Horse Racing

The BMW Stakes is Australia’s richest weight-for-age event run as part of the esteemed Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. Taking place on the most esteemed race day at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Golden Slipper Day in April, The BMW is one of an impressive five Group 1 races held on the day. The other events are the Golden Slipper (1200m), Arrowfield Stud Stakes (2000m), George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1500m).

In 2012, The BMW will be run on Golden Slipper Day, Saturday April 7th.

The BMW Stakes is a staying event run over a distance of 2400m and is worth $2.25 million. Runners in the race may have previously contested other Autumn Racing Carnival events including the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) in March, which has been a good guide to the BMW in recent years. Horses to take out the Ranvet Stakes – BMW Stakes double include Tuesday Joy (2008), Eremein (2006) and Tie The Knot (2000). The BMW attracts the finest competitors locally, interstate and from overseas as well with New Zealand raiders often having a strong presence in the race.

Quality horses who perform well in the BMW Stakes often continue on to compete in some of the high status races held later in the year in spring both at the Sydney and Melbourne Spring Racing Carnivals. Caulfield and Melbourne Cup runs can be on the agenda for the highest echelon stayers. Many elite gallopers have claimed victory in this race including Makybe Diva (2005), Ethereal (2002), Tie The Knot (1999 & 2000), Might And Power (1998), Octagonal (1996 & 1997) and Our Poetic Prince (1989).

The BMW Stakes History

First run in 1963, the inaugural BMW Stakes race was won by Maidenhead. The event was originally a principal race run over 12 furlongs. For one year in 1964 the race was held over 10 furlongs, before reverting back to 12 furlongs the following year. In 1973 the distance was converted to 2400m and then in 1980 the BMW Stakes reached Group 1 status. This event has been known under a number of different names. It was previously called the H E Tancred Stakes, The Tancred Cup and the Mercedes Classic.

Recent BMW Stakes Winners