Galati, C Watson, G Watson,
L Watson & W Watson, C & Mrs T Galati & G Pearson
Black, red collar & cuffs, white cap
Ch f 2y Gold Standard – Saxabelle
Trainer P. & P. Snowden
Rider W. Pike 55
17 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 13/4
2nd Political Debate 57
3rd Brosnan 57
Lng nk x nse. Time 1:36.01
2021 Converge
Evergreen Rich
Red, black diagonal stripes, armbands & qtrd cap
B g 2y Frankel – Conversely
Trainer Ms G. Waterhouse & A. Bott
Rider T. Clark 57
14 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 2/1F
2nd Giannis 57
3rd Tiger Of Malay 57
3 ¼ len x ½ hd. Time 1:35.86
2021 – Distance returns to 1600m
2020 Rothfire
Mrs V Heathcote, S Freeman, A Perry, J Becker, J Tuttiett, S Blachford, V & R Yates, S Blauw, S & B Argyros, J & K Forsyth, G & L Conroy, L Parnell, C Tuivaiti, V Orrell, B Fullen
Pink, black checks & sleeves, check cap, black pom-pom
B or br g 2y Rothesay – Huss On Fire
Trainer R. Heathcote
Rider J. Byrne 57
18 Ran – Barrier 13 – SP 5/2F
2nd Gotta Kiss 55
3rd The Drinks Cart 57
3 ¼ len x lng hd. Time 1:21.06
(course record)
2020 – Distance shortened to 1400m
2019 Prince Fawaz
A. Cummings T’Breds (Mgrs: A & B Cummings), Fawaz
(Mgr: P E Pisani) & J W RPM & P J M Kelly (Mgr: J W Kelly)
Tartan, gold
braces, dark blue sleeves, gold cap
B or br c 2y Fastnet Rock – Lady Paget
Trainer A. Cummings
Rider K. McEvoy 57
15 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 3/1
2nd Kubrick 57
3rd Reloaded 57
Hd x 2 len. Time 1:35.61
2018 The Autumn
Sun
Hermitage Synd. (Mgr: O. A. Koolman)
Dark green,
red chevrons, dark green chevrons sleeves, red stripe cap
B c 2y Redoute’s Choice - Azmiyna
Trainer C. Waller
Rider K. McEvoy 57
14 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 3/1F
2nd Zousain 57
3rd Fundamentalist 55
3rd Fundamentalist 55
Nk x 1 ½ len. Time 1:38.89
2017 Capital Gain
M Blyth, R & G Purcell, R & R Manwaring, C Chapman, C Clarke, D Meehan, D Fitzgerald, D Cabban, S Wishart, P Butterworth, S & N Foley, A Wishart, R Greenup
& Phar Out Syndications.
Royal
blue, white lightning bolt, black diabolo sleeves
B g 2y Ad Valorem – Zuzao
Trainer P. Butterworth
Rider J. Byrne 57
14 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 20/1
2nd Aloisia 55
3rd Taking Aim 57
3rd Taking Aim 57
Nk x ¾ len. Time 1:36.21
2017/18 – J J Atkins Plate run at Doomben
2016 Sacred Elixir
Raffles T’Bred Racing Synd. (Mgr. K. T. Yap)
Gold, purple Raffles racing logo, purple & white checked sleeves & checked cap
B g 2y Pour Moi – Baltika
Trainer T. Pike
Rider Z. Purton 57
18 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 4/1F
2nd Charnley River 57
3rd Heart Skiped A Beat 55
3 ½ len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:37.82
2016 – J J Atkins Plate returns to Eagle Farm
2015 Press Statement
A Muollo, Mrs G L Muollo, C Hadjiparaskeua
& Mrs F Hadjiparaskeua
& Mrs F Hadjiparaskeua
White & gold vertical halves, black sleeves, gold & black qtrd cap
B c 2y Hinchinbrook – Kaaptive Empress
Trainer C. Waller
Rider T. Angland 57
12 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 11/2
2nd Sagaronne 55
3rd Look To The Stars 55
¾ len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:35.40
2015 – J J Atkins Plate run at Doomben due to redevelopment work at Eagle Farm
2014 Almalad
Realrosy
Pty Ltd (Mgr: A G Rose), G K Holland,
Ms E K Hancock, I Pirina, Mrs P Pirina,
Ms E K Hancock, I Pirina, Mrs P Pirina,
Dr
P Chen, D I Flanagan & Mrs H Waterhouse
Green, white crossed sashes
B or br g 2y Al Maher – Ilhaam
