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The Chairman's Stakes is Group 3 race for two-year-olds run in the summer as a lead-up to the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes.
Chairman’s Stakes News
The Chairman’s Stakes is a Group 3 race currently contested at Caulfield Racecourse (Sandown Lakeside in 2025) in late January or early February during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Chairman’s Stakes results and finishing order on Saturday January 31, 2026.
- 1st: No. 1 Big Sky ($1.60F)
- 2nd: No. 2 Invincible Son
- 3rd: No. 8 La Gitana
Winning Margin: 3 lengths
Winning Time: 0:58.06 seconds
Big Sky ($1.60F) stamped himself as one of Australia’s most exciting juveniles with a commanding three-length victory for the punters in Saturday’s 2026 Chairman’s Stakes results at Caulfield, taking control of the race from the outset and never giving supporters a moment of concern as the short-priced favourite.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Bivouac colt showed blistering early speed under Ben Melham, travelled comfortably throughout, and powered clear in the straight before being eased down late, reinforcing the hype generated by his sharp debut win at Flemington.
The dominant performance immediately elevated him to the top of early Blue Diamond Stakes markets, with his trainers confident there is still significant improvement to come as he continues to learn and mature.
| 1. Big Sky (2) J: Ben Melham59kg 1T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 2. Invincible Son (1) J: Jamie Melham57kg 3T: Robbie Griffiths | ||
| 8. La Gitana (3) J: Damian Lane55kg T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 9. Orchid Sky (6) J: Michael Dee55kg T: Patrick Kearney | ||
| 4. Lady Of Five (5) J: Adin Thompson55kg 12xT: Peter & Will Hulbert | ||
| 5. Mirador (7) J: Luke Currie55kg 2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 3. Captive Rock (4) J: Thomas Stockdale57kg T: Simon Zahra |
The other key support act on the card is the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1300m) for mares.
Run over a short sprint distance of 1000m the Chairman’s Stakes is open only to two-year-olds and is contested under set weights plus penalties conditions. The event offers $200,000 in total prize money.
Youngsters may be kicking off their careers or autumn campaigns in the Chairman’s Stakes in Melbourne and the race serves as a good lead-up to the Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).
Extreme Choice (2016) was the last horse to complete the Chairman’s Stakes – Blue Diamond Stakes double, while the 2017 Chairman’s Stakes winning filly Formality went on to run third in the Blue Diamond Stakes trifecta behind stablemate Catchy that year.
The 2022 Chairman’s Stakes form was franked with the winner Sebonack going on to run fourth in that year’s Blue Diamond Stakes results.
The Chairman’s Stakes form from 2024 was franked with the winner Coleman going on to run second in that year’s Golden Slipper Stakes quinella and third in Sydney’s Group 1 Inglis’ Sires.
The Chairman’s Stakes 2026 ran on Saturday January 31, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse as one of the first Group status races of the autumn carnival and was won in style by the undefeated favourite Big Sky ($1.60F) who romped home in a dominant three-length victory.
| 2026 Chairman’s Stakes | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday January 31, 2026 |
| Track: | Caulfield Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1000m |
| Race Type: | 2YO – Set Weights + Penalties |
| Status: | Group 3 |
| Prize Money: | $200,000 |
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Betting
The best Chairman’s Stakes 2026 betting odds will be available at Ladbrokes.com.au with autumn betting market links also published here at Races.com.au as soon as prices are open on the hopeful young two-year-olds.
Eleven of the past sixteen Chairman’s Stakes favourites saluted for the punters with Big Sky ($1.60 in 2026), Coleman ($2.10 in 2024), Enthaar ($1.24 in 2021), Loving Gaby ($3.50 in 2019), Formality ($2.45 in 2017), Extreme Choice ($1.40 in 2016), Nayeli ($3 in 2014), Metastasio ($1.45 in 2013), Atomic ($2.80 in 2011), and Crystal Lily ($2.20 in 2010).
In 2020 Mildred scored an upset at double-figure odds with the favourite Aryaaf running second.
In 2023 the favourite ran second again with Veecee beaten home by Zulfiqar ($7.50).
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Form Guide
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2026 CHAIRMAN’S STAKES FORM GUIDE
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Chairman’s Stakes 2026 Tips on the Melbourne showdown this season.
