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The Kevin Hayes Stakes (now run as the Peter Le Grand Stakes) is a Group 3 event held at Caulfield Racecourse each February.
Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) News
The Kevin Hayes Stakes – currently known in 2026 as the Peter Le Grand Stakes in honour of the MRC Chairman – is a Group 3 race contested at Caulfield Racecourse during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival on Rubiton Stakes Day.
Peter Le Grand Stakes 2026 Odds
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1. Bel Merci (11)
J: Ethan Brown 58.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
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| Filly returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign second last of 11 at Randwick in the G2 Reisling March 8 over 1200m, 11 len behind Tempted with 55.5kg at $8. Previously first up; second last of 9 at Rosehill in the G2 Silver Slp February 22 over 1100m, 6 len behind Beiwacht with 54.5kg at $3.20. Didn't fire last campaign but is much better than that. | ||
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2. Alpha Sofie (4)
J: Zac Spain 57.5kg
T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman |
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| Racing first-up today. Finished off last campaign winning by 2 len Moonee Valley LR Atlantic Jewel September 6 over 1200m defeating Custom with 56kg at $5.50. On debut fourth of 8 at Sunshine Coast 2yo Mdn June 22 over 1200m, soft track; 2.75 len behind Summation carrying 56.5kg at $4.20. Dominant before a break and can keep the ball rolling here. | ||
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3. Esha (10)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
T: Shane Nichols & Hayden Black |
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| Second run back. First-up after four months 10th of 12 at Flemington 3yo F Hcp on January 10 over 1100m, 6 len behind Jenni The Ninja carrying 60kg at $4.80. Previously second-up 8th of 14 at Moonee Valley in the G1 Moir Stks on September 6 over 1000m, 2.5 len behind Baraqiel with 50.5kg at $6.50. Got into a bad spot fresh but not sure where she's at. | ||
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4. Signature Scent (2)
J: John Allen 57kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
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| Resuming after a five months break. Finished off last campaign fourth of 18 at Flemington in the LR Cap D'antibes September 13 over 1100m, 2 len behind My Gladiola carrying 57kg at $7. At her first start to post a big 4.5 len win. Bendigo 2yo Mdn-Sw June 14 over 1100m slow track defeating Our Chief carrying 56kg at $1.95. Has plenty of ability and maps for every chance. | ||
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5. Jenni The Ninja (9)
J: Beau Mertens 57kg
T: Gavin Bedggood |
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| Puts an unbeaten record on the line. When well in the market on debut, came from midfield and won by 0.5 len at Pakenham 3yo F Mdn-Sw November 28 over 1000m in soft going defeating Yellowjacket carrying 57kg at $4.80. Last start ran on from midfield and won by 1.0 len at Flemington 3yo F Hcp January 10 over 1100m defeating Military Tycoon with 54kg at $5.50. Progressive sort with a fitness edge on key rivals. | ||
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6. Thanks Gorgeous (6)
J: Jye Mcneil 56kg
T: Mark & Levi Kavanagh |
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| Chasing a hat-trick. At the latest run tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.0 len at Flemington F&M Bm78 January 17 over 1100m defeating Celerity with 54kg at $16. The run before that came from midfield and won by 2.25 len at Mornington 3yo F Mdn-Sw January 1 over 1000m defeating Shapenapit with 57kg at $2.90. Measured up strongly last time, respecting. | ||
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7. Wintery (12)
J: Tom Madden 56kg
T: Aaron Purcell |
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| Second run back. First-up after three months raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.8 len at Pakenham 3yo Bm64 January 23 over 1000m defeating Shinjina carrying 58kg at $7. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len at Murtoa 3yo Mdn-Sw October 4 over 1100m defeating Balmoral Castle with 56kg at $3.90. Harder now, place best. | ||
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8. No Limitation (8)
J: Craig Williams 56kg
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
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| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up held ground to the line 2nd of 9 at Seymour Bm62 on December 28 over 1000m, head behind She's My Ex carrying 58kg at $5.50. Last start favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.75 len at Cranbourne Cl1 January 17 over 1000m defeating Soho Princess with 57.5kg at $1.30. Nice type, each way hope. | ||
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9. Chateau Eze (3)
J: Jordan Childs 56kg
T: Mark Walker |
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| Resuming after a four months break. Finished off last campaign second last of 12 at this track in the G1 1000 Gneas October 18 over 1600m, 10 len behind Ole Dancer carrying 56kg at $18. At her first start to post a big 3.5 len win. Benalla 3yo F Mdn-Sw September 2 over 1212m slow track defeating Obucci carrying 57kg at $1.85. Resumes after a recent trial win. Will get further but has plenty of ability. | ||
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10. Morgana (1)
J: Lachlan Neindorf 56kg
T: Patrick F Ryan Jnr |
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| Resuming after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign seventh of 11 at this track in the LR Jim Moloney September 20 over 1400m, 4 len behind Yum carrying 56kg at $151. Previously first up; ninth of 12 at Warrnambool Bm64 August 21 over 1100m, soft track; 5 len behind Masked Marauder with 55kg at $6. Likely to find this out of reach. | ||
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11. Angel Eyes (5)
J: Luke Currie 56kg
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
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| Resumes from a spell after only one run when favourite; won by a head at Ballarat 3yo F Mdn-Sw October 6 over 1000m on a rain affected track defeating Light Filled carrying 57kg at $1.90. Level of improvement the key. | ||
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12. Balance (7)
J: Jamie Melham 56kg
T: Clinton McDonald |
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| Filly by Alabama Express on debut. Finished fifth in a Cranbourne jump-out on January 26. Wary for top yard/jockey combination but she'll need to be good. | ||
The day is host to some of the top early autumn events including the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) and Blue Diamond Prelude races.
The Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) is run over 1100m (previously 1200m) and is open only to three-year-old fillies. The set weights plus penalties sprint offers $200,000 in prize money and makes a nice lead-up to some tougher autumn features for three-year-olds.
Fillies in the Kevin Hayes Stakes field may have come via an earlier summer – autumn run or be kicking off their campaigns. A good next-up run back at the track a fortnight later is the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) on Blue Diamond Stakes Day. Sabatini (2015) was the last filly to complete the Kevin Hayes Stakes – Angus Armanasco Stakes double.
The best out of the race could go on to take on the boys in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) as the 2016 winner Risque did finishing third in the Flemington mile feature in early March.
The 2022 Kevin Hayes Stakes form was franked with the third placegetter Asfoora returning that spring to win the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) and Flemington’s Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes (1100m).
The 2024 Peter Le Grand Stakes form was franked with the winner, Estriella, winning the $1 million Inglis Sprint at her next start.
The 2025 Peter Le Grand Stakes winner Arabian Summer went on to frank the form that spring with a Group 1 Moir Stakes third placing.
The Kevin Hayes Stakes 2026 runs on Saturday February 7, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse as the Peter Le Grand Stakes.
| 2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday February 7, 2026 |
| Track: | Caulfield Racecourse |
| Distance: | 1100m |
| Race Type: | SW+P / 3YO Fillies |
| Status: | Group 3 |
| Prize Money: | $200,000 |
2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) Results
Stay tuned for the official Peter Le Grand Stakes 2026 results and finishing order on Saturday February 7, 2026.
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
Winning Margin: TBD
Winning Time: TBD
2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) Betting
The Peter Le Grand Stakes / Kevin Hayes Stakes 2026 betting odds on the Group 3 event will be available at Ladbrokes.com.au and also found here at Races.com.au the week of the race so stay tuned.
How Womantic ($4 in 2020), La Mexicana ($2.90 in 2021), Estriella ($3.90 in 2024) and Arabian Summer ($2.60 in 2025) are the latest favourites in Kevin Hayes Stakes betting to salute for the punters.
2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) Form Guide
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2026 PETER LE GRAND STAKES FORM GUIDE
2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Kevin Hayes Stakes 2026 / Peter Le Grand Stakes Tips on the Rubiton Stakes Day support act this autumn.
Each Way: No. 4 Signature Scent
No doubt the favourite ALPHA SOPHIE (4) deserves respect, but the value in the race for mine is SIGNATURE SCENT (2) who is really starting to be wound in as the money comes for this talented Written Tycoon filly. Prepared by master trainer Ciaron Maher, she is putting together a lovely record ahead of the tougher autumn features having won two of her four starts to date. Was only a length off the winner Ferivia here in the Group 3 Quezette when up to Black-Type company for the first time last August crossing the line fourth to suffer her first defeat but without disgrace. Hasn’t raced since mid-September when fourth again in a Listed sprint race at Flemington won by My Gladiola. That form held up very nicely with the winner going on to place second in both the Group 2 Danehill and Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes. Now it is this filly’s turn, and she’s been brought on fitness-wise with a couple of decent trials that suggest she’ll be right up there with the better 3YOs of the season. Gun gate two draw which should see her get out quick, sit up on the speed, and I think she’ll be right there in the finish.
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4. Signature Scent (2)
J: John Allen 57kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
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| Resuming after a five months break. Finished off last campaign fourth of 18 at Flemington in the LR Cap D’antibes September 13 over 1100m, 2 len behind My Gladiola carrying 57kg at $7. At her first start to post a big 4.5 len win. Bendigo 2yo Mdn-Sw June 14 over 1100m slow track defeating Our Chief carrying 56kg at $1.95. Has plenty of ability and maps for every chance. | ||
2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) Field
The Kevin Hayes Stakes field features a good line-up of quality three-year-old fillies at the early stages of their autumn campaigns and is announced by Racing Victoria the Wednesday before the race.
