Shannon Stakes

Winners and Past Results

Held under the aegis of the Australian Turf Club, the Shannon Stakes is a Group 2 race for horses three years old and above. The 1500 metre event is run under handicap weighting with $175,000 reserved for the winning connections. Free $200 Bet

The Shannon Stakes is held at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney during the spring racing carnival in September. The race attracts a quality field with many horses preparing for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick Racecourse, two weeks later.

For the avid punter there is no single race that may prove to be a handy form guide since trainers may use a number of routes in search of greater success during the spring carnival. King Lionheart, who upset Secret Admirer the firm favourite, won a BM80 handicap event at Rosehill over the same distance prior to winning the 2011 Shannon Stakes.

The Shannon Stakes is held on the same day as the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes. Horses that manage to beat the handicapper and come under the starter's orders with a light weight are usually the ones to perform well. In form horses may fancy an outing in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap. Sacred Choice ran third in both events. Another target may be the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley. Runner up in the 2009 Shannon Stakes, Rangirandoo won the Crystal Mile after running a close second in the Epsom Handicap as well. The Group 1 Toorak Handicap over an extended distance of 1600 metres could also be next on the cards for better performing gallopers although it hasn't produced a winner or placegetter in recent times. Runner up in 2011, Fast Clip finished 9th out of a field of 13 in the Toorak Handicap.

In 1979 the Shannon Stakes was first held as a principal race and was promoted as a listed event the next year. It gained recognition as a Group 3 race in 1985 and has enjoyed Group 2 status since 2001. Over the years, the Shannon Stakes has seen a fair spattering of talent pass through where placegetters and winners have remained in contention in major group races throughout the spring carnival.

Notable horses to reach the winning post first include Deposition in 1991, Juggler in 1996, Al Mansour in 2000, Stormhill in 2006, and Musket in 2008.

2011 Shannon Stakes

King Lionheart was patiently ridden by Tommy Berry, who was content to ease off the pace after jumping well and going briefly to the lead before allowing Fast Clip to take up the running. At the turn, King Lionheart moved alongside Fast Clip and showed too much speed in the straight, going to the post a length clear of Fast Clip with Lone Command finishing strongly for third.

2011 Shannon Stakes result

1. King Lionheart
2. Fast Clip
3. Lone Command

Then came:

4. Secret Admirer
5. Syreon
6. Older Than Time
7. Triple Honour
8. Offenders
9. Descarado
10. Levi's Choice