The Winterbottom Stakes is one of the biggest thoroughbred races in Western Australia each year, held on Railway Stakes Day under weight for age conditions. This event is for horses three years old and over, and is run over a distance of 1200 metres. Held at Ascot Racecourse, the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes has a long history and has become an important part of Perth racing culture.
The Winterbottom Stakes has been run since 1952, with the inaugural event won by Raconteur over a distance of 1400 metres. It was a Principal Event up until 1979, with Asian Beau scoring the first victory under new Group 2 status. This race has only recently become a Group 1 event in 2011, joining the Group 1 Railway Stakes in what is the biggest day of thoroughbred racing each year in Perth.
The Winterbottom Stakes was reduced from a 1400 metre race to a 1200 metre race in 1993, a distance it retains to this day. A number of fine horses have won this race over the years, including some who have gone on to bigger races and others who have managed to win this race on more than one occasion. La Trice won the Winterbottom Stakes in 1970 and 1971, with Belinda’s Star also winning twice in 1975-76 and Hadabeclorka winning in 2010 and 2011.
Some other notable horses to have won the Winterbottom Stakes over the years include Miss Andretti in 2005, Marasco in 2006, and Takeover Target in 2008, with notable placegetters including Zedavite, Apache Cat, and Grand Nirvana. Takeover Target will always be remembered for winning the exciting 2008 race from Apache Cat, with other recent winners including Miss Andretti in 2005, Marasco in 2006, Glory Hunter in 2007, Ortensia in 2009, Nadabclorka in 2010-11, and Barakey in 2012.
