Missile Stakes (Gr2)
The Missile Stakes is a 1200 metre Group 2 Set Weight plus penalties race that is run at Randwick Racecourse in early August and is the first Group race of the Australian racing season (August 1 to July 31)
2024 total prize money: $300,000
1st $170,000, 2nd $56,000, 3rd $27,250
[Race Record: 1:08.41 – Pierata 2018]
The inaugural running of the STC Missile Stakes occurred at Canterbury Racecourse on Saturday, August 5th 1978. The 1100m WFA sprint was won in course record time (1:05.6) by the popular Sydney speedster, Idol.
The Missile Stakes was transferred to Rosehill Racecourse the following year.
No Missile Stakes was run in 1981 due to rescheduling the race from the spring to the autumn the following year. After the running of the autumn Missile Stakes, the race was rescheduled back to the spring the same year, resulting in two Missile Stakes being run in 1982.
In 2010, the Missile stakes was transferred to Randwick Racecourse and the distance increased to 1200m.
No doubt the most famous, or infamous, running of the Missile Stakes occurred in 1984 when the 200/1 bolter, Plus Vite scored a controversial win on a ‘bog’ track.
With the starting barriers becoming hopelessly bogged on the way to the start, a decision was made to send the field away with a ‘flag start', and that’s when the debacle began. It seemed that most weren’t ready when the starter signalled the start, and over such a short distance, most lost all chance at that point.
The 200/1 bolter, Plus Vite, having his very first race start got the best of it, leading virtually throughout for a very unpopular win. Punters were livid that most runners weren’t afforded a fair start and their howls of protest after the race were loud and long. The race is still talked about, today.
Four horses have won the Missile Stakes on more than one occasion:
Campaign King 1987/88 – Joanne 1991/92 – Klokka 1993/94
Rain Affair 2011 & 2013
Training Honours for the Missile Stakes is shared three ways between Jack Denham, Bart Cummings and Joe Pride, who have three winners each:
Jack Denham: 1980 Macho – 1991/92 Joanne
Bart Cummings: 1984 Plus Vite – 1987/88 Campaign King
Joe Pride: 2011 & 2013 Rain Affair – 2020 Eduardo
Riding honours are also split three ways between Jim Cassidy, Darren Beadman & Corey Brown who have each ridden three winners:
Jim Cassidy: 1990 Potrero – 1994 Klokka – 2010 Love Conquers All
Darren Beadman: 1995 Brawny Spirit – 1996 Lethal Agent – 2002 Lonhro
Corey Brown: 2003 Pompeii – 2011 Rain Affair – 2017 Invincible Gem
2025 – No Missile Stakes was run this year as the
meeting was washed-out and was not rescheduled
2024 Schwarz
Rosemont Stud, Mrs S Cummings, R Chapman, P Johnson, S Farrell, A Murray, M Hardwick, B Riddle, C Russell, Iskander Racing, Shapetom, Glentree Racing, Fern Vale Farm, Matha B’stock, Longwood Racing, BFJ B’stock, Ridgmont Farm, Sandhurst B’stock, AFDF Synd.
