Overview
This page was last updated on October 27, 2026
The 2026 VRC Sprint Classic runs on Saturday November 7 as the Champions Sprint at Flemington offering $3 million in stakes.Â
- 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: 1200m
Champions Sprint 2026 Odds
| 1. Tempted | ||
| 2. Joliestar | ||
| 3. Point Barrow | ||
| 4. Angel Capital | ||
| 5. Skybird | ||
| 6. Lazzura | ||
| 7. Giga Kick | ||
| 8. My Gladiola | ||
| 9. Overpass | ||
| 10. Caballus | ||
| 11. Jigsaw | ||
| 12. Mazu | ||
| 13. Natural Fling | ||
| 14. Napoleonic | ||
| 15. Beadman | ||
| 16. Charm Stone | ||
| 17. Gallant Son | ||
| 18. Geegees Mistruth | ||
| 19. Hedged | ||
| 20. Jokers Grin |
The Champions Sprint 2026 is one of Australia’s premier weight-for-age sprint races, bringing together the nation’s elite speed horses and international challengers for a fitting grand finale to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Run at Flemington Racecourse on Champions Day, the prestigious sprint showcases the very best performers from the spring carnival, with proven Group 1 winners, established straight-track specialists, and emerging sprint stars all vying for one of the most coveted prizes in Australian racing. Formerly known as the VRC Sprint Classic, the race boasts a rich history and has been won by some of the greatest sprinters of the modern era.
As one of the headline events on the final day of the carnival, the Champions Sprint 2026 is expected to attract significant attention from racing fans and punters alike, with the latest Champions Sprint odds 2026 and Champions Sprint 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 field updates, form guide, barrier draw, betting trends, expert tips, market movers, results, and race history as the top sprinters battle it out over Flemington’s famous 1200m straight course.
2026 Champions Sprint Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Champions Sprint race results and finishing order to see if your bets on this year’s race were successful!
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
Winning Margin:Â TBD
Winning Time: TBD
Champions Sprint Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Champions Sprint 2026 Tips on the lucrative sprint down the famous Flemington straight this November!
Champions Sprint News
- Grafterburners Stakes Champions Sprint 2026 Claim with Dominant Sydney Stakes Victory
- Jigsaw Continues Fairytale Sprinting Career with Dominant Schillaci Stakes 2026 Victory
- Point Barrow Powers to Northwood Plume Victory, 2026 Champions Sprint Potential Next Target
- 2025 Coolmore Stud Stakes Results: Tentyris Wins by 2.25 Lengths
- 2024 Champions Sprint Results: Sunshine In Paris Drives Through to Win
The Champions Sprint is a 1200m sprint race run down the famous Flemington straight during the spring on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup.
Held on a Saturday in early to mid-November on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Champions Sprint is the premier sprint race of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and is currently worth $3,000,000 in prize money.
The race, held on VRC Champions Stakes Day, is now the perfect target race for horses out of the world’s richest turf race – the $20 million The Everest (1200m) in Sydney the month before.
Redzel (2017) completed The Everest – VRC Sprint Classic double when the former took place for the first time. Santa Ana Lane (6th in 2018), Nature Strip (4th in 2019) and Bivouac (2nd in 2020) all also won the VRC Classic off a lead-up in The Everest race.
For a fifth time in as many years The Everest produced the VRC Sprint Classic winner in 2021 with Nature Strip completing the double.
Nature Strip further franked the form returning in the autumn of 2022 to again win the TJ Smith Stakes in Sydney before heading to Royal Ascot in the UK for his international Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes (1200m) victory.
Nature Strip returned for the 2022 edition of the race – run as the Champions Sprint – but only managed to run second behind upset winning mare Roch ‘N’ Horse.
The 2023 Champions Sprint was won by brilliant mare Imperatriz who came off four straight Moonee Valley wins including the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) and Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m).
Imperatriz went on to frank the form returning in the autumn of 2024 to win the Lightning Stakes and William Reid Stakes before retiring.
