Group 1

Victoria Derby

"The Blue Riband"

Sat, 31 Oct 202666 days to go

Race Details

Distance2500m

Prize Money$2,000,000

TrackFlemington

StateVictoria

Race TypeGroup 1

ConditionsSet Weights

About This Race

The Victoria Derby is the premier classic for three-year-olds over 2500m at Flemington. Run on the first Saturday of the Melbourne Cup Carnival (Derby Day), it is considered the ultimate staying test for classic-age horses.

History

First run in 1855, it is one of Australia's oldest races. Notable winners include Phar Lap (1929), Media Puzzle (2002), and many other staying champions.

On the Calendar

It is the 2nd richest of 8 feature races on the Flemington card that day.
It is the 7th richest of 59 feature races scheduled at Flemington in the 2026-27 season.
It is one of 22 Group 1 races run in VIC in 2026-27.
Run over 2500m, it is a staying test and one of 5 races at that trip at Flemington this season.
It falls in October 2026, alongside 59 other feature races in VIC that month.

Track Information

Flemington Racecourse

Home of the Melbourne Cup, Flemington is Australia's most famous racecourse. Its distinctive straight six and sweeping turns have hosted racing since 1840. The Melbourne Cup Carnival draws international attention each November.

CityMelbourne, VIC

Established1840

Circumference2312m

Straight450m

SurfaceTurf

Capacity120,000

Major Races at this Track

Melbourne CupVictoria DerbyVRC OaksAustralian Guineas

Last Run Results (2025)

PosHorseJockeyTrainerOdds

1stObserverMark ZahraCiaron Maher$2.45

2ndArcoraJohn AllenTrent Busuttin & Natalie Young-

3rdDeal Done FastDaniel StackhouseMatthew Cumani-

4thOne Step CloserJye McNeilJohn O'Shea & Tom Charlton-

Winning Time2:37.28

TrackGood 4

Field Size14 runners

Margin0.75 lengths

Recent Winners

2025ObserverMark ZahraCiaron Maher

2024Goldrush GuruJamie KahAndrew Gluyas

2023DoraemonDamian LaneMitsumasa Nakauchida

2022DoraemonDamian LaneYoshito Yahagi

2021HitotsuJohn AllenCiaron Maher

Race Facts & Statistics

Observer: First horse since Efficient (2006) to complete Vase-Derby double
Mark Zahra: 4th Victoria Derby win
Ciaron Maher: First solo-trained Derby winner (previously with Harry Eustace)
Australia's oldest classic race (first run 1855)