Red, white gatecrasher, half navy sleeve, gold VCA logo
B h 4y Zoustar – Summer Sham
Trainer J. O’Shea & T. Charlton
Rider J. McDonald 56.5
9 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP $2.50F
2nd Arctic Glamour 54
3rd Shezanalister 54
Sht hd x lng nk. Time 1:09.73
2024 – Race returns to Randwick
2023 I Am Me
Dynamic Syndications Racing, Sheikh M B K Al Maktoum, Mrs J Crooks, B Ramsey Family, P Woollett, G Rassos, R Gall, R Dawkins, A Robertson, A Cranes, A Mitchell, M & Mrs M Joyce, S Troughton, D Morton Donnelly, M Millner, S Finnigan & A Vella
White, Dynamic Syndications logo, red cap
B m 5y I Am Invincible – Mefnooda
Trainer C. Maher & D. Eustace
Rider T. Clark 54
10 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP $2.40F
2nd Dragonstone 56
3rd Deepour 56
1 ¾ len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:09.67
2023 – Race run at Rosehill
2022 Hard Empire
C G White, G J Richards, D A Tennick, Mrs T E Tennick, T M Young, Mrs N L Young, Mrs P Burdon, P W Burdon, Mrs B D Ackerley & B P Ackerley
Navy, yellow epaulettes, yellow & red striped sleeves & striped cap
Ch g 9y Hard Spun – Last Quill
Trainer T. & T. Edmonds
Rider Ms R. King 56
12 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP $71
2nd Wandabaa 54.5
3rd Gem Song 56.5
½ len x sht hd. Time 1:10.70
2021 Phobetor
C Tognolini, W Fornari, T Nelson, R Orchard, M Thomson, J Baxter, Mrs M Crowe, B Crowe, Mrs M Robson, P Wilkes, R Booker, V Sinatambou, G Hunt, P Hammond, R Wright, M Rugers, D Walter, Mr B Shea, Mr M Costa,
Crimson, black Vee yoke & ‘New Breed Racing logo’, black sleeves, crimson cap, black peak
B g 6y Dream Ahead – Oneforall
Trainer M. Costa
Rider T. Berry 56
7 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP $5.50
2nd Chat 56
3rd Fasika 55.5
½ len x ½ nk. Time 1:08.54
2021/22 – Race run at Randwick
2020 Eduardo
J Pride, N Cresci, A Curran, L Galvin, B Henderson, J Kauffman, M Kaye, G Loiero, N Pinner, D Ritchie, A Rix, B Rodwell, J Whitfield, Team TSA, Ungar Family
Fluroescent yellow, black seams, white & lime green
checked sleeves & cap
Ch g 7y Host – Blushing
Trainer J. Pride
Rider N. Rawiller 56
6 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP $2.30F
2nd Flit 57
3rd Imaging 57.5
1 ½ len x lng nk. Time 1:12.01
2020 – Conditions changed to set weights + penalties
2019 Alizee
Godolphin
Royal blue
B m 5y Sepoy – Essaouira
Trainer J. Cummings
Rider H. Bowman 56.5
5 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP $1.30F
2nd Invincible Gem 56.5
3rd Le Romain 58.5
Sht nk x 4 ½ len. Time 1:11.25
2019/20 – Race run at Rosehill
2018 Pierata
G Hickman, R Wilson, W Clegg, G Clegg, C Clegg, A Gianesi, A Merritt, K Ayton, B Turton, T Bonello, J Zammit, M Aurisch, M Matthews, C Testa, V Sikais, A Carney, Ms T Powers & Steelies Racing Synd. (Mgr: L Caff)
Red, yellow diagonal stripes, dark blue sleeves, red cap
B h 4y Pierro – November Flight
Trainer G. Hickman
Rider J. McDonald 58.5
10 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP $4.40
2nd Kementari 58.5
3rd The Monstar 58.5
Lng hd x 1 len. Time 1:08.41
(race record)
2017 Invincible Gem
C. A. Hill & P. R. Tonkin
Red, dark blue, sash, armbands & cap
B m 4y I Am Invincible – Diamond Day
Trainer K. Lees
Rider C. W. Brown 56.5
