The Group One $400,000 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday.-
* First run in 1971 when won by Gay Icarus.
* Notable gallopers to have won the race include: Taras Bulba (1975), Kingston Town (1979), Best Western (1981), Veloso (1982), Sir Dapper (1983), Beau Zam (1987), Stylish Century (1989), St. Jude (1990), Kinjite (1991), Danewin (1994), Nothin’ Leica Dane (1995), Tie The Knot (1997), Universal Prince (2000) and Savabeel (2004).
* Before 1978 the race was run in the autumn as the Australasian Champion Stakes.
* In 1983 it was run over 2100m at Warwick Farm.
* Run over 1800m on the Kensington track in 2001.
* Not run in 2007 due to equine influenza.
* Trainers to have won it with a runner this year: Murray Baker – It’s A Dundeel (Monaco Consul 2009); Gai Waterhouse – Proisir (Nothin’ Leica Dane 1995, Magic Of Sydney 1996, Platinum Scissors 2002); Bart Cummings – Lunar Rise (Best Western 1981, Beau Zam 1987, Stylish Century 1989).
* Winning jockeys with mounts this year: Hugh Bowman – Lunar Rise (Erewhon 2010); Corey Brown – Honorius (Niello 2003, Sousa 2008).
