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The Kevin Heffernan Stakes is a Group 3 sprint held in early February at Caulfield Racecourse on Rubiton Stakes Day.
Kevin Heffernan Stakes News
The 2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes is a Group 3 event currently run at Caulfield Racecourse in early February on Rubiton Stakes Day during the beginning of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.
2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes Results
Stay tuned for the official 2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes results and finishing order on Saturday February 7, 2026 at Caulfield.
- 1st: No. 1 Tom Kitten ($3F)
- 2nd: No. 3 Feroce
- 3rd: No. 2 Veight
Winning Margin: 0.15 lengths
Winning Time: 1:22.05
The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Tom Kitten ($3F) returned to winning form in style at Caulfield on Saturday, powering home to claim victory for the punters in the 2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes results with a trademark late surge that reminded punters why he’s one of the most reliable weight-for-age performers in training. Settling back in the field before building momentum approaching the bend off a perfectly timed ride by Craig Williams, the classy Godolphin galloper let down strongly in the straight, running down the front-running Feroce to score a narrow but convincing win – his first since last autumn’s All-Star Mile – and signal he’s in for another lucrative autumn campaign.
| 1. Tom Kitten (8) J: Craig Williams59kg 5453xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman | ||
| 3. Feroce (2) J: Damian Lane59kg 6380xT: Dominic Sutton | ||
| 2. Veight (1) J: Luke Currie59kg 0x0x2T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | ||
| 7. Plymouth (7) J: Ben Allen59kg 6120xT: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 5. Sandpaper (6) J: Jamie Mott59kg 70261T: Bjorn Baker | ||
| 8. Jennilala (4) J: Thomas Stockdale57kg 24004T: Gavin Bedggood | ||
| 6. Hughes (3) J: Harry Coffey59kg x5062T: Gavin Bedggood | ||
| 4. Zou Sensation (5) J: Jamie Melham59kg 12341T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin |
Previously it was held at Sandown Racecourse at the end of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. In 2021 the Zipping Classic Day program including the Kevin Heffernan Stakes moved to late November at Caulfield Racecourse where it remained for the 2022 edition. The 2023 Kevin Heffernan Stakes took place on the first Saturday in December, while in 2024 the event ran on the last Saturday in November. There was no 2025 edition before returning for 2026 and moving to the autumn carnival.
Raced over 1400m (increased from 1300m in 2021), the Kevin Heffernan Stakes is held under weight-for-age conditions and pays $200,000 total prize money.
The Kevin Heffernan Stakes is now run during the early autumn on the same day as the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes, Group 2 Autumn Stakes and the Blue Diamond Prelude races.
Other weight-for-age events are fairly common targets for the classier types that run in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes. Following this race, horses tend to take a variety of paths.
Before the event was moved in 2026, the fourth placed Streets Of Avalon franked the Kevin Heffernan form from 2020 returning in 2021 to win the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) – Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) double. He also returned to run third in the 2021 Kevin Heffernan results before a third to Zaaki in the 2022 The All-Star Mile the next autumn.
The form out of the 2021 Kevin Heffernan Stakes was further franked with the winner Sinawann returning the following January to run second in the Australia Stakes. The Kevin Heffernan runner-up in 2021, I Am Superman, meanwhile finished runner in the 2022 Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes the following spring.
The 2023 Kevin Heffernan Stakes form was franked with the third placed Vilana returning the following winter to win Brisbane’s Group 2 Moreton Cup before a third in the 2024 Stradbroke Handicap results.
In 2025, Tom Kitten won the Kevin Heffernan Stakes breaking a winning drought going back to the previous autumn’s All-Star Mile.
The 2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes ran on Saturday February 7, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse on Rubiton Stakes Day and was won in a brave late charge by the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained favourite Tom Kitten ($3F).Â
| Kevin Heffernan Stakes 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday February 7, 2026 |
| Track: | Caulfield Racecourse (since 2021) |
| Distance: | 1400m (since 2021) |
| Race Type: | WFA |
| Status: | Group 3 |
| Prize Money: | $200,000 |
2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes Betting
The latest Kevin Heffernan Stakes 2026 odds will be listed at Ladbrokes.com.au and also provided here at Races.com.au so you can lock in your Kevin Heffernan Stakes tips at the right price this autumn.
Kemalpasa ($3.70 in 2020) and Tom Kitten ($3 in 2026) are the latest Kevin Heffernan Stakes favourites to salute for the punters.
There was a notable upset in 2024 with Welwal saluting at Kevin Heffernan Stakes odds of $21!
2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes Form Guide
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2026 KEVIN HEFFERNAN STAKES FORM GUIDE
2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes Tips
Stay tuned for our exclusive Kevin Heffernan Stakes 2026 Tips on the Rubiton Stakes Day event this February.