8 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP $6.50
2nd Le Romain 58.5
3rd The Monstar 58.5
1 ¼ len x ½ nk. Time 1:11.82
2016 Tycoon Tara
A L Krushka, P Brooksbank, R McCann, Ms Y Hinton, R Pierce, Mrs D Krushka, Ms F Long & J Hall
Black, light blue quarters & quartered cap
B m 6y Written Tycoon – Mosstara
Trainer P. & P. Snowden
Rider B. Shinn 56.5
5 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP $7
2nd Rebel Dane 58.5
3rd Mount Nebo 58.5
½ len x ½ len. Time 1:15.64
2015 Burbero
J. S. S. Richardson
Pink, grey armbands & quartered cap
B g 7y O’Reilly – Royal Remedy
Trainer B. Baker
Rider R. Hutchings 58.5
8 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP $11
2nd Weary 58.5
3rd Temple Of Boom 58.5
½ nk x ¾ len. Time 1:09.13
(race record)
2014 Sweet Idea
D Henderson, L Henderson, Nick Vass Bloodstock (Mgrs: N & A Vass), W Cook, D Maher, G Scott, T L Vogel, B Lynton, C Brown & M Allen
Brown, white epaulettes
Ch f 4y Snitzel – Flidais
Trainer Ms G. Waterhouse
Rider T. Berry 56.5
9 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP $4
2nd Messene 58.5
3rd Rebel Dane 58.5
Lng hd x lng hd. Time 1:09.44 (race record)
2014 – Pattern Rating upgraded to Group 2
2013 Rain Affair
D. W. Storey
Yellow, black quarters
B g 6y Commands – I Believe
Trainer J. Pride
Rider N. Rawiller 58.5
6 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP $1.30F
2nd Mic Mac 58.5
3rd Title 58.5
5 ½ len x 3 len. Time 1:10.83
2013 – Race returns to Randwick
2012 Pinwheel
Sheikh Mohammed
Maroon, white sleeves, maroon & white star cap
B g 7y Lonhro – Quilt
Trainer P. Snowden
Rider K. McEvoy 58.5
8 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP $2.50F
2nd Centennial Park 58.5
3rd Rolling Pin 58.5
1 ¾ len x 1 len. Time 1:09.74
2012 – Race run at Warwick Farm 1200m
2011 Rain Affair
D. W. Storey
Yellow, black quarters
B g 4y Commands – I Believe
Trainer J. Pride
Rider C. W. Brown 58.5
9 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP $1.90F
2nd Winter King 58.5
3rd Pinwheel 58.5
Sht ½ hd x ¾ len. Time 1:10.71
(race record)
2010 Love Conquers All
N. Moraitis
White, grey sash, pink striped sleeves, grey cap
B h 4y Mossman – She’s A Meanie
Trainer Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
Rider J. A. Cassidy 58.5
9 Ran – Barrier 2 – SP $1.75F
2nd Danleigh 58.5
3rd Sniper’s Bullet 58.5
1 ½ len x 2 len. Time 1:12.48
2010 – Distance increased to 1200m
2010/11 Race run at Randwick
2009 Teasing
E W King, F C King, W Borthwick, E H Borthwick &
Tim Martin Bloodstock Pty Ltd Synd (Mgr T Martin)
Dark blue, green braces, white armbands & cap
B m 7y More Than Ready – Turned On
Trainer T. Martin
Rider C. Munce 56.5
11 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP $19
2nd Gold Trail 58.5
3rd Typhoon Zed 58.5
1 len x ¾ len. Time 1:04.42
2008 Captain Bax
Macquarie Stud Synd. (Mgr: D. Baxter)
Orange, black sleeves & quartered cap
Ch g 7y Snippets – Snow Finch
Trainer K. Lees
Rider T. Clark 58.5
10 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP $11
2nd Typhoon Zed 58.5
3rd Interfere 56.5
½ len x ¾ len. Time 1:05.44
2007 German Chocolate
L. D. Demanincor, A. Agapiadis, Miss B. Gilhooly, N. Horrell,
S. George & D. Hill
Gold, red stripe & band, red cap
Ch g 5y Kenny’s Best Pal – Carina
