The Australian Guineas is a Group 1 thoroughbred horse race, held each year at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. This 1600 metre event takes place each March during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival, where it is raced on Australian Guineas Day alongside a range of supporting events. The Australian Guineas started its life back in 1986, and has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s leading three-year old events.

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The first Australian Guineas was run in 1986, programmed by the VRC in February and run over 1600 metres. This event has always been a race for three year olds, with set weight conditions and a 2.5 kg allowance for fillies. The inaugural Australian Guineas was a Group 3 event, with the race elevated to its current Group 1 status a year later in 1987.

The Australian Guineas was won by some notable horses in the early years, including names like True Version in 1986, King’s High in 1989, Triscay in 1991, and Mahogany in 1994. In more recent times, well known winners include Zabeel in 1990, Baryshnikov in 1995, Mr. Murphy in 2001, Reset in 2004, Apache Cat in 2006, and Rock Classic in 2010.

This event has also been won by a number of horses who have gone on to big things in the breeding industry, including stud sensation Zabeel in 1990, Kenny’s Best Pal in 1993, Baryshnikov in 1995, and Flying Spur in 1996. In the last few years, winners of the Australian Guineas include Shamrock in 2011, Mosheen in 2012, and Ferlax in 2013.

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The Australian Guineas became the third leg of the inaugural 1998 Australian Triple Crown for three-year olds, and was run over 2000 metres for $1 million on Australian Cup Day between 1998 and 2000. Gold Guru, Dignity Dancer, and Pins won this event over the the extra distance in 1998, 1999, and 2000 respectively. However, the Australian Guineas reverted back to its original distance of 1600 metres in 2001, a length that has remained to this day.

The Australian Guineas is now worth $505,000, and is among the major feature events of the autumn racing carnival. Held one week before Super Saturday at Flemington Racecourse, the Australian Guineas is the highlight of a great day’s racing and a fantastic start to the Flemington autumn season.