The Group One $400,000 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.-
* First held at Randwick in 1866 as the “Great Metropolitan Stakes” over two miles (3200m) when won by Bylong.
* Run over 2600m prior to 2001.
* Not run in 2007 due to equine influenza.
* Among the early winners was the Ettienne de Mestre-trained Tim Whiffler (1867) who would be the first horse to claim the Metropolitan-Melbourne Cup double in the same year.
* Other early stars of the turf to have a Metropolitan victory among their wins include Goldsbrough (1875), Abercom (1889), Marvel Loch (1903) and Mooltan who became the first stayer to record back-to-back wins (1907-1908).
* In more recent times the race’s winners have included the 1951 champion Delta who would become the first horse since Tim Whiffler to claim the Metropolitan-Melbourne Cup double in the same year.
* The Metropolitan would become an outstanding guide to the Melbourne Cup through the 1950s with Dalray (1952), Straight Draw (1957) and Macdougal (1959) all going on to win Australia’s most famous race.
* Only four horses have won the Metropolitan more than once: Mooltan (1907-1908), Murray Stream (1945, 1947), Tails (1969-1970) and Hayai (1983-84).
* The late TJ Smith and his daughter Gai Waterhouse are the most successful trainers having won it seven times. TJ Smith won with Redcraze (1956), Wiedersehen (1968), Oncidon (1971), Analie (1973), Passetreul (1974), Bon Teint (1975) and Sir Serene in 1977.
* Gai Waterhouse has won it with Herculian Prince (2010), Dress Circle (2001), Coco Cobanna (2000), In Joyment (1998), Hula Flight (1996), Electronic (1995) and Te Akau Nick (1992). She will be represented by Glencadam Gold and Reuben Percival this year.
* Other trainers to have won the race with a runner this year: Chris Waller – Permit, The Verminator, Stout Hearted, Kelinni (The Verminator 2011); David Hayes – Fictional Account (Glastonbury 1994, Tawqeet 2006); John Hawkes – Polish Knight (Railings 2005).
* Jockeys who have won the race with a ride on Saturday: Corey Brown – Permit (County Tyrone 2004, Speed Gifted 2009); Jim Cassidy – Kelinni (Heart Ruler 1997, Zamination 1993, Hunter 1989, Spritely Native 1985).
