Cantala Stakes Winners, Past Results & Latest News

Winners and Past Results for the Cantala Stakes.

The Cantala Stakes is a Group 1 Race run under handicap conditions at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne during the 4 day Spring Racing Carnival.

The Cantala Stakes, is a 1600 metre event with a million dollars going to the winners. The event is scheduled on the first Saturday of the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington on what is also known as 'Derby Day'.

The day's race card also includes Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby, Group 1 Myer Classic and the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes which keep punters on their toes throughout the day. The Cantala Stakes attracts international trainers to what has become one of the richest mile events in Australian horse racing. The race suits strong milers that have the ability to conquer the long Flemington straight.

The Cantala Stakes has been held under several other names including the Longines Mile, Emirates Stakes, VRC Cantala Stakes, George Adam Stakes, Amol Stakes, among others. 

The inaugural race was held in 1881 which was won by a horse named Courtenay. It remained a principal race until 1979 when it was elevated to Group 1. Way back in 1907-08, Iolaire scored back to back victories in the Cantala Stakes.

Over the years some of the classiest performers have stamped their authority on the title. The gutsy Gunsynd, trained by TJ Smith was always a crowd favourite who also added the Cantala Stakes, then known as the George Adams Stakes in 1971. Seascay won the Stakes in 1994 and returned the next year to win convincingly once again. Other notable milers to win include Better Loosen Up in 1989, Beazeal Bay in 1998, Testa Rossa in 2000, Titanic Jack in 2003, Divine Madonna in 2006, All American in 2009, and Albert The Fat in 2011.

Horses may tackle the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley Racecourse over a distance of 1600 meters and the Toorak Hcp run over 1600 metres at Caulfield Racecourse before booking a place in the Cantala Stakes.