Trainer Ms G. Waterhouse
Rider T. Berry 57
11 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 15/4
2nd Brazen Beau 57
3rd Looks Like The Cat 57
Lng nk x nse. Time 1:35.39
2013 Romantic Touch
Gooree Pastoral Company (Mgr: Miss M. C. Barrera)
Red, black stripes
Br g 2y Northern Meteor – Dearness
Trainer Ms G. Waterhouse
Rider N. Rawiller 57
13 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP 11/8F
2nd Zoustar 57
3rd Paximadia 57
3rd Paximadia 57
½ len x sht hd. Time 1:36.54
2013 – Race renamed the J J Atkins Plate
2012 Sizzling
Newgate Sizzling Syndicate (Mgr: H. Field)
Cerise, black striped sleeves
B c 2y Snitzel – Admirelle
Trainer K. Wood
Rider C. Munce 57
13 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 4/7F
2nd Kabayan 57
3rd Academus 57
3rd Academus 57
Sht hd x 2 ¼ len. Time 1:37.01
2011 Benfica
Sheikh Mohammed
Maroon, white sleeves, maroon white star cap
B c 2y Lonhro – Hut
Trainer P. Snowden
Rider K. McEvoy 56
11 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 7/2
2nd Hot Snitzel 56
3rd Playtime 54
3rd Playtime 54
1 ¼ len x 3 len. Time 1:36.06
2010 Pressday
A. Muollo, Mrs. G. Muollo, Mrs. S. Waller & C. Waller
Black and white checks, purple sleeves, white cap
B c 2y Domesday – Kaaptive Empress
Trainer C. Waller
Rider N. Rawiller 56
18 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 9/4F
2nd Ringa Ringa Rosie 54
3rd American Crew 56
1 ¼ len x lng nk. Time 1:35.09
2009 Linky Dink
Patinack
Farm Racing Syndicate (Mgr: N. Tinkler)
Royal blue, green & gold Patinack Farm logo, green
sleeves, gold cap & pom pom
B f 2y Keeper – Gimmick
Trainer J. Coyle
Rider P. Robl 54
13 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 25/1
2nd Spot On Target 56
3rd Happy Prestige 56
2 len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:35.95
2008 Rockdale
Gundaroo
Stud Syndicate (Mgr: R. K. Lees & L. Hoyle)
Yellow, royal blue diamonds, red sleeves, red &
yellow qtrd cap
B or br g 2y Danroad – Komplete Kaos
Trainer J. Morrisey
Rider M. Zahra 56.5
5 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 10/1
2nd Baci Amore 56.5
3rd Fravashi 56.5
3rd Fravashi 56.5
¾ len x 1 ½ len. Time 1:40.30
2007 Apercu
Dr. E. G. T. & Mrs. B. C. Bateman
Tartan, green sleeves, green & dark blue quartered
cap
B f 2y Encosta De Lago – Making Fey
Trainer C. E. Conners
Rider D. Beadman 54
12 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 6/1
2nd Tripitz 56.5
3rd Masked Assassin 56.5
½ nk x ¾ len. Time 1:37.90
2006 Reigning To
Win
T. K. Stuckey & Ms P. Yan
Dark blue, pale blue chevrons, striped cap, white
pom-pom
B g 2y King Of Kings – Secret Liaisons
Trainer J. O’Shea
Rider C. Munce 53
16 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 7/4F
2nd Danleigh 56
3rd Carry To Glory 52.5
3rd Carry To Glory 52.5
Lng nk x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:37.45
2005 Darci Brahma
Te Akau Stud Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: D. C. Ellis)
Orange, dark blue stars & striped sleeves
B c 2y Danehill – Grand Echezeaux
Trainer M. Walker
Rider S. Seamer 56
12 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 12/1
2nd Ready As 53
3rd Daemons 51
3rd Daemons 51
½ len x lng nk. Time 1:34.90
2004 Outback Prince
H. Dyball, Bangaloe Stud Synd. (Mgr: J. R. Ritchie)
Green, white band & armbands, halved cap
B c 2y Desert Prince – Terrestial
Trainer A. Cummings
Rider C. W. Brown 52
19 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 5/1
2nd Star Shiraz 54
3rd Lords A Leaping 50.5
