Chances are you're about to lose.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Past Victoria Derby Winners: Complete Victoria Derby History, Results & Records (1855-2026)
The Victoria Derby stands as Australia’s most prestigious staying race for three-year-olds and is one of the oldest and most historic Group 1 events on the Australian racing calendar. First run in 1855, the 2500m classic at Flemington has launched the careers of countless champions and remains one of the feature races of Victoria Derby Day during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The honour roll of Victoria Derby winners features some of the greatest names in Australasian racing, including Phar Lap, Tulloch, Red Anchor, Nothin’ Leica Dane, Elvstroem, Efficient, Hitotsu, Riff Rocket, and most recently Observer (2025).
For punters, studying past Victoria Derby winners, analysing Victoria Derby results, and identifying key historical trends often provides valuable insights into future editions of Australia’s premier staying test for three-year-olds.
Below, we take a deep dive into Victoria Derby history, famous winners, trainer and jockey records, notable betting trends, and the full list of recent VRC Derby champions ahead of the 2026 Victoria Derby on Saturday October 31.
Victoria Derby Winners
Every spring, a new name is added to the illustrious list of Victoria Derby winners when the Group 1 $3 million classic is run over 2500m at Flemington on Derby Day.
The Victoria Derby winner currently receives approximately $1.8 million in prizemoney and often establishes itself as one of the country’s most exciting staying prospects.
Recent Victoria Derby Winners & Placegetters
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Third | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Observer | Arcora | Deal Done Fast | 2:37.28 |
| 2024 | Goldrush Guru | Scary | China Sea | 2:37.78 |
| 2023 | Riff Rocket | Apulia | Sunsets | 2:37.38 |
| 2022 | Manzoice | Sharp ‘N’ Smart | Aberfeldie Boy | 2:40.80 |
| 2021 | Hitotsu | Alegron | Teewaters | 2:37.30 |
| 2020 | Johnny Get Angry | Hit The Shot | Young Werther | 2:41.90 |
| 2019 | Warning | Southern Moon | Soul Patch | 2:40.80 |
| 2018 | Extra Brut | Stars Of Carrum | Chapada | 2:34.30 |
| 2017 | Ace High | Sully | Astoria | 2:37.50 |
| 2016 | Prized Icon | Sacred Elixir | Inference | 2:36.10 |
| 2015 | Tarzino | Etymology | Kia Ora Koutou | 2:38.30 |
| 2014 | Preferment | Bondeiger | Nozomi | 2:37.80 |
| 2013 | Polanski | Complacent | Thunder Fantasy | 2:38.60 |
| 2012 | Fiveandahalfstar | Super Cool | Rawnaq | 2:35.90 |
| 2011 | Sangster | Induna | Sabrage | 2:40.30 |
| 2010 | Lion Tamer | Praecido | Retrieve | 2:46.40 |
| 2009 | Monaco Consul | Extra Zero | Viking Legend | 2:41.60 |
| 2008 | Rebel Raider | Whobegotyou | Pre Eminence | 2:36.90 |
| 2007 | Kibbutz | Littorio | Marching | 2:40.90 |
| 2006 | Efficient | Gorky Park | Teranaba | 2:38.30 |
| 2005 | Benicio | Duelled | Headturner | 2:37.00 |
| 2004 | Plastered | Savabeel | Count Ricardo | 2:35.40 |
| 2003 | Elvstroem | Kempinsky | Our Bahare | 2:38.90 |
| 2002 | Helenus | Hydrometer | Ain’t There | 2:40.50 |
| 2001 | Amalfi | Zarek | Pentastic | 2:34.60 |
| 2000 | Hit The Roof | Universal Prince | Falls The Shadow | 2:39.00 |
Victoria Derby History
Victoria Derby history dates back to 1855, making it one of Australia’s oldest horse races. Run exclusively for three-year-olds, the event is considered the ultimate test of stamina and class among the season’s emerging stars.
Many Derby winners have gone on to enjoy elite-level success as older horses, while several have used the race as a springboard towards future Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Australian Derby campaigns.
The list of past Victoria Derby winners includes:
- Phar Lap (1929)
- Tulloch (1957)
- Red Anchor (1984)
- Nothin’ Leica Dane (1995)
- Elvstroem (2003)
- Efficient (2006)
- Hitotsu (2021)
- Riff Rocket (2023)
- Observer (2025)
Recent Victoria Derby Winners: Year-By-Year Highlights
2025 Victoria Derby Results & Winner – Observer
The 2025 Victoria Derby winner Observer proved one of the most exciting staying prospects of his generation, defeating Arcora and Deal Done Fast in a dominant performance. He subsequently franked the form by returning in autumn to win the Group 1 Australian Guineas.
Observer also became the latest horse to complete the prestigious Moonee Valley Vase – Victoria Derby double.
