The Winterbottom Group 1 Stakes Race at Ascot, Australia

The Winterbottom Stakes, a Group 1 thoroughbred race, stands as one of the most prestigious events on the Australian racing calendar. Held annually at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, Western Australia, this race has a rich history, showcasing some of the finest equine talent in the nation. With its blend of tradition, competitive spirit, and notable winners, the Winterbottom Stakes has earned its place as a highlight of the Australian racing season.

History of the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (Australia)The Winterbottom Stakes is Western Australia’s premier sprint race, run over 1200 metres (6 furlongs) at Ascot Racecourse in Perth. It is one of only two Group 1 sprints in the state (alongside the Railway Stakes) and forms the centrepiece of the Perth Summer Racing Carnival.Key Facts

Distance: 1200 m (since 1985; previously 1400 m and earlier distances)
Track: Ascot, Perth, Western Australia
Grade: Group 1 (since 2013; Group 2 1985–2012)
Purse (2025): A$1.5 million
First Running: 1952 (as the Prince of Wales Stakes)
Current Slot Race: Part of the TABtouch “The Quokka” slot-race series pathway

Multiple Winners (Horses)

Buffering – 2013, 2015 (only horse to win it twice at G1 level)
Barakey – 2012 (undefeated WA champion sprinter)
Ortensia – 2011 (later won international G1s in Dubai & England)
Takeover Target – 2008 (legendary globetrotting sprinter)

Most Successful Trainer

Fred Kersley – 5 wins (1988 1990s–2000s era)
Grant & Alana Williams – 4 wins (2010s–2020s)
Robert Heathcote – 2 (Buffering)

Most Successful Jockeys

William Pike – 5 wins (modern WA king)
Paul Harvey – 5 wins (1990s–2000s)
Damian Browne – 3 wins

Recent TrendSince 2018, the race has increasingly been dominated by Eastern States raiders (Victoria, NSW, QLD), with only Graceful Girl (2021) breaking the interstate streak in recent years. The massive prize-money increase (from $1 million to $1.5 million in 2024) and the introduction of The Quokka (A$5 million slot race in April) have turned the Winterbottom into a critical lead-up event for Australia’s richest sprint.

The Winterbottom Stakes (G1) Winners

(Fillies and Mares)

Year: 2025 Horse – Libertad, Jockey – Shaun McGruddy, Trainer – Annabel & Rob Archibald
Year: 2024 Horse – Overpass, Jockey – Joshua Parr, Trainer – Bjorn Baker
Year: 2023 Horse – Overpass, Jockey – Joshua Parr, Trainer – Bjorn Baker
Year: 2022 Horse – Paulele, Jockey – Ben Melham, Trainer – James Cummings
Year: 2021 Horse – Graceful Girl, Jockey – William Pike, Trainer – Grant & Alana Williams
Year: 2020 Horse – Elite Street, Jockey – Brad Rawiller, Trainer – Daniel Morton
Year: 2019 Horse – Hey Doc, Jockey – Luke Currie, Trainer – Tony & Calvin McEvoy
Year: 2018 Horse – Voodoo Lad, Jockey – Damien Oliver, Trainer – Darren Weir
Year: 2017 Horse – Viddora, Jockey – Joe Bowditch, Trainer – Lloyd Kennewell
Year: 2016 Horse – Takedown, Jockey – Tim Clark, Trainer – Gary Moore
Year: 2015 Horse – Buffering, Jockey – Damian Browne, Trainer – Robert Heathcote
Year: 2014 Horse – Magnifisio, Jockey – Jason Brown, Trainer – Jim Taylor
Year: 2013 Horse – Buffering, Jockey – Damian Browne, Trainer – Robert Heathcote
Year: 2012 Horse – Barakey, Jockey – Jason Brown, Trainer – Jim Taylor
Year: 2011 Horse – Ortensia, Jockey – Craig Williams, Trainer – Paul Messara
Year: 2010 Horse – Hadabeclorka, Jockey – William Pike, Trainer – Brent Larsson
Year: 2009 Horse – Ortensia, Jockey – Craig Williams, Trainer – Tony Noonan
Year: 2008 Horse – Takeover Target, Jockey – Jay Ford, Trainer – Joe Janiak
Year: 2007 Horse – Glory Hunter, Jockey – Lucas Camilleri, Trainer – Lindsey Smith
Year: 2006 Horse – Marasco, Jockey – Damien Oliver, Trainer – Fred Kersley
Year: 2005 Horse – Miss Andretti, Jockey – Kevin Forrester, Trainer – David Mueller
Year: 2004 Horse – Ellicorsam, Jockey – William Pike, Trainer – Sharon Miller
Year: 2003 Horse – Hardrada, Jockey – Jason Whiting, Trainer – Lou Luciani
Year: 2002 Horse – Hardrada, Jockey – Jason Whiting, Trainer – Lou Luciani
Year: 2001 Horse – Fair Alert, Jockey – Alana Williams, Trainer – Ray Sweetman
Year: 2000 Horse – Noble Sky, Jockey – Peter Knuckey, Trainer – John Price
Year: 1999 Horse – Double Blue, Jockey – David O’Heare, Trainer – Alby Beckett
Year: 1998 Horse – Bradson, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – L B Morton
Year: 1997 Horse – Cranky Tikit, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1996 Horse – French Sound, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1995 Horse – Jacks Or Better, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1994 Horse – Petite Amour, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1993 Horse – Sir Tinka, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1992 Horse – Barrosa Boy, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1991 Horse – M’Lady’s Jewel, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1990 Horse – Century God, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1989 Horse – Carry A Smile, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1988 Horse – Sky Filou, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1987 Horse – Placid Ark, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – Wally Mitchell
Year: 1986 Horse – Fimiston, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1985 Horse – Jungle Mist, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1984 Horse – Casshoney, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1983 Horse – Hanging In, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1982 Horse – Nitro Lad, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – Wally Mitchell
Year: 1981 Horse – Soldier Of Fortune, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – Colin Hayes
Year: 1980 Horse – Scarlet Gem, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – Wally Mitchell
Year: 1979 Horse – Asian Beau, Jockey – Graeme Webster Snr, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1978 Horse – Marjoleo, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1977 Horse – Romantic Dream, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1976 Horse – Belinda’s Star, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1975 Horse – Belinda’s Star, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1974 Horse – My Friend Paul, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1973 Horse – Starglow, Jockey – Graeme Webster Snr, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1972 Horse – Acello, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1971 Horse – La Trice, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1970 Horse – La Trice, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1969 Horse – Sherolythe, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1968 Horse – Torecan, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1967 Horse – Railway Boy, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1966 Horse – Aquitania, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1965 Horse – Watersan, Jockey – Eric Treffone, Trainer – Eric Treffone
Year: 1964 Horse – Copper Son, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1963 Horse – Big Bob, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1962 Horse – Nicopolis, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1961 Horse – Coco, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1960 Horse – On Guard, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1959 Horse – Young Filipino, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1958 Horse – Bebe Grande, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1957 Horse – Fairflow, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1956 Horse – Mcharry, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1955 Horse – Asteroid, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1954 Horse – Chestnut Lady, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1953 Horse – Asteroid, Jockey – N/A, Trainer – N/A
Year: 1952 Horse – Raconteur, Jockey – Eric Treffone, Trainer – N/A