Champions Mile 2026 Betting & Field

Overview

This page was last updated on October 27, 2026

The 2026 Champions Mile runs on Saturday November 7 as part of the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.

Race Date: 07/11/2026
Race Status: Group 1
Race Conditions: Weight-for-Age; 3YOs & Upwards
Race Venue: Flemington, VIC
Prize Money: $3,000,000
Distance: 1600m

Champions Mile 2026 Odds

Champions Mile 1600m (Pre-Noms)

Open Race time:

	1. Autumn Glow T:	1.20WIN 1.03PLACE
	2. Lady Shenandoah T:	7.00WIN 2.00PLACE
	3. Pride Of Jenni (Doubtful) T:	8.00WIN 2.15PLACE
	4. Sepals T:	9.00WIN 2.35PLACE
	5. Concord Connie T:	11.00WIN 2.70PLACE
	6. Autumn Boy T:	15.00WIN 3.30PLACE
	7. Gringotts T:	15.00WIN 3.30PLACE
	8. Another Wil T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	9. Birdman T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	10. Gods Window T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	11. Headley Grange T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	12. Just Folk T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	13. Linebacker T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	14. Pericles T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	15. Surfin Bird T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	16. Tom Kitten T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	17. Zambardo T:	26.00WIN 5.25PLACE
	18. Attica T:	51.00WIN 9.25PLACE
	19. Evaporate T:	51.00WIN 9.25PLACE
	20. Feroce T:	51.00WIN 9.25PLACE
	21. Idle Flyer T:	51.00WIN 9.25PLACE
	22. Regal Award T:	51.00WIN 9.25PLACE
	23. Sabaj T:	51.00WIN 9.25PLACE
	24. Steparty T:	51.00WIN 9.25PLACE
	25. Light Infantry Man T:	101.00WIN 17.50PLACE
	26. Militarize T:	101.00WIN 17.50PLACE
	27. Panova T:	101.00WIN 17.50PLACE
	28. Vivy Air T:	101.00WIN 17.50PLACE
	29. Von Hauke T:	101.00WIN 17.50PLACE

Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 01/11/2026 08:41:52 PM (Australia/Brisbane)

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The Champions Mile 2026 is one of Australia’s premier weight-for-age races and a highlight of Champions Day at Flemington Racecourse, bringing together the season’s leading milers for a grand finale to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Formerly known as the Cantala Stakes and later the Kennedy Mile, the race boasts a rich history and an honour roll featuring some of the finest horses to compete over the famous mile journey. Run under weight-for-age conditions, the Champions Mile rewards class, acceleration, and tactical versatility, attracting elite Group 1 performers from across Australia and, at times, overseas challengers eager to test themselves at one of the country’s highest levels.

As one of the marquee events on the final day of the carnival, the Champions Mile 2026 is expected to generate significant interest from racing fans and punters alike, with the latest Champions Mile odds 2026 and Champions Mile betting 2026 markets providing valuable insight into the leading contenders. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the race, including fields, form guide, barrier draw, betting odds, tips, results, race history, and market movers as the nation’s best milers compete for Group 1 glory down the famous Flemington straight and around the iconic mile course.

2026 Champions Mile Results

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Champions Mile results and finishing order when the $3 million showdown runs on Saturday November 7, 2026.

1st: TBD
2nd: TBD
3rd: TBD

Winning Margin: TBD

Winning Time: TBD

Champions Mile Tips

Stay tuned for our insider Champions Mile 2026 Tips on the $3 million middle-distance feature on Stakes Day this spring!

Champions Mile News

Pride Of Jenni Rewrites the Record Books with Historic Third Straight Feehan Stakes Triumph

The VRC Champions Mile is one of Melbourne’s richest 1600m races for the spring with $3 million prize money. This Group 1 race is currently a weight-for-age event now held at Flemington on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival.

The Champions Mile shares the race card at HQ with the VRC Champions Stakes. The other key event on the race card is the Group 1 $3 million Champions Sprint (1200m) and attracting horses out of Sydney’s $20 million The Everest race.

Any fillies and mares targeting the Champions Mile may have an earlier lead-up run in Sydney’s $2 million The Invitation (1400m). In 2021 The Invitation winner Icebath finished a brave next-up second in the event, which was then held as the Cantala Stakes on Derby Day.

The 2022 Champions Mile form was franked the following autumn with the winner Alligator Blood returning to take out the 2023 Futurity Stakes. The 2022 Champions Mile third placegetter Mr Brightside meanwhile further franked the form completing the All-Star Mile / Doncaster Mile double in 2023.

The 2023 Champions Mile winner in an all-the-way upset was Pride Of Jenni who backed-up off a win in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) the Saturday before on Derby Day.