2024 Victoria Derby Results & Winner – Goldrush Guru
Goldrush Guru delivered trainer Andrew Gluyas a memorable Victoria Derby triumph at $8 odds. The victory also saw Jamie Kah become just the second female jockey to win the VRC Derby.
2023 Victoria Derby Results & Winner – Riff Rocket
Chris Waller’s talented gelding Riff Rocket justified favouritism at $2.20 and later franked the form spectacularly by returning in autumn to complete the prestigious Rosehill Guineas – Australia Derby double in Sydney.
2022 Victoria Derby Results & Winner – Manzoice
One of the bigger recent Victoria Derby betting upsets came when Manzoice scored at odds of $21. The form was later strengthened by runner-up Sharp ‘N’ Smart winning the 2023 NZ Derby.
2021 Victoria Derby Results & Winner – Hitotsu
The 2021 Victoria Derby winner Hitotsu went on to become one of the best Derby graduates of recent years, adding both the Australian Guineas and Australian Derby the following autumn.
Victoria Derby Form Guide: Key Lead-Up Races
One of the best ways to analyse future Victoria Derby results is by studying the traditional Derby lead-up races.
Most Important Victoria Derby Lead-Ups
| Lead-Up Race | Distance | Last Derby Double Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Moonee Valley Vase | 2040m | Observer (2025) |
| Caulfield Classic | 2000m | Polanski (2013) |
| Spring Champion Stakes | 2000m | Ace High (2017) |
| Ming Dynasty Quality | 1400m | Lion Tamer (2010) |
| Gloaming Stakes | 1800m | Ace High (2017) |
Moonee Valley Vase
The Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase is widely regarded as the premier Victoria Derby lead-up.
Recent examples include:
- Observer (2025)
- Efficient (2006)
- Plastered (2004)
- Helenus (2002)
Victoria Derby Betting Trends
The Victoria Derby has produced plenty of upsets over the years, making it one of Australia’s most fascinating races for punters.
Recent Favourites To Win
| Year | Winner | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Observer | $2.45 |
| 2023 | Riff Rocket | $2.20 |
| 2021 | Hitotsu | $4.00 |
| 2017 | Ace High | $7.00 |
| 2015 | Tarzino | $2.90 |
| 2006 | Efficient | $2.25 |
Biggest Victoria Derby Upsets
| Horse | Year | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Rebel Raider | 2008 | $101 |
| Fiveandahalfstar | 2012 | $41 |
| Manzoice | 2022 | $21 |
| Johnny Get Angry | 2020 | $21 |
Longest-Priced Victoria Derby Winner
Rebel Raider (2008) remains the longest-priced Victoria Derby winner in history after saluting at a remarkable $101.
Victoria Derby Records
Victoria Derby Race Records
| Record | Holder |
|---|---|
| Fastest Time | Star Of The Realm (1991) – 2:33.06 |
| Fastest Modern Time | Fiveandahalfstar (2012) – 2:35.92 |
| Longest-Priced Winner | Rebel Raider (2008) – $101 |
| Last Filly Winner | Frances Tressady (1923) |
| Latest Winner | Observer (2025) |
| Only Multiple Winner | Fireworks (1867-68) |
Fastest Victoria Derby Winning Time
Star Of The Realm’s 2:33.06 in 1991 remains the official race record.
Last Filly To Win The Victoria Derby
Frances Tressady became the last filly to win the race in 1923.
Only four fillies have won the Victoria Derby in its long history.
Famous Victoria Derby Winners
Phar Lap (1929)
Australia’s most famous racehorse won the Victoria Derby before claiming the Melbourne Cup the following year.
Tulloch (1957)
One of the greatest stayers ever produced in Australia, Tulloch demolished the opposition and later added numerous major Group 1 victories.
Red Anchor (1984)
One of the best three-year-olds of the modern era, Red Anchor completed the extraordinary Caulfield Guineas – Cox Plate – VRC Derby treble in the same spring.
Nothin’ Leica Dane (1995)
The first Victoria Derby winner trained by a female trainer, Gai Waterhouse, before famously backing up to run second in the Melbourne Cup only three days later.
Efficient (2006)
The brilliant grey later returned to win the 2007 Melbourne Cup and became one of the most successful Derby graduates of modern times.
Riff Rocket (2023)
The popular Chris Waller-trained favourite delivered for punters before becoming an Australian Derby champion the following autumn.
Victoria Derby & Melbourne Cup History
Several Victoria Derby winners have gone on to achieve Melbourne Cup success.
