Mackinnon Stakes Day is now the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse. In 2024, it will take place on Saturday, November 9th and we have all the information you need on the race.
Race History
Initially called the Melbourne Stakes, the Mackinnon Stakes was inaugurated way back in 1869. The race later became known as the Emirates Stakes but was renamed again when it was moved from Victoria Derby Day to the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup in 2016.
That move took away the prospect of the famous Emirates (Mackinnon) Stakes – Melbourne Cup double, achieved 15 times by 14 horses between 1890 and 1999.
Stakes Day, with this race as its highlight, closes the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington. Champion horses to have won the Mackinnon Stakes include Beau Vite, Rising Fast, Lonhro and So You Think.
Barrier Draw Statistics
In a race over 2000 metres at Flemington, the final field barrier draw can be all-important. Barriers are drawn the day after the Melbourne Cup (Wednesday), the biggest race in Australia.
Horse racing and statistics are synonymous with each other, so it’s important you know your stuff.
Mackinnon Stakes Winners by Barrier
Since 1983, 62% of all Mackinnon Stakes winners have come from barriers 4-8. Here’s the full rundown:
| Barrier | No. of Wins |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 7 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 6 | 2 |
| 7 | 3 |
| 8 | 6 |
| 9 | 2 |
| 10 | 1 |
| 11 | 0 |
| 12 | 1 |
| 13 | 0 |
| 14 | 1 |
Clearly, being drawn right on the inner isn’t too bad, but being drawn on the wide outside is a major disadvantage on Mackinnon Stakes Day.
How to Live Stream the 2024 Mackinnon Stakes
Many online bookmakers also offer live streams of the race, you’ll simply need to check on their conditions before viewing.
Channel 10 also features the 10 Play app, available on desktop and mobile. Via this service, you can stream the Mackinnon Stakes live in high quality.
Form Indicators
Only a single Mackinnon winner in more than 30 years won a Sydney race beforehand; Desert War in 2006. Melbourne form, therefore, is still the thing to look out for.
Speaking of Melbourne form, the Cox Plate is still the major lead-up race for the Mackinnon. The Cox Plate has supplied 9 of the last 12 winners.
Both the 2019 and 2020 races have been won by mares. Before that, the last female winner was all the way back in 2001. Statistically speaking, it would be highly likely a colt/gelding wins this race in 2021.
A three-year-old hasn’t won this race since 2003, with only six taking it in history. A 4yo+ colt or gelding coming off a run in the Cox Plate and not drawn on the outside, therefore, looks ideal.
FAQ
The important questions answered about Mackinnon Stakes Day.
Due to sponsorship, the big race is now known as the VRC Champion Stakes. Seppelt Wines Stakes Day is the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse.
Atishu won the big race on Stakes Day at Flemington in 2023. Atishu was ridden by James McDonald for trainer Chris Waller.
Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse is highlighted by the VRC Champions Stakes, formerly known as the Mackinnon Stakes. Supporting races include the Group 1 Darley Sprint Classic and the Group 2 TAB Matriarch Stakes.
For more information about the days in the Melbourne Cup Carnival you can also look at these pages:
