The Gilgai Stakes is a Group 2 race that is held under set weight and penalty conditions. Taking place at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne each year, the Gilgai Stakes is a 1200 metre event that has a history of favouring strong sprinters who can handle the long Flemington straight. The Gilgai Stakes takes place on the same day as the popular Group 1 Turnbull Stakes, and began back in 1984.
Special Offer: $500 FREE BET – Luxbet (Tabcorp owned)
Special Offer 2: $500 FREE BET – Sportsbet.com.au (Recommended Bookmaker)
Originally known as the Sir Rupert Steele Stakes, this race changed to its present name in 1999. While it has always been raced over 1200 metres, the Gilgai Stakes was a Listed Race until 1987, which is when it graduated to a Group 3 event. It stayed that way until 2007, when the Gilgai Stakes was upgraded to its present Group 2 status.
Some horses in the Gilgai Stakes may go on to race in the Group 2 Salinger Stakes, with some horses also going on to race in the Caulfield Sprint on Caulfield Cup day. Some of the most well known horses to have won the Gilgai Stakes include Bomber Bill in 2000 and 2003, Cosmic Strike in 2002, Falkirk in 2005, and Hay List in 2010.
The 2011 edition of the Gilgai Stakes was won by Temple of Boom, who shifted into top gear at the 250 mark to win over Sistine Angel in second and Response in third.
2011 Gilgai Stakes Result
1. Temple Of Boom
2. Sistine Angel
3. Response
4. Curtana
5. Varenna Miss
6. Largo Lad
7. First Command
8. Rothera
9. Chasm
10. Soul
11. Shrapnel
12. Decision Time
13. Danzylum
14. Orbit Express
15. Grand Duels
16. Elusive Touch
17. King Hoaks
Past Results
Year Winner Race Name That Year Status Distance
2011 Temple Of Boom VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 2 1200m
2010 Hay List VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 2 1200m
2009 All Silent VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 2 1200m
2008 El Cambio VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 2 1200m
2007 Stanzout VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 2 1200m
2006 Fast ‘N’ Famous VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 3 1200m
2005 Falkirk VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 3 1200m
2004 Recapitalize VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 3 1200m
2003 Bomber Bill VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 3 1200m
2002 Cosmic Strike VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 3 1200m
2001 Belle Du Jour VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 3 1200m
2000 Bomber Bill VRC Gilgai Stakes Group 3 1200m
1999 Black Bean VRC Gilgai Farm Stakes Group 3 1200m
1998 Rebel VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1997 Rock You VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1996 Poetic King VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1995 Racer’s Edge VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1994 Hareeba VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1993 Simonstad VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1992 Storaia VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1991 Vain Sovereign VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1990 Joanne VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1989 Grandiose VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1988 Redelva VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1987 Placid Ark VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Group 3 1200m
1986 Campaign King VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Listed 1200m
1985 Rich Fields Lad VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Listed 1200m
1984 Royal Troubador VRC Rupert Steele Stakes Listed 1200m