Sht nk x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:34.10
2003 Picaday
E
Thoroughbreds Synd (Mgr: A Efstathis), B Cornish, Torryburn Stud Synd (Mgr: J
Cornish), T & Mrs C Blacklaw
& Rembrandts Racing Synd (Mgr: D Ryan)
& Rembrandts Racing Synd (Mgr: D Ryan)
White, red heart
Ch g 2y Piccolo – Our Today
Trainer B. J. McLachlan
Rider S. Seamer 53
15 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 7/1
2nd Promoted 53.5
3rd Ambulance 56
3rd Ambulance 56
½ nk x lng nk. Time 1:35.80
2002 Lovely Jubly
C. D. C. & Mrs. J. V. Throsby
Red, green hoops, green cap
Gr f 2y Lion Hunter – Jaboulet
Trainer D. Throsby
Rider B. Prebble 55
11 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 6/4F
2nd Top Echelon 54
3rd Sir Breakfast 55.5
1 len x sht ½ hd. Time 1:35.30
2001 Juanmo
Ken (jun) & Mrs. E. Jones
Yellow and black quarters, pale blue sleeves & cap
Ch f 2y Flying Spur – Let’s Shuffle
Trainer A. Bailey
Rider K. McEvoy 53
13 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 9/2
2nd Barawin 52.5
3rd Evander 51.5
3rd Evander 51.5
Lng hd X sht nk. Time 1:35.10
2000 Show A Heart
R. A., Mrs. J. M., G. A., Miss S. M. & C. B. Cutts,
Glenlogan Park Synd. (Mgrs: J. & D. Haseler)
White, black quarters, orange cap
Ch c 2y Brave Warrior – Miss Sandman
Trainer B. N. Miller
Rider S. Katsidis 51.5
14 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 5/1
2nd Lady Mulan 51
3rd Rapid Man 54
3rd Rapid Man 54
5 len x lng nk. Time 1:36.80
1999 Freemason
Woodlands Stud Synd. (Mgrs: J. H. & R. W. Ingham)
Cerise
B c 2y Grand Lodge – Sashed
Trainer J. R. Hawkes
Rider D. Gauci 51
18 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP 10/1
2nd Perfect Paradise 54.5
3rd I Realise 50.5
Lng hd x 1 len. Time 1:37.40
1999 – Race
renamed the T. J. Smith Classic
1998 Mossman
Mr. P. G. & Mrs. W. E. Moran
Green, white diamond & sleeves, green armbands
& quartered cap
B c 2y Success Express – Lichen Lady
Trainer C. E. Conners
Rider L. Dittman 55
9 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 6/1
2nd Lease 51
3rd Curio Jade 51.5
3rd Curio Jade 51.5
½ nk x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:34.60
1997 Al Mansour
Mr A J Williams, Mr J G Richards, Mr E S Williams,
Mrs
M A Duncombe & Mr J W Hawkins
Yellow, dark blue star, armbands & quartered cap
Br c 2y At Talaq – Classic Victory
Trainer B. J. Mclachlan
Rider D. Brereton 55.5
11 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 3/1
2nd Evader 54.5
3rd Freedom Road 51
3rd Freedom Road 51
Lng nk x 1 ¾ len. Time 1:37.00
1996 Anthems
Woodlands Stud Synd. (Mgrs: J. H. & R. W. Ingham)
Black, white star & cap
Ch g 2y Palace Music – Loyal Lyric
Trainer J. R. Hawkes
Rider D. Beadman 56.5
18 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 4/5F
2nd Tambour 50.5
3rd Dayton 53
3rd Dayton 53
Hd x nk. Time 134.70
1995 Ravarda
B. R. & Mrs. K. M. Guy & K. R. Young
Red, grey quarters, white cap
B c 2y Rave Report – Liquarda
Trainer B. R. Guy
Rider L. V. Cassidy 57
15 Ran – Barrier 15 – SP 20/1
2nd Isolda 55.5
3rd Donar 55
3rd Donar 55
Sht ½ hd x hd. Time 1:35.10
1995 – Race
renamed Q.T.C. Classic
1994 Just A Printer
K. J., P. J., Mrs. M. M. & G. Rose, B. Johnson
& Mrs. C. Johnson
& Mrs. C. Johnson
Orange, purple stripes
Ch c 2y Vain Karioi – Kirk’s Girl
Trainer R. W. Johnson
Rider L. Dittman 51.5
18 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 16/1
2nd Aragen 54.5
3rd Chief De Beers 54.5
3rd Chief De Beers 54.5
2 ¼ len x ¾ len. Time 1:33.00
(race & course record)
1993 Mahogany
Mr. & Mrs. L. J. Williams & Mr. & Mrs. K.
