William Reid Stakes

Winners and Past Results for the William Reid Stakes.

Among the premier black type sprint events hosted by Moonee Valley Racing Club during the autumn racing carnival in March is the William Reid Stakes.

The weight for age race is a Group 1 event run over 1200 metres of the Moonee Valley track with prize money of $500,000.

Some of the classiest sprinters either come in fresh from a spell or a number of sprint races held around the time which includes the invincible Black Caviar, winner of the 2011 William Reid Stakes.

It has also been held as the Australia Stakes between 1997 and 2009. However, it has been hosted as the William Reid Stakes since then. In form sprinters may make their way to the William Reid Stakes after contesting in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap held on Super Saturday at Flemington in March and the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate held earlier at Caulfield Racecourse in February. Other likely lead up races includes the 1000 M Group 1 Lightning Stakes held earlier at Flemington.

Miss Andretti had the distinction of winning the Lightning Stakes / William Reid Stakes double in 2007, followed by Apache Cat in 2008. Black Caviar won the Newmarket Handicap before winning here in 2011 while Crystal Lily had to be content as runner up in both the races.

A number of formidable champions have etched their name on the William Reid Stakes which includes Manikato who made winning a habit for five years in succession between 1979 and 1983. Zeditave in 1989 and Redelva in 1991 are among the classy sprinters to join the elite club while Hareeba followed suit in 1995. Miss Andretti won the title as the Australia Stakes in 2007 while Apache Cat scored back to back wins in 2008-09.

Horses may fancy their chances in the 1200 M Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick a fortnight later.

The William Reid Stakes was first held in 1925 as a principal race and was elevated to Group 2 during Manikato’s winning streak in 1980. Canny Lass won the first title as a Group 1 race in 1987. The race is held in honour of Victorian banker and prominent racehorse owner, the late William Reid.