HISTORY OF THE STAKES
TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES
One of the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s most iconic races takes on a new name in 2022 as the contest initiated in 1869 as the Melbourne Stakes and then renamed in 1937 as the LKS Mackinnon Stakes becomes the VRC TAB Champions Stakes. Originally held on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and serving not just as a premier weight-for-age event but also an important lead-up to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, the 2000m feature was switched to the final day in 2016. The list of winners serves as a who’s who of Australian racing, including 15 winners of the Lexus Melbourne Cup in the same year – led by horses like Carbine, Phar Lap, Peter Pan, Rising Fast, Rain Lover and Let’s Elope – as well as champions of the ilk of Wakeful, Eurythmic, Gloaming, Tranquil Star, Sailor’s Guide, Tulloch, Tobin Bronze, Dulcify, Better Loosen Up, Lonhro and So You Think. Recent years have also seen international victories for England with Side Glance, France with Gailo Chop and Ireland with Magic Wand. It was a back-to-back success for the Annabel Neasham-trained Zaaki who led all the way in a star-studded field. Jockey Jamie Kah rated the gelding perfectly in front to turn the table on Cox Plate winner, Anamoe. It was an exclamation mark on what was brilliant carnival on the famous Flemington track.
2022 TAB CHAMPIONS STAKES WINNER ZAAKI ( GB )
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