In 2024 Sunshine In Paris improved on a The Everest fifth to win the Champions Sprint while that year’s The Everest hero, Bella Nipotina, ran third in the Flemington Group 1.
Sunshine In Paris franked the 2024 Champions Sprint form returning the next year to run third in Sydney’s All Aged Stakes before a Group 1 Doomben 10,000 win in Brisbane.
The 2025 Champions Sprint third placegetter, Joliestar, would return the following season to dominate a host of Group 1 races in 2026 including the Canterbury Stakes, TJ Smith Stakes and run third in The Everest.
2026 Champions Sprint Betting
The latest Champions Sprint 2026 betting odds will be provided at Ladbrokes and published here at Races.com.au for you to back your best Champions Sprint tips.
Bivouac ($3.20 in 2020), Nature Strip ($1.28 in 2021) and Imperatriz ($2.15 in 2023) are the last Champions Sprint favourites to win.
There was a notable upset in 2022 with Roch ‘N’ Horse winning at Champions Sprint odds of $20.
Champions Sprint Field
2026 Champions Sprint Form Guide
The Champions Sprint form guide is an essential resource for punters analysing one of Australia’s premier sprint races and the flagship speed contest on Champions Day at Flemington. Run under weight-for-age conditions over 1200 metres, the Group 1 feature attracts an elite field of proven Group 1 sprinters, straight-track specialists, interstate stars, and international raiders looking to finish their spring campaigns on a high note. The form guide provides detailed information on each runner’s recent performances, track and distance record, barrier draw, jockey and trainer combinations, sectional times, and betting market movements. By studying the Champions Sprint form guide, punters can identify which runners possess the class, speed, and current form required to succeed at the highest level.
What Punters Should Look for in the Champions Sprint Form Guide:
- Weight-for-age form – The Champions Sprint is run under weight-for-age conditions, making proven Group 1 performers particularly dangerous.
- 1200m credentials – Horses with a strong record at 1200m often possess the ideal blend of speed and stamina required for the race.
- Flemington straight-track form – Previous success down Flemington’s famous straight six can be a major advantage, especially for horses that excel without the pressure of turning.
- Lead-up race form – Key lead-ups often include the Manikato Stakes, The Everest, Gilgai Stakes, Moir Stakes, Schillaci Stakes, and other major spring sprint features.
- Group 1 performances – Proven form at elite level is often one of the strongest indicators of success in the Champions Sprint.
- Recent sectionals – Horses producing outstanding late splits or maintaining high-speed cruising rates deserve close attention.
- Barrier draw – While barriers can be less significant in straight-track races, track patterns may occasionally favour one side of the course.
- Track conditions – Assess whether runners perform best on firm, soft, or rain-affected ground, particularly if weather impacts Flemington leading into race day.
- Racing pattern – Understanding which runners prefer to lead, race on pace, or finish strongly can help punters anticipate how the race may unfold.
- Trainer and jockey combinations – Australia’s leading sprint trainers often specifically target the Champions Sprint with their best horses.
- Interstate and international form – Comparing form lines from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and overseas can provide valuable insight into the quality of each contender.
- Betting market support – Significant moves in the Champions Sprint betting markets can often indicate stable confidence and race day expectations.
FULL 2026 CHAMPIONS SPRINT FORM GUIDE
2026 Champions Sprint Nominations
The Champions Sprint nominations are taken the Monday of race week and feature a star-studded list of spring sprinters, including many that ran well in the previous season’s Champions Sprint results.
Races.com.au will publish the official 2026 Champions Sprint Nominations as soon as early entries are announced by Racing Victoria.
2026 Champions Sprint Final Field & Barriers
The 2026 Champions Sprint field will be released by Racing Victoria on the Wednesday of Melbourne Cup week 2026 and will be published below along with the official Champions Sprint Barrier Draw as soon as announced.
