Doncaster Mile

The Doncaster Mile is in many people's eyes the highlight of the Autumn Carnival.

Unofficially considered the fifth major of Australian horse racing, the Doncaster is run under handicap conditions over a distance of 1,600 metres at Randwick.

First contested all the way back in 1866, the Doncaster Mile is a prestigious and coveted race for owners, trainers, and jockeys alike. It is also one of the most anticipated Group One's from a punting perspective, with the handicap conditions giving every horse an equal chance to win, and therefore creating plenty of value in the race.

As well as the handicap conditions, the 1,600-metre start at Randwick Racecourse ensures that the Doncaster Mile is a always a competitive race, where barriers don't play significant role. That's because the horses enjoy a straight, six-hundred metre gallop before hitting the first bend, allowing jockeys enough time to find a good spot and not get caught wide with no cover.

Some absolute greats have saluted in the Doncaster over the years, including Tobin Bronze, Gunsynd, Super Impose and Winx. Legendary trainer T. J. Smith has won the race a record seven times, while Guy Walter became the first to train the trifecta in 2005.

In recent years the Doncaster has featured on the first day of The Championships, where a big crowd gathers to witness the best milers in Australia.

The winner of the race gains an exemption from the ballot into the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which is run a week later over a distance of 2,000 metres.

2018 Doncaster Mile

Last season's Doncaster Mile saw crowd favourite Happy Clapper greet the judge. Blake Shinn took the Clapper right up the inside rail, where he kicked away and won by a comfortable two lengths.

This victory was all the more impressive considering he had to lump 57 kilograms, while favourite Kementari and second placegetter Comin' Through only had to carry 51.5 kilos.