The Stradbroke Handicap is one of the most prestigious horse races in Australia, and it has been held annually since 1890. It is a Group 1 Thoroughbred open handicap race run over 1400 metres at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane, Queensland. The race attracts some of the best horses from around the country and offers a total prize money of $2 million.
This blog post will provide details on the track, results, and history of the Stradbroke Handicap. For those who want to get the latest on the Stradbroke handicap races, you must first understand the track and how it affects the horses.
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Stradbroke Handicap History
The Stradbroke Handicap is one of the most prestigious races in Australia, with a long and illustrious history. The race was first run in 1890 at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane, and since then has been held annually on the second Saturday of June. The 2023 edition of the Stradbroke Handicap will be held on Saturday 10th June, and will offer a total prize pool of $3 million.
The race is open to 3YOs and upwards, with a minimum handicap weight of 50.5kg for two and three-year-olds and 52kg for four and five-year-olds. Last year’s winner was Alligator Blood, who took out the 2022 edition of the race in impressive fashion.
The Stradbroke Handicap has seen some great horses over its long history, with many winners going on to become champions. It is one of the most sought-after races in Australia, with punters around the country eagerly awaiting this year’s edition to see who will take home the title.
Why is the Stradbroke Handicap Popular?
The Stradbroke Handicap is seen as an important event in the racing calendar, and it is often referred to as ‘the people’s race’ due to its popularity with punters. It is also known for its competitive field of horses that compete each year, many of which have won other major races such as the Melbourne Cup or Caulfield Cup.
The first Stradbroke Handicap was won by Pyrrhus back in 1890. In order to win the Stradbroke Handicap, horses must be able to handle the challenging track conditions at Eagle Farm Racecourse, which include tight turns, long straights, and sharp bends. Horses must also be able to cope with the pressure of competing against some of Australia’s best horses in front of a large crowd.
It takes skill and determination to win this prestigious race, but there are also certain strategies that can be employed when betting on this event. Punters should look for horses that have proven form over similar distances or those that have won other major races, such as the Melbourne Cup or Caulfield Cup. They should also consider factors such as jockey experience, trainer form, and track conditions when making their selections.
The Stradbroke Handicap is an exciting event for spectators and punters alike. It provides an opportunity for some of Australia’s best horses to show their talent on one of the country’s most challenging tracks. With so much on offer each year, it is no wonder why this race continues to attract some of Australia’s top trainers and jockeys every year.
Past Winners
- 11 Jun 2022: ALLIGATOR BLOOD (AUS) 5G ALL TOO HARD (AUS) – LAKE SUPERIOR (AUS) ENCOSTA DE LAGO (AUS)
- 12 Jun 2021: TOFANE (NZ) 5M OCEAN PARK (NZ) – BAGGY GREEN (AUS) GALILEO (IRE)
- 06 Jun 2020: TYZONE (AUS) 6G WRITTEN TYCOON (AUS) – REZONET (AUS) HUSSONET (USA
- 08 Jun 2019: TREKKING (AUS) 4G STREET CRY (IRE) – OUTDOOR (AUS) REDOUTE’S CHOICE (AUS)
- 09 Jun 2018: SANTA ANA LANE (AUS) 5G
- LOPE DE VEGA (IRE) – FAST FLEET (AUS) FASTNET ROCK (AUS)
- 10 Jun 2017: IMPENDING (AUS) 3C
- LONHRO (AUS) – MNEMOSYNE (AUS) ENCOSTA DE LAGO (AUS)
- 11 Jun 2016: UNDER THE LOUVRE (AUS) 5H EXCELLENT ART (GB) – BARCELONA GIRL (AUS) NOVERRE (USA)
- 06 Jun 2015: SRIKANDI (AUS) 4M DUBAWI (IRE) – RAINING (AUS) HURRICANE SKY (AUS)
- 07 Jun 2014: RIVER LAD (AUS) 6G TOP ECHELON (AUS) – IKEYMO (AUS) CANNY LAD (AUS)
- 08 Jun 2013: LINTON (AUS) 6G GALILEO (IRE) – OUR HEATHER (NZ) CENTAINE (AUS)
- 09 Jun 2012: MID SUMMER MUSIC (AUS) 6M OAMARU FORCE (AUS) – SAMSARA LADY (NZ) NASSIPOUR (USA)
- 11 Jun 2011: SINCERO (AUS) 3G UMATILLA (NZ) – YOURS AS ALWAYS (AUS) PREGO (IRE)
- 12 Jun 2010: BLACK PIRANHA (AUS) 6G CLANG (AUS) – JAZZTRACK (AUS) DISTINCTLY NORTH (USA)
- 06 Jun 2009: BLACK PIRANHA (AUS) 5G CLANG (AUS) – JAZZTRACK (AUS) DISTINCTLY NORTH (USA)
- 07 Jun 2008: MR BARITONE (NZ) 6G STRAVINSKY (USA) – TUNISIA (GB) SANGLAMORE (USA)
- 09 Jun 2007: SNIPER’S BULLET (AUS) 3G BITE THE BULLET (USA) – YALLAH TERRACE (AUS) YALLAH PRINCE (AUS)
- 10 Jun 2006: LA MONTAGNA (AUS) 3F MONASHEE MOUNTAIN (USA) – MILLENNIAL (AUS) HATTA’S MIL (AUS)
- 11 Jun 2005: ST. BASIL (NZ) 7G VETTORI (IRE) – DEWAMAR (AUS) MARSCAY (AUS)
- 12 Jun 2004: THORN PARK (AUS) 4H SPINNING WORLD (USA) – JOY (AUS) BLUEBIRD (USA)
- 07 Jun 2003: PRIVATE STEER (AUS) 3F DANEHILL DANCER (IRE) – LISHEENOWEN (AUS) SEMIPALATINSK (USA)
- 08 Jun 2002: SHOW A HEART (AUS) 4H
- BRAVE WARRIOR (AUS) – MISS SANDMAN (AUS)
- 09 Jun 2001: CRAWL (AUS) 4G
- DR GRACE (NZ) – TRAIPSE (AUS) BLETCHINGLY (AUS)
- 10 Jun 2000: LANDSIGHTING (AUS) 4G
- GREIG (NZ) – POLITICAL ASYLUM (AUS) PLUSH (NZ)
Conclusion
The Stradbroke Handicap is one of the most prestigious events in Australian racing. It attracts some of the best horses from around the country each year, and with its challenging track conditions, it takes skill and determination to win this event. Punters should keep an eye out for horses with proven form in similar races, as well as the jockeys and trainers, to get the best possible chance of picking a winner. With its long history, the Stradbroke Handicap will surely remain one of Australia’s most thrilling races for many.