Pride Of Jenni went on to frank the Champions Mile 2023 form returning in the autumn of 2024 to win the All-Star Mile and the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes – the latter by a record 6.5 lengths!

Mr Brightside returned for his third Champions Mile run improving off a 3rd in 2022 and 2nd in 2023 to win the 2024 edition and celebrate his eighth career Group 1 success!

Mr Brightside returned in 2025 to run top 2 in a host more elite level races including winning the Futurity Stakes. The 2024 Champions Mile form was further franked with the runner-up Antino winning the next year’s Group 1 Doomben Cup in 2025.

2026 Champions Mile Betting

Champions Mile betting odds open months in advance of the race with all-in markets on the potential milers targeting the $3 million event released by online bookmakers.

The season’s latest Champions Mile 2026 Odds will be available at Ladbrokes and published here at Races.com.au.

There was a notable upset in 2023 with Pride Of Jenni winning at Champions Mile odds of $13.

Champions Mile betting – is always hugely popular as the race runs on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival meeting and features a star-studded field of milers and past Group 1 winners. Check out our dedicated Champions Mile betting page for everything to do with enjoying a punt on the $3 million dollar feature including tips for the Champions Mile Trifecta.

Champions Mile Field

2026 Champions Mile Form Guide

The Champions Mile form guide is an essential resource for punters analysing one of Australia’s premier weight-for-age races and the headline mile contest of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Run over 1600 metres at Flemington on Champions Day, the Group 1 Champions Mile attracts an elite field of proven Group 1 performers, specialist milers, and weight-for-age stars looking to finish their spring campaigns on a high. The form guide provides valuable information on each runner’s recent performances, track and distance record, barrier draw, jockey and trainer combinations, sectional times, and betting market movements, helping punters identify the horses best suited to the famous Flemington mile.

What Punters Should Look for in the Champions Mile Form Guide:

Weight-for-age form – As the Champions Mile is run under weight-for-age conditions, proven performers at the highest level often hold a class advantage.
1600m credentials – Horses with a strong record at the mile are typically among the leading chances, particularly those proven in Group company.
Flemington form – Previous success at Flemington can be a major positive given the spacious circuit and long home straight.
Group 1 performances – Strong form in elite-level races is often one of the best indicators of Champions Mile success.
Key lead-up race form – Major references regularly include races such as the Cox Plate, Golden Eagle, Toorak Handicap, Epsom Handicap, Might And Power Stakes, and other spring weight-for-age and mile features.
Recent sectionals – Horses producing strong closing splits and late speed ratings often perform well in Flemington’s testing mile.
Barrier draw – While not always decisive, a favourable barrier can help runners secure the ideal position and economical run throughout.
Speed map and race pattern – Understanding which runners are likely to lead, settle midfield, or finish strongly can provide crucial betting insight.
Track conditions – Assess whether runners have a preference for firm or rain-affected ground based on their previous performances.
Trainer and jockey combinations – Leading stables often target the Champions Mile with their best milers, making rider and trainer records worth noting.
Current spring form – Horses peaking late in the carnival frequently prove difficult to beat in this prestigious Group 1 event.
Betting market support – Significant moves in the Champions Mile betting markets can highlight runners attracting confidence from punters and connections.

FULL 2026 CHAMPIONS MILE FORM GUIDE

If you are serious about your betting, you will need a good Champions Mile Form Guide to help in your analysis of the runners. Follow the link to our dedicated page that gives you a run down on the Champions Mile form guide, how to read the information provided in the guide and where to go for the best Champions Mile form guide each season.

2026 Champions Mile Nominations

The early Champions Mile Nominations close the Monday of race week and will be updated right here once early entries are confirmed.

2026 Champions Mile Final Field

The Champions Mile field is often comprised of the horses from the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) run on Cox Plate Day in late October and graduates of the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) run at Caulfield at the start of October on Caulfield Guineas Day. Fierce Impact (2019) was the last galloper to complete the Toorak Handicap – Champions Mile double in a single season.

In 2024 the Toorak Handicap winner Antino finished a brave second in that year’s Champions Mile results behind Mr Brightside.

The official Champions Mile 2026 Final Field & Barriers are set for release on the Wednesday leading up to Champions Stakes Day at Flemington, the full list of milers to be published in full below once announced.

Champions Mile Previous Race Winners

Check out our dedicated Champions Mile Results page for a full list of the past Kennedy Cantala / Champions Mile winners.