To Win: No. 1 Big Sky
BIG SKY (2) looks every bit the rightful odds-on favourite in the Chairman’s and is clearly the one they all have to beat. The Price & Kent Jnr-trained Bivouac colt couldn’t have been more impressive on debut, putting a handy Flemington 2YO Handicap away by nearly three lengths over the 1000m and doing it with authority. He carries the 59kg topweight again but already showed he can absorb the pressure and still quicken, and he stays at a trip that suits perfectly. A small field only enhances his chances, and with Ben Melham — who rides for this stable particularly well — taking over, he maps to land in the first couple and control things from the outset. If he jumps cleanly and rolls forward, he’ll be very hard to reel in.
|
1. Big Sky (2)
J: Ben Melham59kg
1T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr
|
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Field
The Chairman’s Stakes field attracts a line-up of promising two-year-old sprinters each autumn, many heading towards a run in the season’s Blue Diamond Stakes field.
The official 2026 Chairman’s Stakes field and barriers are set for release on the Wednesday of race week and will be published in full below.
The Chairman’s Stakes 2026 final field features a smart line-up of promising Blue Diamond types including Bivouac colt Big Sky coming off a winning Flemington debut by nearly three lengths.
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | BIG SKY | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Ben Melham | 2 | 59kg | Â | Â | 68 |
| 2 | 3 | INVINCIBLE SON | Robbie Griffiths | Ms Jamie Melham | 1 | 57kg | Â | Â | 63 |
| 3 | Â | CAPTIVE ROCK | Simon Zahra | Thomas Stockdale | 5 | 57kg | Â | Â | 61 |
| 4 | 12x | LADY OF FIVE | Peter & Will Hulbert | Adin Thompson | 6 | 55kg | Â | Â | 67 |
| 5 | 2 | MIRADOR | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Luke Currie | 9 | 55kg | Â | Â | 63 |
| 6 | Â | EXPENSIVE TASTE | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Harry Coffey | 3 | 55kg | Â | Â | 61 |
| 7 | Â | JADZIA | Grahame Begg | Jordan Childs | 7 | 55kg | Â | Â | 61 |
| 8 | Â | LA GITANA | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Damian Lane | 4 | 55kg | Â | Â | 61 |
| 9 | Â | ORCHID SKY | Patrick Kearney | Michael Dee | 8 | 55kg | Â | Â | 61 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Nominations
Early nominations for the Chairman’s Stakes in 2026 close the Monday of race week.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes nominations extended until 10:00am (AEDT) – 27/01/2026
| Â | Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | BIG SKY | C | 2 | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | 68 |
| 2 | Â | CAPTIVE ROCK | C | 2 | Simon Zahra | Â |
| 3 | Â | EXPENSIVE TASTE | F | 2 | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Â |
| 4 | 3 | INVINCIBLE SON | C | 2 | Robbie Griffiths | 63 |
| 5 | 4 | ISLE OF MONA | F | 2 | Nick Ryan | 61 |
| 6 | Â | JADZIA | F | 2 | Grahame Begg | Â |
| 7 | 527 | KO PHANGAN | C | 2 | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 63 |
| 8 | Â | LA GITANA | F | 2 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Â |
| 9 | 12x | LADY OF FIVE | F | 2 | Peter & Will Hulbert | 67 |
| 10 | 2 | MIRADOR | F | 2 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 63 |
| 11 | Â | ORCHID SKY | F | 2 | Patrick Kearney | Â |
| 12 | Â | TOUGH ROMANCE | C | 2 | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Â |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Chairman’s Stakes History
The MRC Chairman’s Stakes was first run as the VATC Bounding Away Quality back in 1990 when Wrap Around became the inaugural winner. That race name stayed until 1998 and since then the race has undergone a host of different titles.
It has been known as the Veuve Clicquot Stakes (1999 – 2003), Jansz Stakes (2004), Pol Rogers Stakes (2005 – 2007 & 2009), National Jockey Celebration Classic (2008) and the Emirate Airline Stakes (2012).
It was first run as the Chairman’s Stakes in 2010 – 2011 and again from 2013 to the present. It began as a Listed race and in 2014 gained its current Group 3 status. The race distance has also changed a number of times with the event always run between 1000 – 1200m depending on the racecourse. The Chairman’s Stakes has taken place at Sandown Racecourse and Caulfield Racecourse.
Plenty of talented horses have won the event including Redoute’s Choice (1999), Crystal Lily (2010), and Extreme Choice (2016).