The official 2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) field and barriers are set for release on the Wednesday of race week and will be published below.
The 2026 Peter Le Grand Stakes final field features a small but quality line-up of three-year-old fillies including the resuming Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes winner Alpha Sofie and the in-form Thanks Gorgeous chasing a hat-trick.
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1x80x | BEL MERCI | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 11 | 58.5kg | Â | Â | 72 |
| 2 | 4111x | ALPHA SOFIE | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Zac Spain | 4 | 57.5kg | Â | Â | 78 |
| 3 | 1x188x0 | ESHA | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | Damian Lane | 10 | 57kg | Â | Â | 76 |
| 4 | 1144x | SIGNATURE SCENT | Ciaron Maher | John Allen | 2 | 57kg | Â | Â | 70 |
| 5 | 11 | JENNI THE NINJA | Gavin Bedggood | Beau Mertens | 9 | 57kg | Â | Â | 70 |
| 6 | 7223×24411 | THANKS GORGEOUS | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | Jye McNeil | 6 | 56kg | Â | Â | 76 |
| 7 | 337x3126x1 | WINTERY | Aaron Purcell | Tom Madden | 12 | 56kg | Â | Â | 69 |
| 8 | 661x7x21 | NO LIMITATION | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 8 | 56kg | Â | Â | 69 |
| 9 | 120x | CHATEAU EZE (GB) | Mark Walker | Jordan Childs | 3 | 56kg | Â | Â | 70 |
| 10 | 421x97x | MORGANA | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | Lachlan Neindorf | 1 | 56kg | Â | Â | 62 |
| 11 | 1x | ANGEL EYES | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Luke Currie | 5 | 56kg | Â | Â | 63 |
| 12 | Â | BALANCE | Clinton McDonald | Ms Jamie Melham | 7 | 56kg | Â | Â | 61 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2026 Kevin Hayes Stakes (Peter Le Grand Stakes) Nominations
The Peter Le Grand Stakes / Kevin Hayes Stakes 2026 nominations close on the Monday of race week and will be listed in full below as soon as released.
| Â | Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4111x | ALPHA SOFIE | F | 3 | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 78 |
| 2 | 1x | ANGEL EYES | F | 3 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 63 |
| 3 | Â | BALANCE | F | 3 | Clinton McDonald | 61 |
| 4 | 6x6123x | BEFUDDLE | F | 3 | John Sadler | 68 |
| 5 | 1x80x | BEL MERCI | F | 3 | Ciaron Maher | 72 |
| 6 | 120x | CHATEAU EZE (GB) | F | 3 | Mark Walker | 70 |
| 7 | 1x188x0 | ESHA | F | 3 | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 76 |
| 8 | 7x53218x13 | EXPULSION | F | 3 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 69 |
| 9 | 1 | FUNDAMENTAL NATURE | F | 3 | Ciaron Maher | 64 |
| 10 | 5×221 | GWEN’S GIRL | F | 3 | Tom Dabernig | 62 |
| 11 | 11 | JENNI THE NINJA | F | 3 | Gavin Bedggood | 70 |
| 12 | 7x196x2 | MILITARY TYCOON | F | 3 | Ciaron Maher | 76 |
| 13 | 421x97x | MORGANA | F | 3 | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | 62 |
| 14 | 661x7x21 | NO LIMITATION | F | 3 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 69 |
| 15 | 1144x | SIGNATURE SCENT | F | 3 | Ciaron Maher | 70 |
| 16 | 289×264 | SWOBODA | F | 3 | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | 59 |
| 17 | 7223×24411 | THANKS GORGEOUS | F | 3 | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | 76 |
| 18 | 126×151 | VIOLET LOVEBUG | F | 3 | Travis Doudle | 69 |
| 19 | 2330x31x53 | WILTSHIRE SQUARE | F | 3 | Ciaron Maher | 68 |
| 20 | 337x3126x1 | WINTERY | F | 3 | Aaron Purcell | 69 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Kevin Hayes Stakes History
The Kevin Hayes Stakes was first run in 1984 as the Catanach’s Handicap and won by Fork Tongue.
Notable Kevin Hayes Stakes winners since include Rockabye (1992), Hollow Bullet (2005), Typhoon Tracy (2009), Octavia (2013), and Risque (2016).
The race began as a Listed event and gained its current Group 3 status in 2014. For one year in 2006 the event took place at Sandown Racecourse instead of Caulfield.
