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The latest edition of the Shannon Stakes ran on Saturday September 26, 2026 as part of Sydney’s popular Golden Rose Day with the odds-on favourite Skyhook ($1.50) posting a big three-length win in the lead-up to a likely $10 million Golden Eagle bid. 

The Shannon Stakes 2026 is one of Rosehill’s key Group 2 spring features, a pivotal 1500m contest that regularly shapes the path toward Sydney’s biggest mile races. Held each September, the Shannon Stakes attracts a mix of proven Group performers and emerging talents on the rise, making it a crucial form race for punters following the Epsom Handicap, King Charles III Stakes and other elite events later in the carnival. Known for producing fast-run, tactical contests and showcasing horses ready to peak third-up or fourth-up, the race has become a cornerstone of the Rosehill Spring Racing Carnival. With its strong honour roll, reliable form lines and reputation for launching runners into Group 1 success, the Shannon Stakes remains a must-watch event for racing fans and a high value betting opportunity for punters each spring.

2026 Shannon Stakes Results

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Shannon Stakes results and finishing order and to see which horse gains the Epsom Handicap ballot exemption this year. 

Winning Margin: 2.9 lengths

Winning Time: 1:28.58

The 2026 Shannon Stakes results produced another standout performance from progressive four-year-old Skyhook ($1.50F), who enhanced his growing reputation with a commanding three-length victory in the Group 2 feature over 1500m at Rosehill. The Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou-trained son of Written Tycoon continued his superb campaign under Kerrin McEvoy, controlling the race from a favourable draw before proving too strong for Estadio Mestalla ($10), with Private Eye ($4.80) a long neck away in third. Clocking 1:28.58 and sprinting home in 33.50 seconds, Skyhook’s latest black-type success followed wins in the Theo Marks Stakes, Gunsynd Classic, and Hawkesbury Guineas, with connections now ruling out the Epsom Handicap in favour of a freshen-up and a likely path through the Silver Eagle towards the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31. The dominant display prompted an immediate market move, with Ladbrokes trimming Skyhook’s 2026 Golden Eagle odds from $15 into $11, strengthening his position among the leading contenders for one of Australia’s richest races.

2026 Shannon Stakes Race Replay

? Race 9 | SKYHOOK

SKYHOOK does it again! ? Taking out the Group 2 @HKJC_Racing World Pool Shannon Stakes.@KPMcEvoy @RARacing_ @WorldPool

? Watch Live: @SkyRacingAU & @7horseracing pic.twitter.com/sgFEEJhugv

— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) September 26, 2026

2026 Shannon Stakes Odds & Finishing Order

See below for the latest Shannon Stakes 2026 odds followed by the official finishing order after the event this spring.

2026 Shannon Stakes Tips

Stay tuned for our insider Shannon Stakes 2026 Tips on the Epsom Handicap lead-up this spring.

Favourite: No. 2 Skyhook

Each Way Danger: No. 6 Magnatear

Best Roughie: No. 4 New Endeavour

The Shannon Stakes is a Group 2 thoroughbred race held during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival on Golden Rose Stakes Day in late September. Conducted at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, there are five Group status races on the program including the Group 1 $1 million Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) for three-year-olds and the Group 2 $400,000 Golden Pendant (1400m) for fillies and mares.

The Shannon Stakes is a middle-distance event raced over 1500m. A quality handicap for three-year-olds and up, it offers $300,000 in stakes. There are a number of earlier races held at the carnival that Shannon Stakes contenders may have previously run in including the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) a fortnight before.

Skyhook (2026) was the last horse to complete the Theo Marks Stakes – Shannon Stakes double.

The Shannon Stakes is the ideal lead-up race to the prestigious Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) in two weeks’ time at Randwick with the winner exempt from both ballot and penalty for the $1.5 million Randwick race run the following Saturday. Some quality runners have claimed victory in the Shannon Stakes including Al Mansour (2000), Armed For Action (1998), and Juggler (1996).

In 2019 the Shannon Stakes winner Mister Sea Wolf went on to win the inaugural edition of the $1 million The Gong at Kembla Grange that November.

The 2022 Shannon Stakes form was franked with the third place-getter Ellsberg going on to win that year’s Epsom Handicap as well as the Five Diamond Prelude – Five Diamonds double.

The 2023 Shannon Stakes winner Cepheus franked the form winning the $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes at his next start before a second in that year’s The Big Dance on Melbourne Cup Day. Sadly, the popular galloper suffered fatal injuries during trackwork the following spring.

Shannon Stakes
Date:	Saturday September 26, 2026
Track:	Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
Distance:	1500m
Conditions:	3YO & Up – Quality Handicap
Status:	Group 2
Prize Money:	$300,000
Inaugurated:	1978

2026 Shannon Stakes Betting 

Stay tuned for the top Shannon Stakes 2026 betting odds and Group 2 market links to Ladbrokes made available here at Races.com.au the week of the race.