Horses may come into the Champions Sprint field via a number of different early Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival sprint races, but the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) has proven the key lead-up race with Buffering (2013) and Imperatriz (2023) the latest horses to complete the Manikato Stakes – Champions Sprint double.
The richest turf race in the world – the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick the month before, also now serves as a possible VRC Sprint Classic / Champions Sprint lead-up with Santa Ana Lane running sixth in the Sydney feature before his 2018 win at Flemington.
In 2017 Redzel took out The Everest – Darley Classic double, while Nature Strip (2019) improved on a fourth in The Everest to again frank the form with a big Darley Classic win at Flemington and Bivouac (2020) also won the Darley Classic (now the Champions Sprint) off a second in The Everest.
In 2021 Nature Strip won the race for a second time and joined Redzel in completing The Everest – VRC Sprint Classic double.
Champions Sprint History
The VRC Sprint Classic’s inaugural winner was Gulnare in 1868. The race was upgraded to Group 1 status in 2007.
The race distance has changed many times over the years, with the being a 1200m, 1400m and 1600m. The race name has also changed many times, with the race being known as the Flying Stakes, Linlithgow Stakes, Emirates Classic, Lexus Classic, The Age Classic, Patinack Farm Classic before changing to the VRC Sprint Classic in 2013. It has also been run as the Darley Classic in recent years.
Many great horses have won the VRC Sprint Classic including the legendary Phar Lap in 1930. Champion sire Fastnet Rock won the race in 2004.
A number of horses have won the race multiple times including the undefeated mare Black Caviar (2010-11) and Chris Waller’s ace sprinter Nature Strip (2019, 2021) who also won the 2021 The Everest in the lead-up that spring.
The event was renamed ahead of the 2022 edition as the Champions Sprint.
Champions Sprint Previous Race Winners
The VRC Sprint Classic / Champions Sprint results including the winners and placegetters dating back to 2000 can be found below and used to help you with Champions Sprint betting this spring.
| YEAR | WINNER | 2ND | 3RD | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Giga Kick | Magic Time | Joliestar | 1:13.30 |
| 2024 | Sunshine In Paris | Right To Party | Bella Nipotina | 1:09.25 |
| 2023 | Imperatriz | Buenos Noches | In Secret | 1:09.08 |
| 2022 | Roch ‘N’ Horse | Nature Strip | Baller | 1:09.19 |
| 2021 | Nature Strip | Swats That | Bella Nipotina | 1:08.7 |
| 2020 | Bivouac | Nature Strip | Libertini | 1:08.6 |
| 2019 | Nature Strip | Loving Gaby | In Her Time | 1:09.2 |
| 2018 | Santa Ana Lane | In Her Time | DH: Pierata, Jungle Cat | 1:08.6 |
| 2017 | Redzel | Terravista | Impending | 1:08.7 |
| 2016 | Malaguerra | Spieth | Fell Swoop | 1:10.2 |
| 2015 | Delectation | Chautauqua | Terravista | 1:10.0 |
| 2014 | Terravista | Chautauqua | Lankan Rupee | 1:08.7 |
| 2013 | Buffering | Shamexpress | Moment Of Change | 1:10.3 |
| 2012 | Mental | Sea Siren | Hallowell Belle | 1:09.0 |
| 2011 | Black Caviar | Buffering | Mid Summer Music | 1:08.3 |
| 2010 | Black Caviar | Star Witness | Ortensia | 1:07.9 |
| 2009 | All Silent | Wanted | Bank Robber | 1:08.7 |
| 2008 | Swick | Turffontein | Sunburnt Land | 1:11.0 |
| 2007 | Miss Andretti | Gold Edition | Stanzout | 1:08.9 |
| 2006 | Dance Hero | Shadoways | Miss Andretti | 1:08.6 |
| 2005 | Glamour Puss | Barely A Moment | Cape Of Good Hope | 1:08.9 |
| 2004 | Takeover Target | Recurring | St Basil | 1:08.2 |
| 2003 | Ancient Song | Into The Night | Blessum | 1:11.0 |
| 2002 | Rubitano | Intelligent Star | Cosmic Strike | 1:07.1 |
| 2001 | Sudurka | Hire | Camena | 1:08.4 |
| 2000 | Easy Rocking | Umrum | Tilt The Scales | 1:10.0 |
Champions Sprint FAQs
What is the Champions Sprint?
