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 8 feature races on the Caulfield card that day.
- It is the 3rd richest of 43 feature races scheduled at Caulfield in the 2026-27 season.
- It is one of 22 Group 1 races run in VIC in 2026-27.
- Run over 1200m, it is a sprint test and one of 8 races at that trip at Caulfield this season.
- It falls in September 2026, alongside 29 other feature races in VIC that month.
Track Information
Caulfield Racecourse
Caulfield is a tight-turning track that rewards tactical racing. Home to the prestigious Caulfield Cup, it serves as a major lead-up to the Melbourne Cup. The track's unique layout makes it a true test of a jockey's skills.
Melbourne, VIC
1876
1800m
350m
Turf
40,000
Caulfield CupCaulfield GuineasThousand GuineasBlue Diamond 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