YEAR	WINNER	2ND	3RD	TIME
2026	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
2025	Ceolwulf	Pericles	Stefi Magnetica	1:38.94
2024	Mr Brightside	Antino	Fangirl	1:36.02
2023	Pride Of Jenni	Mr Brightside	Alligator Blood	1:34.75
2022	Alligator Blood	Tuvalu	Mr Brightside	1:35.6
2021	Superstorm	Icebath	Cascadian	1:35.2
2020	Yulong Prince	Cascadian	Rock	1:34.5
2019	Fierce Impact	Fifty Stars	Cascadian	1:38.2
2018	Best Of Days	Le Romain	Peaceful State	1:33.6
2017	Shillelagh	Tom Melbourne	Wyndspelle	1:35.0
2016	Le Romain	McCreery	Tivaci	1:34.9
2015	Turn Me Loose	Politeness	Rock Sturdy	1:36.2
2014	Hucklebuck	Lucky Hussler	The Cleaner	1:34.6
2013	Boban	Smokin’ Joey	Speediness	1:36.5
2012	Happy Trails	Fawkner	Secret Admirer	1:35.9
2011	Albert The Fat	King’s Rose	Secret Admirer	1:36.0
2010	Wall Street	Dao Dao	Chasm	1:36.7
2009	All American	So You Think	Gold Salute	1:33.9
2008	All Silent	Sea Battle	Mimi Lebrock	1:35.8
2007	Tears I Cry	Bird Dancer	Shinzig	1:35.2
2006	Divine Madonna	Niconero	Valedictum	1:35.5
2005	Valedictum	Infinite Grace	Shania Dane	1:34.9
2004	Sky Cuddle	Lad Of The Manor	Skewiff	1:39.1
2003	Titanic Jack	True Glo	Crawl	1:34.7
2002	Scenic Peak	Crawl	Excellerator	1:33.4
2001	Desert Eagle	Emission	La Bella Dama	1:37.3
2000	Testa Rosaa	Weasel Will	Crawl	1:35.5

Champions Mile FAQs

What is the Champions Mile?

The Champions Mile is a Group 1 weight-for-age race run over 1600 metres at Flemington Racecourse on Champions Day, the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

When is the Champions Mile run?

The Champions Mile is held annually on Champions Day during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, run on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.

Where is the Champions Mile held?

The race is contested at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria.

How far is the Champions Mile?

The Champions Mile is run over 1600 metres, Australia’s premier mile distance.

What are the conditions of the Champions Mile?

The race is conducted under weight-for-age conditions, allowing the best milers to compete on level terms.

What was the Champions Mile previously known as?

The race was previously known as the Cantala Stakes, before later being run as the Kennedy Mile and subsequently renamed the Champions Mile as part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s Champions Day rebrand.

How much prize money does the Champions Mile offer?

The Champions Mile is one of Australia’s richest mile races, offering elite-level Group 1 prize money of $3 million and attracting many of the nation’s best horses.

What type of horse typically wins the Champions Mile?

Successful winners are generally proven Group 1 milers, weight-for-age performers, or versatile horses capable of producing a strong finish over 1600m.

What are the key lead-up races to the Champions Mile?

Important lead-up races often include the Cox Plate, Toorak Handicap, Epsom Handicap, Golden Eagle, Might And Power Stakes, and other major spring weight-for-age and mile features.

Is the Champions Mile part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival?

Yes. The Champions Mile is one of the feature races on Champions Day, the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

How many horses run in the Champions Mile?

The Champions Mile typically attracts a field of up to 16 runners, although final field sizes can vary depending on nominations and acceptances.

Why is the Champions Mile important?

The race provides a championship-level test for elite milers and serves as one of the final Group 1 highlights of the Australian spring racing season.

How can I bet on the Champions Mile?

Punters can place bets on the race through licensed bookmakers including Ladbrokes offering win, place, each-way, quinella, exacta, trifecta, first four, futures, and fixed-odds betting markets.

Where can I find the latest Champions Mile odds?

You can find the latest Champions Mile odds, betting markets, fields, form guides, tips, scratchings, and results right here at Races.com.au.

Which famous horses have won the Champions Mile?

The Champions Mile honour roll features many outstanding Australian racehorses and Group 1 champions, reflecting the race’s status as one of the country’s premier weight-for-age mile contests including: Ceolwulf (2025), Mr Brightside (2024), Pride Of Jenni (2023), Alligator Blood (2022), Fierce Impact (2019), Le Romain (2016), Boban (2013), Happy Trails (2012), All Silent (2008), Divine Madonna (2006), Testa Rossa (2000), Catalan Opening (1997), Primacy (1993), Planet Ruler (1992), Shaftesbury Avenue (1990), Better Loosen Up (1989), Family Of Man (1978), Maybe Mahal (1976), Taj Rossi (1973), Gunsynd (1971), Vain (1969), Storm Queen (1966), Wenona Girl (1963), Aquanita (1960/1961), Amounis (1926/1929) and Violoncello (1922).

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