Flemington Five - Best Champions Mile

8 November 2024 • Written by VRC

The $3 million Group 1 VRC Champions Mile (1600m), once known as the Cantala Stakes, has a history dating back to 1881 when it began as the Coburg Stakes at Flemington. Hurtle Fisher’s Courtenay, with jockey Tom Hales aboard, claimed victory in the first race, marking an early chapter in Flemington’s rich racing legacy.

In 1919, the race was renamed the Cantala in honour of former VRC Chairman Septimus Miller and his Caulfield property. By 1960, it was moved to the final day of the Carnival, with Perth champion Aquanita winning back-to-back in 1960 and 1961. Over the years, the race underwent multiple sponsor-related name changes – Ampol, Honda, Nissen, Chrysler, and Emirates – before briefly returning to Derby Day as the Cantala and Kennedy Mile. Since 2022, it has been held on Champions Day as one of three feature races.

Revisit the top five Champions Mile wins here, with Tears I Cry taking out top spot as the most unforgettable.

Flemington Five - Best Champions Mile

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