Victoria Derby-Melbourne Cup Double (Same Year)
| Horse | Year |
|---|---|
| Lantern | 1864 |
| Newhaven | 1896 |
| Trivalve | 1927 |
Victoria Derby-Melbourne Cup Double (Successive Years)
| Horse | Derby Win | Melbourne Cup Win |
|---|---|---|
| Phar Lap | 1929 | 1930 |
| Efficient | 2006 | 2007 |
One of the most memorable performances came in 1995 when Nothin’ Leica Dane won the Derby before finishing a brave second in the Melbourne Cup just three days later.
Victoria Derby Barrier Statistics
The barrier draw is an important consideration for punters analysing the latest Victoria Derby betting markets.
Recent Barrier Trends
- Barrier 4 produced Observer (2025).
- Barrier 5 has delivered four winners since 2004.
- Barrier 2 produced back-to-back winners with Hit The Roof (2000) and Amalfi (2001).
- Seven winners since 2004 have overcome double-digit draws.
- Middle barriers continue to perform strongly due to the long run to the first turn.
Best Barrier Historically
Barrier 1 remains statistically the most successful gate, producing five winners since 1983.
Barrier To Avoid
Barrier 3 has developed a reputation among connections as one of the least desirable draws.
Most Successful Victoria Derby Jockeys
Leading Victoria Derby Jockeys
| Jockey | Wins |
|---|---|
| Bobby Lewis | 8 |
| Damien Oliver | 6 |
| Hugh Bowman | 3 |
| John Allen | 2 |
Most Successful Victoria Derby Jockey
Bobby Lewis dominates the all-time standings with an extraordinary eight victories between 1900 and 1927.
Modern Masters
Damien Oliver’s six wins and Hugh Bowman’s three victories make them the standout modern-era Derby riders.
Notably, Clare Lindop became the first female jockey to win the race aboard Rebel Raider in 2008 before Jamie Kah added her name to the honour roll aboard Goldrush Guru in 2024.
Most Successful Victoria Derby Trainers
Leading Victoria Derby Trainers
| Trainer | Wins |
|---|---|
| James Scobie | 8 |
| Bart Cummings | 7 |
| T.J. Smith | 5 |
| Colin Hayes | 4 |
Most Successful Victoria Derby Trainer
James Scobie remains the benchmark with eight victories spanning nearly four decades.
Modern Derby Specialists
Chris Waller has enjoyed tremendous recent success with:
- Manzoice (2022)
- Riff Rocket (2023)
while Lee Freedman remains the most successful modern trainer with three victories since 1983.
Victoria Derby Winners FAQs
Who won the 2025 Victoria Derby?
Observer won the 2025 Victoria Derby for trainer Ciaron Maher and jockey Mark Zahra, defeating Arcora and Deal Done Fast over 2500m at Flemington.
Who won the 2024 Victoria Derby?
Goldrush Guru won the 2024 Victoria Derby for trainer Andrew Gluyas and jockey Jamie Kah.
Who won the 2023 Victoria Derby?
Riff Rocket won the 2023 Victoria Derby as the popular $2.20 favourite for trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald.
Has a filly won the Victoria Derby?
Yes. Four fillies have won the Victoria Derby, with Frances Tressady (1923) the most recent.
What is the fastest Victoria Derby time?
Star Of The Realm holds the race record of 2:33.06 set in 1991.
How many horses have won the Victoria Derby twice?
Only Fireworks (1867-68) has won the Victoria Derby twice, made possible by two editions being run during the same three-year-old season.
What is the best Victoria Derby lead-up race?
The Moonee Valley Vase is widely regarded as the most reliable Victoria Derby form race, most recently producing Observer (2025).
Victoria Derby History: The Race That Creates Future Champions
Few races in Australia boast the prestige and history of the Victoria Derby. Since 1855, the Flemington classic has identified future stars and produced a roll of honour featuring some of the sport’s greatest names. From Phar Lap and Tulloch through to Efficient, Hitotsu, Riff Rocket and Observer, the list of Victoria Derby winners represents a true celebration of stamina, class, and classic staying ability.
For punters and racing fans alike, studying past Victoria Derby winners, reviewing Victoria Derby results, and understanding key historical trends remains one of the best ways to uncover future stars of Australian racing and identify the next champion set to join one of the sport’s most prestigious honour rolls.
Bet on the Victoria Derby 2026 Winner
Victoria Derby 2026 Odds
| 1. True Rebel | ||
| 2. Stormy Marco | ||
| 3. Cormier | ||
| 4. Murshidi | ||
| 5. Hierarchy | ||
| 6. Vallice | ||
| 7. Skua | ||
| 8. Cignetti | ||
| 9. King Snitz | ||
| 10. Icy You | ||
| 11. Russian Rock | ||
| 12. True Tone | ||
| 13. Enchilada | ||
| 14. Frank Whisper | ||
| 15. Kosaji | ||
| 16. Meness | ||
| 17. Mindgames | ||
| 18. Aragog | ||
| 19. Cold Shower | ||
| 20. Diameter |