Trainer P. Cave
Rider Z. Purton 58.5
12 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP $8.50
2nd La Montagna 56
3rd Vionneto 58.5
1 len x ½ hd. Time 1:04.61
2006 Imprisoned
R. J. Kiernan & Mrs A. W. Kiernan
Yellow, black star & hooped sleeves, yellow cap
Br g 5y Commands – Sad
Trainer J. O’Shea
Rider M. Rodd 57.5
7 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP $5.50
2nd Crimson Reign 55
3rd Mac’s Tune 57.5
2 ¾ len x 1 ¾ len. Time 1:06.27
2005 Dance Hero
Mrs V. L. Smith, P. B. & Mrs J. M. Aldrich, F. Crews,
M. Angelos & Mrs. E. J. Douglass
Blue, red and white checked sash and sleeves, white cap
B g 4y Danzero – Gypsy Dancer
Trainer Ms G. Waterhouse
Rider L. Beasley 57
8 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP $5
2nd Snippetson 57
3rd Spark Of Life 57.5
1 len x lng hd. Time 1:17.04
2004 Spark Of Life
P. A. & Mrs. M. E. Bernie & Mrs. B. J. & M. W. Jones
White, yellow crossed sashes
Ch g 4y Nine Carat – Sparkling Bounty
Trainer A. Denham
Rider C. Munce 57
7 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP $1.60F
2nd Into The Night 57.5
3rd Dane Shadow 50
2 ¾ len x ¾ len. Time 1:02.82
2003 Pompeii
Hobartville Stud Pty Ltd Synd (Mgrs: G. E., C. J.
& Miss P. J. Mapp)
White, brown star, yellow sleeves & cap
Br m 5y Just Awesome – Blazing Palace
Trainer G. White
Rider C. W. Brown 55
9 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP $7.50
2nd Academe 57.5
3rd Our Egyptian Raine 55
2 ½ len x hd. Time 1:03.65
2002 Lonhro
Woodlands Stud Synd. (Mgrs: J. H. & R. W. Ingham)
Cerise
Br h 4y Octagonal – Shadea
Trainer J. R. Hawkes
Rider D. Beadman 57.5
9 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP $1.65F
2nd Ancient Song 55
3rd Notoire 57.5
3 ¾ len x nk. Time 1:03.53
2001 Sportsbrat
B. Mammoliti
Red, black armbands, white cap
Gr g 5y Sports Works – Oh Congo
Trainer G. Portelli
Rider H. Bowman 57.5
9 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP $14
2nd Air She Goes 55
3rd Lonhro 51
Nk x sht nk. Time 1:06.69
2000 Padstow
R. D. Ruttley
Maroon, grey check & checked cap
Br g 6y Francis Bacon – Jon’s Pleasure
Trainer J. J. Size
Rider L. Beasley 57.5
7 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 13/4F
2nd Wynciti 55
3rd Celestial Choir 57.5
2 ¾ len x ½ len. Time 1:03.76
1999 Commands
Woodlands Stud Synd. (Mgrs: J. H. & R. W. Ingham)
Black, cerise cap
B c 3y Danehill – Cotehele House
Trainer J. R. Hawkes
Rider L. V. Cassidy 50
10 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 9/2
2nd Padstow 57.5
3rd Techniques 55
Nse x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:05.10
Padstow was first past the post but lost the race on
protest for causing interference to Commands
1998 Mr Victory
B. T. Ryan, T. S. Taylor & L. J. Taylor
Yellow, green crossed sashes, red armbands & cap
B g 6y Victory Dance – Mexiquenna
Trainer J. R. Lee
Rider R. Quinn 57.5
10 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP 25/1
2nd Masked Party 57.5
3rd Juggler 57.5
lng hd x 1 ½ len. Time 1:05.09
1997 Guineas
Woodlands Stud Synd. (Mgrs: J. H. & R. W. Ingham)
Cerise
B c 3y Crown Jester – Foreign Bank
Trainer J. R. Hawkes
Rider L. V. Cassidy 50
4 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 11/8EF (Spartacus)
2nd Spartacus 57