To Win: No. 1 Tom Kitten
TOM KITTEN (8) can absolutely return to winning form fresh in this Group 3 at Caulfield on Saturday. It’s been a while between drinks for the former Godolphin raced top liner who remains winless since the All-Star Mile last autumn. At his peak, he’s leaps and bounds ahead of these rivals with form around the best in the biz from the spring including his last start third behind the subsequently retired queen Via Sistina in the Group 1 Champions Stakes at HQ during the Cup Carnival. He’s only been to Caulfield once before when runner-up to Mr B in last year’s Futurity, so I expect he gets around the course just fine. Craig Williams rides the $6 million plus earner first-up, and Tom Kitten brings the kind of class edge that makes him a genuine winning threat. He was one of the standout 3YOs in his day winning Sydney’s Group 1 Spring Champion back in 2023, and I think the 1400m resuming looks doable for a horse who is capable of producing elite closing sectionals at his best. He’s trialled up strongly, suggesting he’s returned in excellent order, and the Freedmans rarely sends them out underdone. With the small field likely to generate a controlled tempo, Tom Kitten should settle comfortably, blend into the race at the right time, and let his engine take over late. If he brings even a portion of his spring form, his class alone puts him right in the finish — and he’s more than capable of blowing past them fresh.
|
1. Tom Kitten (8)
J: Craig Williams59kg
5453xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman
|
2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes Field
The Kevin Heffernan Stakes field usually attracts a pretty talented group of weight-for-age sprinters. In recent years, the quality of the Kevin Heffernan Stakes field has improved considerably, with more notable horses, often Group 1 winners, contesting the event.
The 2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes field is released the Wednesday before race day and will published below as soon as available.
The Kevin Heffernan Stakes 2026 final field features a small but exciting line-up of WFA stars including reigning All-Star Mile champ Tom Kitten and the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Veight coming off a second fresh in the Group 2 Australia Stakes.
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1573x5453x | TOM KITTEN | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Craig Williams | 8 | 59kg | Â | Â | 114 |
| 2 | 21x090x0x2 | VEIGHT | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Luke Currie | 1 | 59kg | Â | Â | 109 |
| 3 | x316x6380x | FEROCE (NZ) | Dominic Sutton | Damian Lane | 2 | 59kg | Â | Â | 106 |
| 4 | 1114612341 | ZOU SENSATION | Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | Ms Jamie Melham | 5 | 59kg | Â | Â | 105 |
| 5 | 515×070261 | SANDPAPER | Bjorn Baker | Jamie Mott | 6 | 59kg | Â | Â | 105 |
| 6 | 13116×5062 | HUGHES | Gavin Bedggood | Harry Coffey | 3 | 59kg | Â | Â | 94 |
| 7 | 463x06120x | PLYMOUTH | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Ben Allen | 7 | 59kg | Â | Â | 96 |
| 8 | 607×824004 | JENNILALA | Gavin Bedggood | Thomas Stockdale | 4 | 57kg | Â | Â | 98 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes Nominations
The 2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes nominations close the Monday of race week and will be published in full below.
| Â | Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2317×48152 | AHHA AHHA | M | 4 | Clinton McDonald | 73 |
| 2 | 4223111526 | ENCHANTED JENNI (NZ) | M | 4 | Lucy Yeomans | 71 |
| 3 | x316x6380x | FEROCE (NZ) | G | 4 | Dominic Sutton | 106 |
| 4 | 13116×5062 | HUGHES | G | 6 | Gavin Bedggood | 94 |
| 5 | 607×824004 | JENNILALA | M | 6 | Gavin Bedggood | 98 |
| 6 | 40355×0048 | PASCERO | G | 7 | Carly Thomas | 76 |
| 7 | 463x06120x | PLYMOUTH | G | 4 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 96 |
| 8 | x1x1200x38 | RED GALAXY | G | 5 | Greg Eurell | 79 |
| 9 | 4x50x32345 | RISE AT DAWN (NZ) | G | 5 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 104 |
| 10 | 515×070261 | SANDPAPER | G | 6 | Bjorn Baker | 105 |
| 11 | 5×88349772 | STEPARTY | G | 5 | Paul Preusker | 101 |
| 12 | 1573x5453x | TOM KITTEN | G | 5 | Anthony & Sam Freedman | 114 |
| 13 | 21x090x0x2 | VEIGHT | G | 5 | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | 109 |
| 14 | x10x86276x | WELWAL (GB) | G | 7 | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | 103 |
| 15 | 1114612341 | ZOU SENSATION | G | 6 | Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | 105 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Kevin Heffernan Stakes History
The Kevin Heffernan Stakes was a listed race until 2013, when it was granted an upgrade to Group 3. This change occurred in light of the increasingly decent fields that were contesting the race.
