The Flight Stakes is a Group 1 race for three year old fillies held each year at Royal Randwick Racecourse under set weight conditions. Run over a distance of 1600 metres, this great event is an important part of the Spring thoroughbred season in Sydney. The Flight Stakes was first run in 1947, when it was named after the champion mare Flight, winner of the prestigious Cox Plate in 1945 and 1946.
[include file=”inpost_adrotator.php”]
The Flight Stakes is the premier event of the season in Sydney for three year old fillies, and as such always manages to attract a top class field. The first ever winner of this event was Nizam’s Ring in 1947, with the most recent winner being Norzita in 2012. In recent years, some of the big name horses who have managed to win this event include Streama in 2011, More Joyous in 2009, Samantha Miss in 2008, and Sunline in 1998.
The Flight Stakes started its life as a Principal race, graduating to Group 2 status in 1979 and elevated to Group 1 status in 1985. Over this time, some great horses have taken out this event, including Assertive Lass in 1996, Angst in 1993, Triscay in 1990, Research in 1988, and Bounding Away in 1986. Jockey Hugh Bowman has an excellent record in the Flight Stakes, having won this event on four separate occasions.
The Tea Rose Stakes has proved to be a good indicator for this race over the years, with More Joyous in 2009, Samantha Miss in 2008, Cheeky Choice in 2006, Ha Ha in 2001, and Unworldy in 2000 all winning the Tea Rose and Flight Stakes double. All barriers have produced winners for the Flight Stakes over the years, with barrier two the most successful with four wins and barrier 17 the least successful with one win.