3rd Moss Rocket 58
¾ len x 4 len. Time 1:02.68
(race record)
1996 Legal Agent
Spillane Synd. (Mgrs: Mrs G. Quinn & N. Teare)
Black & white diamonds, green sleeves & cap
Ch g 7y Spectacular Spy – She’s The Verdict
Trainer P. J. Quinn
Rider D. Beadman 58
11 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 9/1
2nd Our Lance 58
3rd Moss Rocket 58
Lng hd x nk. Time 1:03.99
1995 Brawny Spirit
D. R. & Mrs. J. T. Toye
Purple, white diamond band, lime sleeves, hot pink diamond armbands, purple and lime quartered cap
Br g 5y Rustic Amber – Devil Hostess
Trainer J. M. Winks
Rider D. Beadman 57
10 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP 4/1F
2nd Light Up The World 55.5
3rd Masked Party 48.5
½ len x 1 ¾ len. Time 1:03.88
1994 Klokka
E. A., Mrs K. B. F. C., J. & Miss H. Crutch
White, black spots, red hooped sleeves
B m 4y Marscay – Small Timer
Trainer J. D. Morish
Rider J. A. Cassidy 56
8 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 7/2
2nd Stormy Regent 56.5
3rd Double Your Bet 56
Nk x lng hd. Time 1:03.88
1993 Klokka
E. A., Mrs K. B. F. C., J. & Miss H. Crutch
White, black spots, red hooped sleeves
B f 3y Marscay – Small Timer
Trainer J. D. Morish
Rider M. De Montfort 55.5
8 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 10/1
2nd All our Mob 56.5
3rd Spanish Mix 56
¾ len x 3 ½ len. Time 1:05.22
1992 Joanne
Mrs J. Ford
Purple, orange sash, white armbands & cap
Ch m 6y Marscay – Miss Corinto
Trainer J. Denham
Rider L. Dittman 55.5
11 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 4/9F
2nd Spanish Mix 54.5
3rd Hula Grey 57
1 len x ¾ len. Time 1:03.36
(race record)
1991 Joanne
Mrs J. Ford
Purple, orange sash, white armbands & cap
Ch m 5y Marscay – Miss Corinto
Trainer J. Denham
Rider L. Dittman 55.5
9 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 1/2F
2nd Dr Grace 58
3rd All Archie 57
3 ½ len x 1 ½ len. Time 1:04.60
1990 Potrero
Lord Ben Stables Synd. (Mgr: Mrs. R. P Chapman)
B. L Clark, R. B. Guth & Mr. & Mrs. J. M. Denoon
Yellow, pale blue circles, yellow & white quartered cap
Ch g 5y Red Tony – Extra Special
Trainer Dr. G. A. Chapman
Rider J. A. Cassidy 57
7 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 9/4F
2nd Dance Band 57
3rd Rise ‘N’ Shine 57
2 len x 2 ½ len. Time 1:05.87
1989 Select Prince
A. Heathcote, W. Quade, R. Stachow,
D. Wiegold, & F. S. Cleary
Pale green, purple hoops, white sleeves & cap
B c 2y Imperial Prince – Loch Nell
Trainer F. S. Cleary
Rider M. Johnston 49
8 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 10/1
2nd Targlish 57
3rd Temple Front 56.5
½ hd x ¾ len. Time 1:08.0
1988 Campaign King
L. Fink & G. C. & Mrs. J. Y. Farrah
Red and pink hoops, yellow sleeves, dark blue cap
Ch h 6y Saarond – Acid Queen
Trainer J. B. Cummings
Rider J. Marshall 57
8 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 5/4F
2nd High Regard 56.5
3rd Wong 57
2 ¼ len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:03.6
(race record)
1987 Campaign King
L. Fink & G. C. & Mrs. J. Y. Farrah
Red and pink hoops, yellow sleeves, dark blue cap
Ch h 5y Saarond – Acid Queen
Trainer J. B. Cummings
Rider J. Marshall 58
9 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 8/11F
2nd Plum Shore 58
3rd Targlish 58
1 len x sht ½ hd. Time 1:05.7