In 2023 the Kevin Hayes Stakes again ran at Sandown Racecourse with renovations to the Caulfield track.
The Kevin Hayes Stakes has been run over 1400m, 1200m and 1100m over the years and has gone by a number of different names. It was renamed as the Kevin Hayes Stakes in 2004 in honour of the Victoria Amateur Turf Club’s former chairman Kevin Hayes.
The 2024 edition was renamed the Peter Le Grand Stakes in honour of the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) Chairman Peter Le Grand.
Kevin Hayes Stakes Winners
See below for the full Kevin Hayes Stakes winners and results going back to 2000.
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Peter Le Grand Stakes | 1st | TBD | TBD |
| 2nd | TBD | ||
| 3rd | TBD | ||
| 2025 Peter Le Grand Stakes | 1st | Arabian Summer | 1 minute 3.78 seconds |
| 2nd | Tobeornottobe | ||
| 3rd | Shadhavar | ||
| 2024 Peter Le Grand Stakes | 1st | Estriella | 1 minute 2.97 seconds |
| 2nd | Lazzago | ||
| 3rd | Brazen Style | ||
| 2023 Kevin Hayes Stakes(1100m at Sandown) | 1st | Rich Fortune | 1 minute 3.20 seconds |
| 2nd | Queen Of The Ball | ||
| 3rd | Cythera | ||
| 2022 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Argentina | 1 minute 9.17 seconds |
| 2nd | Scorched Earth | ||
| 3rd | Asfoora | ||
| 2021 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | La Mexicana | 1 minute 9.98 seconds |
| 2nd | Malicorne | ||
| 3rd | Pinkham | ||
| 2020 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | How Womantic | 1 minute 8.80 seconds |
| 2nd | Enfleurage | ||
| 3rd | Aquitaine | ||
| 2019 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Crack The Code | 1 minute 10.65 seconds |
| 2nd | News Girl | ||
| 3rd | Aperitif | ||
| 2018 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Booker | 1 minute 11.11 seconds |
| 2nd | Leather’n’lace | ||
| 3rd | See Me Exceed | ||
| 2017 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Fuhryk | 1 minute 09.56 seconds |
| 2nd | Oregon’s Day | ||
| 3rd | Savanna Amour | ||
| 2016 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Risque | 1 minute 09.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Mossin’ Around | ||
| 3rd | Cana | ||
| 2015 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Sabatini | 1 minute 09.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Royal Snitzel | ||
| 3rd | Fontein Ruby | ||
| 2014 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Spirits Dance | 1 minute 10.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Marianne | ||
| 3rd | Patricia Dawn | ||
| 2013 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Octavia | 1 minute 09.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Member’s Joy | ||
| 3rd | Angelic Light | ||
| 2012 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Soft Sand | 1 minute 10.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Anabandana | ||
| 3rd | Glows | ||
| 2011 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Miss Gai Flyer | 1 minute 9.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Miss Elvee | ||
| 3rd | Pinker Pinker | ||
| 2010 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Set For Fame | 1 minute 8.66 seconds |
| 2nd | Aloha | ||
| 3rd | Dystopia | ||
| 2009 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Typhoon Tracy | 1 minute 9.48 seconds |
| 2nd | Bubble Below | ||
| 3rd | Boogaloo | ||
| 2008 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Absolut Glam | 1 minute 10.50 seconds |
| 2nd | Tranquility Base | ||
| 3rd | Vivacious Spirit | ||
| 2007 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Gina Lollawitcha | 1 minute 9.50 seconds |
| 2nd | Mistake Creek | ||
| 3rd | Anamato | ||
| 2006 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Chetwynd South | 1 minute 11.16 seconds |
| 2nd | Cayambe | ||
| 3rd | Doubting | ||
| 2005 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Hollow Bullet | 1 minute 10.38 seconds |
| 2nd | Dance At Ascot | ||
| 3rd | Astrodame | ||
| 2004 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | French Bid | 1 minute 8.84 seconds |
| 2nd | Strikeline | ||
| 3rd | Hinting | ||
| 2003 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Brief Embrace | 1 minute 9.28 seconds |
| 2nd | Sensational Spot | ||
| 3rd | Tarcoola Diamond | ||
| 2002 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Fair Embrace | 1 minute 11.0 seconds |
| 2nd | Firm | ||
| 3rd | Li Lo Lill | ||
| 2001 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Queen Carey | 1 minute 9.19 seconds |
| 2nd | Comhere | ||
| 3rd | Johann’s Dream | ||
| 2000 Kevin Hayes Stakes | 1st | Heaps Of Fun | 1 minute 10.82 seconds |
| 2nd | Kaemess | ||
| 3rd | Be Cool | ||
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