F. B. Packer
Navy blue, white armbands & cap
Br c 2y Last Tycoon – Alshandegha
Trainer D. L. Freedman
Rider G. Hall 56.5
17 Ran – Barrier 13 – SP 9/4F
2nd Waikikamukau 52
3rd Seascay 55.5
3rd Seascay 55.5
Sht ½ hd x 3 len. Time 1:35.20
1992 Slight
Chance
Silverdale Lodge Synd. (Mgr: A. J. Morris)
Pale green, orange stars, green cap
Br f 2y Centaine – Lady Aloof
Trainer R. H. Thomsen
Rider R. S. Dye 55
18 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 9/4F
2nd Palate 50.5
3rd Salcantay 52.5
3rd Salcantay 52.5
½ len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:34.50
1991 Zinders
Mrs. M. Thomsen, F. E. O’Brien, D. T. Newton & E.
A. Crutch
Pale green, orange stars, green cap
Br c 2y Zephyr Zip – Run Like Smoke
Trainer R. H. Thomsen
Rider R. S. Dye 53
18 Ran – Barrier 15 – SP 50/1
2nd Kinjite 55.5
3rd Good ‘N’ Fast 53
3rd Good ‘N’ Fast 53
Sht nk x 7 len. Time 1:38.00
1990 Chime Zam
G. Kelly, G. C. Newson & Ms M. Andrews
Royal blue, white diagonal stripes, royal blue sleeves & cap, white pom-pom
Br c 2y Chime Square – Miss Zamazaan
Trainer P. J. Johnston
Rider D. J. Wilkes 50.5
16 Ran – Barrier 16 – SP 9/1
2nd Marine Drive 53
3rd Derecho 53
3rd Derecho 53
1 len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:43.30
1989 Prince
Salieri
M T Powell, Mr & Mrs R F & N E Rolfe, K T
Powell
& Mrs A M Beer
Cerise, white quarters, green cap
Ch c 2y Salieri – Caitie’s Kingsdom
Trainer J. W. Calder
Rider S. Scriven 53.5
13 Ran – Barrier 13 – SP 14/1
2nd Stargazer 52.5
3rd Dr Grace 53
3rd Dr Grace 53
Lng hd x nk. Time 1:38.30
1989 – Race renamed Castlemaine Stakes
1988 Zeditave
C R & Mrs H E Tidy
Pink and white hoops, white sleeves, quartered cap
(Wore the colours of race sponsor Channel 9)
Ch c 2y The Judge – Summoned
Trainer A. Armanasco
Rider G. Hall 57
18 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 10/9F
2nd Aces And Kings 50
3rd Reasoning 50.5
1 ¼ len x 1 ½ len. Time 1:36
1988 – Race renamed Channel Nine Stakes
1987 Flotilla
Mr. & Mrs. W. Kendell & Mrs. J. Denham
White, black diamonds, red armbands, black cap
B c 2y Dalmacia – Gretel
Trainer J. Denham
Rider P. Cook 55.5
17 Ran – Barrier 16 – SP 7/2F
2nd Hunter 49.5
3rd Gold Trump 55
3rd Gold Trump 55
Hd x 1 len. Time 1:38.4
1986 One Guinea
R. Litt
Turquoise, red stars, white armbands, red cap
Gr c 2y One Pound Sterling – Sugar Pie
Trainer R. C. Lang
Rider N. Williams 50
13 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 10/1
2nd Gallery Level 51.5
3rd Tristram 53
3rd Tristram 53
Hd x sht nk. Time 1:36.7
1985 Tristram’s Edition
Hon. N. E. Lee, R Ross & R T Kleinschmidt
Royal blue, light blue braces
Gr c 2y Sir Tristram – Glenreign
Trainer J. J. Atkins
Rider G. Willetts 50.5
18 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 25/1
2nd Rass Flyer 51
3rd Swiftly Roman 52
3rd Swiftly Roman 52
Sht hd x 2 ½ len. Time 1:37.3
1985 – Race upgraded to Group 1
1984 Prince Frolic
B. J. Higgins, E. & G. Madders