1986 Shankhill Lass
Mr & Mrs N. R. Rogers & Mr & Mrs P. Twigg
Red, white sleeves & cap
Ch m 4y Star Way – Paddy’s Sister
Trainer T. J. Smith
Rider R. S. Dye 54.5
8 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 2/1F
2nd Manuan 58
3rd Riverdale 58
1 ½ len x sht ½ hd. Time 1:04.8
1985 Row Of Waves
P. D. Horwitz, R. K. Towell, P. B. Warnes, Mrs. H. R. Keene,
R. A. Ferguson & M. W. Macleod
Grey, red sleeves, white armbands & cap
Br h 7y Long Row – Gay Wave
Trainer L. J. Bridge
Rider M. De Montfort 58
12 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 40/1
2nd Real Dream 58
3rd Vari’s Ace 57
Hd x 2 len. Time 1:04.6
(equal race record)
1984 Plus Vite
Dr H. L. Catchlove
Green & gold diagonal stripes, white cap
(wore red sleeves & red cap to distinguish him
from his Cummings stablemate, Conrad Hilton)
Gr c 3y Bletchingly – Viellen
Trainer J. B. Cummings
Rider P. Miers 56.5
12 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 200/1
2nd Buena Gold 56.5
3rd Real Dream 57
2 len x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:09.8
1983 Young Blood
S. & M. Fox Investments Pty Ltd (Mgr: K. J. Ennevers)
Grey, purple seams, white cap
B g 4y Bogan Road – La Femme
Trainer B. Mayfield-Smith
Rider C. Hyeronimus 57
10 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 9/4F
2nd Sabre Dancer 47.5
3rd Flash Doll 56
3 len x lng hd. Time 1:05.9
1982 Nordic Prince (Spring)
F. A. McDonald, J. Iorl & I. H. Hamill
Pale green, yellow hoops
Ch h 5y Imperial Prince – Seabeam
Trainer R. W. Guy
Rider T. Duckett 57
8 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 8/1
2nd Flash Doll 55.5
3rd Latin Saint 57
½ len x ½ len. Time 1:05.6
1982 Razor Sharp (Autumn)
Elcekay Synd. L. J. Cook & K. G. Hubbuck
Red, green diamonds, red and white hooped
sleeves white cap
B g 4y Steel Pulse – Sea Holly
Trainer J. Johnstone
Rider A. Scorse 57
9 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 9/4
2nd Yir Tiz 55.5
3rd Bemboka Yacht 57.5
1 ¾ len x 7 ¼ len. Time 1:06.6
1982 – The missile Stakes was transferred from the spring to the autumn and then back to the spring again, in the same year.
This meant that two Missile Stakes were run in 1982
1981 – Race not run due to rescheduling from spring to autumn
1980 Macho
F. Podgornik & I. Thompson
Pale blue, pale green & pink striped sleeves
Blk h 5y King Of Babylon – Fiona
Trainer J. Denham
Rider R. Quinton 58
11 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 7/2
2nd High Adventure 58
3rd Blockbuster 58
Sht hd x 2 ¼ len. Time 1:04.7
1980 – Group 3 Pattern Rating
1979 Salaam
B. W. & G. J. Cobcroft
Yellow, white spots & cap
B g 6y Radames – Vista Anna
Trainer J. Johnstone
Rider M. Johnston 58
10 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 2/1F
2nd Steel Blade 57
3rd Goreham 58
5 ½ len x sht nk. Time 1:04.6
1979 – Race moved to Rosehill
1978 Idol
J. W. Thompson, W. N. Parry-Okeden, F. L. Bragg, G. W. Mann, J. A. Milson & F. K. Thomas
Dark blue, yellow cap
Ch m 4y Vain – Persian Doll
Trainer R. Englebrecht
Rider J. Duggan 54.5
10 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 6/1
2nd Leonotis 58
3rd Mondiso 57
Nk x ½ hd. Time 1:05.6
(course record)
1978 – First running of WFA Missile Stakes
1100m at Canterbury Racecourse
No comments:
Post a Comment