I Am Superman ($4.60 in 2020) and Skyhook ($1.50 in 2026) are the latest Shannon Stakes favourites to win.

There was a notable upset in 2021 with Yonkers winning at Shannon Stakes odds of $41.

2026 Shannon Stakes Form

The Shannon Stakes form guide is the key resource punters use to assess every runner in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes at Rosehill — a 1500m spring race that regularly determines which horses progress to major mile features. It pulls together the crucial indicators of race shape, fitness, class, and suitability, helping punters identify which gallopers are ready to peak and which may be building toward bigger targets. The form guide provides a full breakdown of each runner’s recent performances, preferred conditions, racing pattern, jockey/trainer combinations, and how they map into the 1500m contest. Because the Shannon Stakes often features horses heading toward the Epsom Handicap or King Charles III Stakes, it is one of the most important analytical tools for punters during the Rosehill spring.

What Punters Should Look for on the Shannon Stakes Form Guide:

• Recent form — Horses with strong early spring form or proven Group level consistency are historically well suited. Look for runners improving second-up or third-up.
• 1500m suitability — The Shannon Stakes sits in a sweet spot between sprinting and miling. Horses with strong 1400m–1600m form are typically advantaged.
• Rosehill record — Rosehill can favour on pace runners depending on rail position. Check each horse’s track record and performance on good, soft, or heavy ground.
• Speed map — The race often features a genuine tempo. Identify leaders, on-pacers, and backmarkers to understand which runners will get the right run.
• Jockey & trainer stats — Leading stables such as Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott regularly target this race. Punters should note stable form and key rider changes.
• Sectional times — Horses with strong late splits in recent starts often excel, especially those capable of producing a sustained 400m burst off a solid tempo.
• Spring targets — Many runners use the Shannon Stakes as a final tune-up for the Epsom or King Charles III Stakes. Horses with ambitious campaigns often arrive forward enough to win here.

FULL 2026 SHANNON STAKES FORM GUIDE

2026 Shannon Stakes Field

The Shannon Stakes 2026 field of final acceptances and barrier draw are released by Racing NSW on the Wednesday leading up to Golden Rose Day and traditionally feature Epsom Handicap-bound milers out of lead-up races like the Theo Marks Stakes.

The 2026 Shannon Stakes final field features 10 quality middle-distance gallopers including four-year-old Skyhook coming off a good win fresh in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes and surprise runner-up in that same key lead-up, Magnatear, drawn the rails.

2026 Shannon Stakes Nominations

Early nominations on the Shannon Stakes in 2026 are taken the Monday of race week.

Shannon Stakes History

Named in honour of the brilliant Hollywood Gold Cup victor and Hall of Fame inductee Shannon, the Shannon Stakes was first run in 1978 as a Principal race run over 1500m and For All Season was the inaugural winner.

The following year in 1979 the race status was increased to a Listed event, and the distance was decreased to 1400m. In 1985 it was installed as a Group 3 race, and the length was increased back to the original distance of 1500m. Finally in 2001 the Shannon Stakes was elevated to its current Group 2 status and for one year was run over 1400m. The next year in 2002 the distance reverted back to 1500m again.

The race was not held in 2007 due to an outbreak of the equine influenza.

Shannon Stakes Records
Race Record (1500m):	1:28.0 set by Moral Victory in 2016
Heaviest Weight Carried to Victory:	60kg by Juggler in 1996
Lightest Weight Carried to Victory:	48.5kg For All Seasons in 1978
Most Successful Jockeys:	Two jockeys have won the Shannon Stakes four times. R. Quinton with For All Seasons (1978), Dalmacia (1982), Eastern Bay (1984) and Never Quit (1987). L. Beasley with Quick Flick (1997), Al Mansour (2000), On Type (2001) and Lotteria (2005).

