The Australian Cup, officially known as the Dubai Australian Cup, is a Group 1 weight-for-age race held in March during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.
The $1 million Australian Cup is one of many races held on Flemington’s Super Saturday, which offers a six group stakes races including the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.
The race is a 2000m event ideal for strong staying horses. The most recent lead-up race to the Australian Cup is the Group 2 St George Stakes (1800m).
The 2013 Australian Cup will be run on March 9, 2013.
| Australian Cup | |
|---|---|
| Date: | March 9, 2013 |
| Racecourse: | Flemington Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2000m |
| Race Type: | Weight-For-Age |
| Status: | Group 1 |
| Prize Money: | $1,000,000 |
Australian Cup History
First won by Barwon in 1861, the Australian Cup was originally a 3600m test of endurance until 1943 when the distance was decreased to 3500m. Twenty years later the distance was further decreased to 3200m, however the following year in 1964 the race became a 2000m event.
The fastest finishing time for the Australian Cup is held by the legendary Makybe Diva. In 2005, the mare finished the race in 1 minute 58.7 seconds. In 2007 the Australian Cup changed locations by being temporarily raced at Caulfield Racecourse.
Recent Australian Cup Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Australian Cup |
1st | Manighar | 2 minutes 01.2 seconds |
| 2nd | Southern Speed | ||
| 3rd | Americain | ||
| 2011 Australian Cup |
1st | Shocking | 2 minutes 0.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Linton | ||
| 3rd | Playing God | ||
| 2010 Australian Cup |
1st | Zipping | 2 minutes 3.69 seconds |
| 2nd | Sirmione | ||
| 3rd | Moatize | ||
| 2009 Australian Cup |
1st | Niconero | 2 minutes 3.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Theseo | ||
| 3rd | Zagreb | ||
| 2008 Australian Cup |
1st | Sirmione | 2 minutes 0.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Princess Coup | ||
| 3rd | Casino Prince | ||
| 2007 Australian Cup |
1st | Pompeii Ruler | 2 minutes 1.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Marasco | ||
| 3rd | Tawqeet | ||
| 2006 Australian Cup |
1st | Roman Arch | 2 minutes 2.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Candy Vale | ||
| 3rd | Our Smoking Joe | ||
| 2005 Australian Cup |
1st | Makybe Diva | 1 minute 58.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Winning Belle | ||
| 3rd | Lad Of The Manor | ||
| 2004 Australian Cup |
1st | Lonhro | 2 minutes 1.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Delzao | ||
| 3rd | Elvstroem | ||
| 2003 Australian Cup |
1st | Northerly | 2 minutes 1.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Natural Blitz | ||
| 3rd | Don Eduardo | ||
| 2002 Australian Cup |
1st | Old Comrade | 1 minute 59.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Northerly | ||
| 3rd | Rain Gauge | ||
| 2001 Australian Cup |
1st | Northerly | 1 minute 59.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Hit The Roof | ||
| 3rd | Kaapstad Way | ||
| 2000 Australian Cup |
1st | Intergaze | 2 minutes 0.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Arena | ||
| 3rd | Streak | ||