The Champions Stakes 2026 is a horse race run over 2000m at Flemington Racecourse, with $3,000,000 in prize money. The race is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026.

Date
Saturday, 7 November 2026 (Confirmed)
Race time
5:10 pm AEDT
Racecourse
Flemington Racecourse
Distance
2000m
Prize money
$3,000,000
Where to Watch
Watch this race live on swiftbet, MyBet or Multis

Last updated:

Best Bet
10 Aeliana
Best Roughie
2 Light Infantry Man
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Champions Stakes 2026 Field
Flemington Racecourse | 2000m
November 7, 2026
5:10 PM
1. Cosmic Crusader (11) (NZ)
59kg
J: William Pike
T: Andrea Leek
Cosmic Crusader is a star…but what is left in the tank is the query given this is his eighth run back. But, it’s been seven starts now and last start saw him give his rivals a start and a beating in the Cox Plate. If he holds his form, he takes holding out.
2. Light Infantry Man (5) (FR)
59kg
J: Mark Zahra
T: Ciaron Maher
Light Infantry Man had to chase Land Legend in the Cox Plate and was a tired horse at the top of the straight, finishing a long way behind Cosmic Crusader. If he can get a better run in transit, he’s got the talent to be dangerous at odds.
3. Sir Delius (7) (GB)
59kg
J: Craig Williams
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
The comments from Adrian Bott post Cox Plate saying that the horse will improve from the run…mind boggling. That tells me the horse isn’t 100%. Not so much injured. I think being an entire, his mind could be on other things. If he brought his best, he can win. But he goes through to the keeper.
4. Attrition (9)
59kg
J: Jamie Mott
T: Mitchell Freedman
Good, tough honest horse. Just not up to these.
5. Birdman (1) (IRE)
59kg
J: Ben Melham
T: Chris Waller
Does he win the Cox Plate with clear air? Not sure, but he is absolutely flying this horse and off that effort, clearly commands respect.
6. Land Legend (8) (FR)
59kg
J: Ethan Brown
T: Ciaron Maher
Outstanding in the Might And Power, horrendous in the Cox Plate. He can win without me.
7. Von Hauke (3) (NZ)
59kg
J: Damian Lane
T: Cliff Brown
Making up the numbers.
8. Sabaj (10)
59kg
J: Blake Shinn
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
Bless Mark Zahra getting him home on Tuesday. I love the rise to 2000m for him…but for me, it’s too late.
9. Omni Man (6) (IRE)
59kg
J: Dylan Browne McMonagle
T: Joseph O'Brien
Back to 2000m I find very interesting. Loved his finale in the Geelong Cup. But to me, this is the stable covering the spread with the QEll, this race and the Zipping next week.
10. Aeliana (4) (NZ)
57kg
J: James McDonald
T: Chris Waller
Aeliana is the straight bat play for me. She was given a 12/10 by J Mac in the Cox Plate and was hailed as the winner but just couldn’t quite see it through when third to Cosmic Crusader. She should land in a plum spot and take holding out.
11. Treasurethe Moment (2)
57kg
J: Daniel Stackhouse
T: Matt Laurie
Just think she’s past it and retirement is on the cards.
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Champions Stakes Information

The Champions Stakes, previously known as the Mackinnon Stakes, is a Group 1 middle distance race and is one of the best WFA races during Spring Carnival. It is held at Flemington Racecourse each year over 2000m.

The race is at Group 1 level and boasts a total prize pool of $3,000,000 and is at WFA.

The 2026 Champions Stakes will be run on Saturday November 7, 2026 at Flemington Racecourse which is the Saturday following the Melbourne Cup.

The Champions Stakes is the ideal race for horses backing up from the Cox Plate and now the Longines Mile with the change of dates for the race.

The Cox Plate is the main lead up, with ten winners of the Mackinnon since 2000 coming through that race.

How do i bet on the Champions Stakes?

The easiest way to bet on the Champions Stakes is with an online betting site or app. We recommend the following bookmakers Neds, swiftbet, Unibet and Ladbrokes. Once you have signed up simply navigate your way to the correct market and click on the odds of the horse you wish to bet on.

When is the Champions Stakes?

The Champions Stakes 2026 will be run on Saturday, November 7 at Flemington Racecourse. The scheduled start time for the race is 5:10PM.

Where is the Champions Stakes 2026?

The Champions Stakes 2026 will take place at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, November 7.

How to live stream the 2026 Champions Stakes

Have you backed our Best Bet '10 Aeliana' and want to know how you can watch the 2026 Champions Stakes?

The Champions Stakes is scheduled to be run on November 7, 2026 so sign up to any of the compatible online bookmakers below and stream the race for free!

View the table below to work out which online bookmaker will live stream the Champions Stakes.

Bookmaker VIC NSW QLD SA WA TAS NTSign Up
YesNoYes Yes Yes Yes YesLive Steam!
YesNoYes Yes Yes Yes YesLive Steam!
YesNoYes Yes Yes Yes YesLive Steam!
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Champions Stakes Replay

 

Champions Stakes Winners

  • 2025: Via Sistina
  • 2024: Via Sistina
  • 2023: Atishu
  • 2022: Zaaki
  • 2021: Zaaki
  • 2020: Arcadia Queen
  • 2019: Magic Wand
  • 2018: Trap For Fools
  • 2017: Tosen Stardom
  • 2016: Awesome Rock
  • 2015: Gailo Chop
  • 2014: Happy Trails
  • 2013: Side Glance
  • 2012: Alcopop
  • 2011: Glass Harmonium
  • 2010: So You Think
  • 2009: Scenic Shot
  • 2008: Theseo
  • 2007: Sirmione
 
 

Champions Stakes News

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    • Champions Stakes Field & Odds – 2026

      View the Final Field and Barriers for the 2026 Champions Stakes. The Champions Stakes will be run on Saturday, 7 November 2026 at Flemington racecourse. Time: 5:10pm AEDT Distance: 2000m Class: Group 1 Market 💰: View the Odds for the Champions Stakes Champions Stakes Field No Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier… Read More »

       
    • Equal favourites in wide open Champions Stakes field

      The wagering companies have equal favourites for the Champions Stakes (2000m) this Saturday at Flemington. The market is $3.10 the field, with Aeliana sitting alongside Cosmic Crusader. Birdman is at $5.50 on the second line of betting, with Sir Delius at $6.50. Omni Man is at $16 and has been… Read More »

       
    • Zahra gets Sabaj back into the winner’s stall

      Sabaj reaffirmed his love affair with Melbourne Cup Week with a popular win in Tuesday’s $200,000 Listed Asahi Super Dry Plate at Flemington. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained gelding logged his first win for the year when he got home as $2.60 favourite in the 1800-metre event. The… Read More »

       
 
 
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