Recent Shannon Stakes Winners

Year	Place	Horse	Time
2026 Shannon Stakes	1st	Skyhook	1 minute 28.58 seconds
	2nd	Estadio Mestalla
	3rd	Private Eye
2025 Shannon Stakes	1st	Waterford	1 minute 28.07 seconds
	2nd	Rise At Dawn
	3rd	Osipenko
2024 Shannon Stakes	1st	Amor Victorious	1 minute 29.06 seconds
	2nd	Punch Lane
	3rd	New Endeavour
2023 Shannon Stakes	1st	Cepheus	1 minute 28.51 seconds
	2nd	Williamsburg
	3rd	Waterford
2022 Shannon Stakes	1st	Surf Dancer	1 minute 29.77 seconds
	2nd	Old Flame
	3rd	Ellsberg
2021 Shannon Stakes	1st	Yonkers	1 minute 28.21 seconds
	2nd	Discharged
	3rd	Reloaded
2020 Shannon Stakes	1st	I Am Superman	1 minute 29.10 seconds
	2nd	Riodini
	3rd	Looks Like Elvis
2019 Shannon Stakes	1st	Mister Sea Wolf	1 minute 29.11 seconds
	2nd	Gem Song
	3rd	Tom Melbourne
2018 Shannon Stakes	1st	Noire	1 minute 29.62 seconds
	2nd	Kingsguard
	3rd	Youngstar
2017 Shannon Stakes	1st	Washington Heights	1 minute 28.80 seconds
	2nd	Mighty Lucky
	3rd	Imposing Lass
2016 Shannon Stakes	1st	Moral Victory	1 minute 28 seconds
	2nd	Caped Crusader
	3rd	Cosmic Cube
2015 Shannon Stakes	1st	Vashka	1 minute 29.2 seconds
	2nd	God’s In Him
	3rd	Messene
2014 Shannon Stakes	1st	Rock Sturdy	1 minute 28.8 seconds
	2nd	Liberty’s Choice
	3rd	Ninth Legion
2013 Shannon Stakes	1st	Rain Drum	1 minute 29.3 seconds
	2nd	Centennial Park
	3rd	Our Desert Warrior
2012 Shannon Stakes	1st	Rolling Pin	1 minute 31.18 seconds
	2nd	Offenders
	3rd	Fat Al
2011 Shannon Stakes	1st	King Lionheart	1 minute 28.56 seconds
	2nd	Fast Clip
	3rd	Lone Command
2010 Shannon Stakes	1st	Firebolt	1 minute 28.54 seconds
	2nd	Centennial Park
	3rd	Sacred Choice
2009 Shannon Stakes	1st	Drumbeats	1 minute 30.1 seconds
	2nd	Rangirangdoo
	3rd	Strat’s Flyer
2008 Shannon Stakes	1st	Musket	1 minute 30.56 seconds
	2nd	Black Piranha
	3rd	Ice Chariot
2007 Shannon Stakes	Race Not Held
2006 Shannon Stakes	1st	Stormhill	1 minute 28.43 seconds
	2nd	Temple Hills
	3rd	Newton’s Rings
2005 Shannon Stakes	1st	Lotteria	1 minute 30.21 seconds
	2nd	Studebaker
	3rd	Swick
2004 Shannon Stakes	1st	Nips	1 minute 28.27 seconds
	2nd	Whoc
	3rd	Irongail
2003 Shannon Stakes	1st	Sportsman	1 minute 28.09 seconds
	2nd	Amex
	3rd	Nips
2002 Shannon Stakes	1st	Gordo	1 minute 29.7 seconds
	2nd	Shot Of Thunder
	3rd	Evander
2001 Shannon Stakes	1st	On Type	1 minute 22.42 seconds
	2nd	Century Kid
	3rd	Diamond Dane
2000 Shannon Stakes	1st	Al Mansour	1 minute 29.5 seconds
	2nd	Chinhoyi
	3rd	Varicool

Shannon Stakes FAQs

What is the Shannon Stakes?
The Shannon Stakes is a Group 2 race run over 1500m at Rosehill Gardens, held each September as part of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival. It is a key lead-up for horses targeting major mile features.

When is the Shannon Stakes run?
The Shannon Stakes takes place in late September during Rosehill’s spring program. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday September 26, 2026.

What distance is the Shannon Stakes?
The race is run over 1500 metres, a specialist trip that suits horses with strong 1400m–1600m form.

Who can run in the Shannon Stakes?
The Shannon Stakes is open to three-year-olds and up, though it traditionally attracts seasoned older horses preparing for Group 1 targets.

What type of race is the Shannon Stakes?
It is a Group 2 event run under set weights plus penalties, making it an important stepping-stone toward elite mile races.

Where is the Shannon Stakes held?
The race is staged at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney.

Why is the Shannon Stakes important?
The Shannon Stakes is a proven form race for major spring features such as the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes, with many winners progressing to Group 1 success.

Who trains Shannon Stakes winners?
Leading Sydney stables such as Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott frequently target the race.

What are common Shannon Stakes lead-up races?
Typical lead-ups include the Theo Marks Stakes, Bill Ritchie Handicap, and various early spring 1400m–1600m events.

Where can I find Shannon Stakes tips?
Expert selections and betting previews are available in our Shannon Stakes tips section above as well as over on the Ladbrokes Australia Racing Blog.

Where can I see Shannon Stakes results?
Full finishing order, margins, times, and replay information can be found in our Shannon Stakes results section at the top of the page post-race.