Quite a few talented young sprinters come through the Kevin Heffernan Stakes, and it has over time developed a reputation for throwing some of the best sprinters on the Melbourne circuit into contention.
Prior to 2004, the Kevin Heffernan Stakes was run over 1200m. It was increased to 1250m in 2004 and again to 1300m in 2005. In 2006, the distance was reduced to 1200m for two years. In 2008, the Kevin Heffernan Stakes returned to 1300m. In 2013, it was held over 1200m. In 2014, it was back to 1300m.
In 2021 the Kevin Heffernan Stakes took place over 1400m at Caulfield Racecourse.
Notable recent Kevin Heffernan Stakes winners include Lankan Rupee (2013), Lucky Hussler (2016) and the previous year’s All-Star Mile champ Tom Kitten (2026).
The event was moved from the spring to the autumn in 2026.
Kevin Heffernan Stakes results, placegetters and winning times since 2000 are provided below.
Note, there was no race held in 2025.
Kevin Heffernan Stakes Results
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Tom Kitten | 1 minute 22.05 seconds |
| 2nd | Feroce | ||
| 3rd | Veight | ||
| 2024 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Welwal | 1 minute 26.36 seconds (Run over 1400m) |
| 2nd | Arkansaw Kid | ||
| 3rd | Warnie | ||
| 2023 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | King Magnus | 1 minute 26.66 seconds (Run over 1400m) |
| 2nd | Unusual Culture | ||
| 3rd | Vilana | ||
| 2022 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Crosshaven | 1 minute 24.09 seconds (Run over 1400m) |
| 2nd | Norwegian Bliss | ||
| 3rd | Literary Magnate | ||
| 2021 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Sinawann | 1 minute 22.14 seconds (Run over 1400m) |
| 2nd | I Am Superman | ||
| 3rd | Streets Of Avalon | ||
| 2020 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Kemalpasa | 1 minute 16.71 seconds |
| 2nd | Order Of Command | ||
| 3rd | Neighbourhood | ||
| 2019 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Teleplay | 1 minute 17.26 seconds |
| 2nd | Home Of The Brave | ||
| 3rd | Hey Doc | ||
| 2018 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Cool Passion | 1 minute 16.59 seconds |
| 2nd | First Among Equals | ||
| 3rd | Savanna Amour | ||
| 2017 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Jungle Edge | 1 minute 17.49 seconds |
| 2nd | Casino Wizard | ||
| 3rd | Thronum | ||
| 2016 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Lucky Hussler | 1 minute 16.43 seconds |
| 2nd | Illustrious Lad | ||
| 3rd | Super Cash | ||
| 2015 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Famous Seamus | 1 minute 18.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Generalife | ||
| 3rd | Gracious Prospect | ||
| 2014 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Fast ‘N’ Rocking | 1 minute 17.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Generalife | ||
| 3rd | Flamberge | ||
| 2013 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Lankan Rupee | 1 minute 09.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Hot Snitzel | ||
| 3rd | Famous Seamus | ||
| 2012 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Mid Summer Music | 1 minute 17.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Hot Snitzel | ||
| 3rd | Unpretentious | ||
| 2011 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Soul | 1 minute 18.9 seconds |
| 2nd | Masthead | ||
| 3rd | Doubtful Jack | ||
| 2010 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Avenue | 1 minute 19.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Dubleanny | ||
| 3rd | Royal Ida | ||
| 2009 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Lucky Secret | 1 minute 16.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Posadas | ||
| 3rd | Diplomatic Force | ||
| 2008 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Captain Bax | 1 minute 18.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Posadas | ||
| 3rd | Juggle The Books | ||
| 2007 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Gibralter Campion | 1 minute 11.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Cargo Cult | ||
| 3rd | Cocinero | ||
| 2006 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Tesbury Jack | 1 minute 08.97 seconds |
| 2nd | Cocinero | ||
| 3rd | Megadeal | ||
| 2005 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Bomber Bill | 1 minute 17.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Unabated | ||
| 3rd | Air Cooled | ||
| 2004 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Brannigan | 1 minute 17.5 seconds |
| 2nd | Dandy Kid | ||
| 3rd | Mr Lofty | ||
| 2003 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Super Groove | 1 minute 11.0 seconds |
| 2nd | Recurring | ||
| 3rd | Rustic Mist | ||
| 2002 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Century Kid | 1 minute 10.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Suit | ||
| 3rd | Belle du Jour | ||
| 2001 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Chattanooga | 1 minute 10.1 seconds |
| 2nd | Libidinous | ||
| 3rd | Toledo | ||
| 2000 Kevin Heffernan Stakes | 1st | Sports | 1 minute 09.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Paint | ||
| 3rd | Cullen | ||
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