Red., green hooped sleeves
B g 2y Mendham – Easter Lark
Trainer B. J. Higgins
Rider W. Goodwin 52
12 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 4/1
2nd Red Anchor 56
3rd Mr Merrymaker 51.5
Sht ½ hd x lng nk. Time 1:36.9
1983 Regal Advice
Mr. & Mrs. L. W. Siedofsky & Mr. & Mrs. R. A. Cutts
Black, white quarters & sleeves, orange cap
B c 2y Vice Regal – String Of Pearls
Trainer K. J. Keidge
Rider M. Pelling 50.5
15 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 12/1
2nd Riverdale 52
3rd High Cliff 51.5
3rd High Cliff 51.5
Hd x ½ nk. Time 1:39
1983 – Name changed from Marlboro Stakes to Castlemaine Stakes
1982 Anchor In
Thoroughbred Int Pty Ltd Synd (B J Maher, R A McCarthy
& R J Fleming)
& R J Fleming)
Black, red maltese cross, red sleeves, white cap
Gr c 3y Sea Anchor – Cazna
Trainer T. J. Hughes
Rider G. Murphy 54.5
20 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 4/1F
2nd Cossack Prince 54
3rd Rubena Boy 51
Hd x ¾ len. Time 1:36.1
1981 Copperama
Dr & Mrs T. D. Hoban
White, green sash, pink armbands, pink cap
Br f 2y Comeram – Old Penny
Trainer T. J. Smith
Rider M. Johnston 52
13 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 9/1
2nd Sovereign Chief 48
3rd Silver Lei 51.5
1 ½ len x 2 ½ len. Time 1:38.4
1980 Royal Paree
G. & P. Setchell
Blue, pink diamond & sleeves
B f 2y Royal Noble – Gay Paree II
Trainer C. L. Beechey
Rider P. Cook 52
10 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 7/4F
2nd Our Paddy Boy 54.5
3rd Playboy Prince 53
1 ¼ len x 1 ½ len. Time 1:39.5
1980 – Group 2 Pattern Rating
1979 Zephyr Zip
Mr & Mrs S Kimmins, Mr & Mrs R Bengsten, R J McCulloch
& D Lustica
Red, black V, black armbands, red cap
B c 2y Zephyr Bay – Corso
Trainer E. Kirwan
Rider G. Cook 58
12 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 2/1F
2nd Vivacite 49
3rd Knight’s Affair 47.5
3rd Knight’s Affair 47.5
½ len x 2 ¼ len. Time 1:35.5
1978 Scomeld
J. C. Needham
Gold, purple quarters
Ch f 2y Scotian – Supreme Meld
Trainer N. R. Dawson
Rider L. Dittman 52.5
13 Ran – Barrier 13 – SP 13/2
2nd Karaman 58
3rd Regular 52.5
3rd Regular 52.5
2 len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:35.6
1977 Luskin Star
Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Balcolm & D. Ninness & B. E. Barnett
Pale blue, dark blue maltese cross & cap
Ch c 2y Kaoru Star – Promising
Trainer M. G. Lees
Rider J. Wade 58
9 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 1/4F
2nd Gypsy Kingdom 48.5
3rd Pacific Prince 52.5
2 len x 3 len. Time 1:34.3
(race & course record)
1976 Romantic
Dream
C. and L. Cook
Purple, yellow stars, white sleeves, purple armbands,
yellow cap
B or br c 2y Baguette – Star Song
Trainer R. Englebrecht
Rider R. Thompson 57
14 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP EvensF
2nd Family Of Man 54
3rd Surround 51
3rd Surround 51
2 len x ¾ len. Time 1:34.7
1976 – First running of Marlboro Stakes
1600m
