The AAMI Victoria Derby is a Group 1 race held at Flemington Racecourse each year, generally in late October or early November in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup. Raced by three year olds, this great event is an important part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The Victoria Derby takes place over 2500 metres and is run under set weight conditions for $1.5 million in prize money. The Victoria Derby has a long history in Australian racing, with this classic race first run way back in 1855.

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Rose Of May claimed victory in the inaugural Victoria Derby, as the first of three successive fillies to win this great race. However, while the fillies may have dominated this event in the early years, the last filly to win the Derby was Frances Tressady in 1923. Since then this race has been dominated by colts and geldings, including many of the best names in Australian racing.

Some of the most famous names to win the Victoria Derby include Poseidon in 1906, Phar Lap in 1929, Comic Court in 1948, Dulcify in 1978, Red Anchor in 1984, Elvstroem in 2003, Efficient in 2006, and Monaco Consul in 2009. In the last few years, winners include Lion Tamer in 2010, Sangster in 2011, and Fiveandahalfstar in 2012.

Interestingly, geldings were not allowed to race in the Victoria Derby between 1931 and 1956. The Victoria Derby was originally raced over one and a half miles, changing to a 2400 metre event in 1972 with the advent of the metric system. This length was increased to 2500 metres in 1973, and the Victoria Derby has stayed at this length since then.

As the marquee event on Victoria Derby Day each year, this historic race continues to attract the attention of horse racing lovers from around the country. Even though it shares the bill with other Group 1 events such as the Mackinnon Stakes, Coolmore Stud Stakes, and Myer Classic, the Victoria Derby is the centrepiece attraction in one of Melbourne’s biggest race days each year.