Lexus Stakes

The Lexus Stakes, registered as the Hotham Handicap is a Victoria Racing Club Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race for three year olds and upwards, held under quality handicap conditions, over a distance of 2500 metres. It is held annually at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia on Victoria Derby Day.^[1] Total prize money for the race is A$300,000 and $1,500 trophy.

Race History

Historically the race has been a traditional lead-up for the Melbourne Cup three days later, with the winner gaining exemption from any ballot for entry to the Cup. ^[1]

As a "Quality Race", the weights are assigned as in a handicap, but with a maximum weight of 60 kg and a minimum weight of 52 kg.

The race is also famous due to a triple dead-heat ^[2] in 1956 involving Fighting Force, Ark Royal and Pandie Sun.

Race name

• 1869–1978 - Hotham Handicap
• 1979–1993 - The Dalgety
• 1994–1995 - Crown Quality
• 1996 - Ten News Stakes
• 1997 - Lean Cuisine Quality
• 1998–2008 - Saab Quality
• 2009 onwards - Lexus Stakes

Race distance

• 1869–1971 - 1¹⁄₂ miles (~2400 metres)
• 1972 onwards - 2500 metres

Race grade

• 1869–1978 - Principal Race
• 1979–1980 - Group 3
• 1981–2003 - Group 2
• 2004 onwards - Group 3

Doubles wins

The following thoroughbreds have won the Hotham Handicap – Melbourne Cup in the same year.

• Shocking (2009), Brew (2000), Think Big (1974), Baystone (1958), Foxzami (1949), Sirius (1944), Dark Felt (1943)

The winners

See also

• List of Australian Group races
• Group races

References