The Champions Sprint is a Group 1 weight-for-age sprint race run over 1200 metres at Flemington Racecourse on Champions Day, the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
When is the Champions Sprint run?
The Champions Sprint is held annually on Champions Day on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival which runs on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.
Where is the Champions Sprint held?
The race is conducted at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria.
How far is the Champions Sprint?
The Champions Sprint is contested over a distance of 1200 metres.
What are the conditions of the Champions Sprint?
The race is run under weight-for-age conditions, allowing the best sprinters to compete on level terms without handicap weights.
What was the Champions Sprint previously known as?
The race was previously known as the VRC Sprint Classic before being renamed the Champions Sprint as part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival’s Champions Day rebranding.
How much prize money does the Champions Sprint offer?
The Champions Sprint is one of Australia’s richest sprint races, offering substantial Group 1 prize money of $3 million and attracting elite sprinters from around the country and overseas.
What type of horse typically wins the Champions Sprint?
Successful winners are generally proven Group 1 sprinters, weight-for-age performers, or specialist straight-track horses with strong 1200m credentials.
Is the Champions Sprint run down Flemington’s straight course?
Yes. The Champions Sprint is run down Flemington’s famous 1200m straight course, one of the most unique sprint tests in world racing.
What are the key lead-up races to the Champions Sprint?
Important lead-up races often include The Everest, Manikato Stakes, Moir Stakes, Gilgai Stakes, Schillaci Stakes, and other elite sprint races during the spring carnival.
How many horses run in the Champions Sprint?
The Champions Sprint typically attracts a field of up to 16 runners, although field sizes may vary depending on nominations and acceptances.
Why is the Champions Sprint important?
The race brings together the season’s leading sprinters for one final Group 1 showdown and is considered one of the highlights of Champions Day and the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
How can I bet on the Champions Sprint?
Punters can wager on the race through licensed bookmakers including Ladbrokes offering win, place, each-way, exacta, quinella, trifecta, first four, and fixed-odds betting markets.
Where can I find the latest Champions Sprint odds?
You can find the latest Champions Sprint odds, betting markets, form guides, fields, tips, scratchings, and results right here at Races.com.au.
Which famous horses have won the Champions Sprint?
The race honour roll features many outstanding sprinters and Group 1 champions, highlighting its status as one of Australia’s premier weight-for-age sprint races including: Giga Kick (2025), Imperatriz (2023), Roch ‘N’ Horse (2022), Bivouac (2020), Nature Strip (2019/2021), Santa Ana Lane (2018), Redzel (2017), Terravista (2014), Buffering (2013), Black Caviar (2010/2011), Miss Andretti (2007), Dance Hero (2006), Takeover Target (2004), Rubitano (2002), Gold Ace (1996), Hareeba (1994), Planet Ruler (1989/1990), Special (1988), River Rough (1983/1984), Always Welcome (1978), Maybe Mahal (1976), Scamanda (1974), Century (1973), Dual Choice (1970), Vain (1969) and Iga Ninja (1967).
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
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Ask Form Genius...
- Which runner has the best trainer/jockey combo at Flemington?
- Which runner has the best form on this track?
- Which runners are mapped as leaders in the Champions Sprint?
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Get Free Access to Form Genius Now| VRC Sprint Classic / Champions Sprint | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday November 7, 2026 |
| Track: | Flemington Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1200m |
| Race Type: | Weight-For-Age |
| Status: | Group 1 |
| Prize Money: | $3,000,000 |
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