Recent Chairman’s Stakes winners fillies include: Inkaruna (2025), Enthaar (2021), Mildred (2020), Loving Gaby (2019), Ennis Hill (2018), Formality (2017), Thurlow (2015), Nayeli (2014), Metastasio (2013), Mama’s Choice (2012), and Crystal Lily (2010).
See below for a full list of Chairman’s Stakes winners and results going back to the year 2000.
Recent Chairman’s Stakes Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Big Sky | 58.06 seconds |
| 2nd | Invincible Son | ||
| 3rd | La Gitana | ||
| 2025 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Inkaruna | 56.86 seconds |
| 2nd | Sword Of Legacy | ||
| 3rd | Hot Sea | ||
| 2024 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Coleman | 56.71 seconds |
| 2nd | Eneeza | ||
| 3rd | Counteroffensive | ||
| 2023 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Zulfiqar | 59.33 seconds |
| 2nd | Veecee | ||
| 3rd | Tacito | ||
| 2022 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Sebonack | 57.44 seconds |
| 2nd | Nanagui | ||
| 3rd | Kiko | ||
| 2021 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Enthaar | 57.28 seconds |
| 2nd | Ingratiating | ||
| 3rd | Fortunate Kiss | ||
| 2020 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Mildred | 59.79 seconds |
| 2nd | Aryaaf | ||
| 3rd | Frederick The Dane | ||
| 2019 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Loving Gaby | 57.69 seconds |
| 2nd | Bella Rosa | ||
| 3rd | Lanigera | ||
| 2018 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Ennis Hill | 57.02 seconds |
| 2nd | Encryption | ||
| 3rd | Prairie Fire | ||
| 2017 Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Formality | 58.10 seconds |
| 2nd | Time Awaits | ||
| 3rd | Spoils | ||
| 2016 MRC Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Extreme Choice | 57.0 seconds |
| 2nd | Highland Beat | ||
| 3rd | Gratwick | ||
| 2015 MRC Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Thurlow | 56.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Haybah | ||
| 3rd | Brooklyn | ||
| 2014 MRC Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Nayeli | 1 minute 3.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Bugatty | ||
| 3rd | Cautious | ||
| 2013 MRC Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Metastasio | 1 minute 4.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Kona Breeze | ||
| 3rd | Shamus Award | ||
| 2012 Emirate Airline Stakes | 1st | Mama’s Choice | 1 minute 4.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Formidable | ||
| 3rd | Kimando | ||
| 2011 MRC Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Atomic | 56.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Vatican | ||
| 3rd | Hollyweird | ||
| 2010 MRC Chairman’s Stakes | 1st | Crystal Lily | 1 minute 2.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Bedhrah | ||
| 3rd | Rock Of Fortune | ||
| 2009 Pol Rogers Stakes | 1st | Headway | 1 minute 4.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Silkyanna | ||
| 3rd | Samski | ||
| 2008 National Jockey Celebration Classic | 1st | Whisper Bay | 57.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Grand Jardin | ||
| 3rd | Elusive Wonder | ||
| 2007 Pol Rogers Stakes | 1st | Gibraltar Campion | 1 minute 11.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Patasi | ||
| 3rd | Simplest | ||
| 2006 Pol Rogers Stakes | 1st | Ulfah | 1 minute 9.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Ready | ||
| 3rd | Bramble Blitz | ||
| 2005 Pol Rogers Stakes | 1st | Under The Floor | 1 minute 10.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Danger Looms | ||
| 3rd | Ready To Mombo | ||
| 2004 Jansz Stakes | 1st | Tirade | 1 minute 10.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Stringent | ||
| 3rd | Eire Hostess | ||
| 2003 Veuve Clicquot Stakes | 1st | Vengeance Of Rain | 1 minute 9.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Winestock | ||
| 3rd | Fresh Boy | ||
| 2002 Veuve Clicquot Stakes | 1st | Yell | 1 minute 4.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Innovation Girl | ||
| 3rd | Oronoko | ||
| 2001 Veuve Clicquot Stakes | 1st | Spitz | 1 minute 4.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Mustaagel | ||
| 3rd | Ebony Night | ||
| 2000 Veuve Clicquot Stakes | 1st | Road To Success | 1 minute 9.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Keeper | ||
| 3rd | Mannington | ||
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