Australian Racing Calendar
Every Group and Listed race in Australia
Group 1
Manikato Stakes
"The Sprint Under Lights"
The 2026 edition will be held at Caulfield due to Moonee Valley renovations.
Race Details
About This Race
The Manikato Stakes is a Group 1 sprint over 1200m, traditionally held at Moonee Valley under lights on a Friday night. Named after the champion sprinter Manikato, it provides a unique atmosphere for night racing.
History
Named after Manikato, a legendary sprinter who won the race three times (1979-81). Recent winners include Nature Strip and other top sprinters.
On the Calendar
- It is the richest of 5 feature races on the Moonee Valley card that day.
- It is the 2nd richest of 28 feature races scheduled at Moonee Valley in the 2025-26 season.
- It is one of 31 Group 1 races run in VIC in 2025-26.
- Run over 1200m, it is a sprint test and one of 10 races at that trip at Moonee Valley this season.
- It falls in September 2025, alongside 27 other feature races in VIC that month.
Track Information
Moonee Valley Racecourse
Famous as the home of the Cox Plate, Moonee Valley's tight turns and short straight make it one of Australia's most unique tracks. Night racing under lights adds to its spectacular atmosphere.
Melbourne, VIC
1883
1805m
173m
Turf
35,000
Cox PlateManikato StakesMoir Stakes
Last Run Results (2025)
PosHorseJockeyTrainerOdds
1stCharm StoneBlake ShinnMick Price & Michael Kent Jnr$16.00
2ndBaraqielBen AllenLeon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin-
3rdMagic TimeMichael DeeGrahame Begg-
4thLady ShenandoahJames McDonaldChris Waller-
1:10.01
Good 4
10 runners
Recent Winners
2025Charm StoneBlake ShinnMick Price & Michael Kent Jnr
2024Southport TycoonMark ZahraCiaron Maher
2023Bella NipotinaCraig WilliamsCiaron Maher
2022I Wish I WinJamie KahPeter Moody
2021September RunCraig WilliamsCiaron Maher
Race Facts & Statistics
- Charm Stone: 2nd Group 1 win (after Robert Sangster Stakes)
- Run under lights on a Friday night
- Worth $2,000,000 in 2025
- Named after legendary sprinter Manikato