The Newmarket Handicap has long been regarded as Australia's premier and most prestigious sprint race. It was first run all the way back in 1874, and has always been run up the 6 furlong or 1200 metre Flemington straight.
Although the Everest has entered the racing landscape in recent years and tried to usurp the Newmarket Handicap's status as Australia's best sprint race, there's no doubt that the Newmarket has the weight of history behind it.
In its almost 150 editions, some of the all-time greats have triumphed. This honour roll contains names like Wakeful, Ajax and Bernborough, as well as the champion sprinters in more recent times: Schillaci, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Black Caviar and Hay List.
To give you an idea of the standing the Newmarket Handicap holds, it is the only race at Flemington besides the Melbourne Cup where 24 horses are permitted to start. While this capacity will rarely be reached, there is always a large and competitive field lining up for the Newmarket.
Being a handicap, even the great sprinters face a tough task if they want to triumph in the race. This also makes the Newmarket Handicap a fascinating betting race. Indeed, the last time a favourite won the race was back in 2012, when Hay List greeted the judge.
In recent years it has been straight-race specialist Redkirk Warrior that has been too good. In 2019, Redkirk Warrior will contest the race again, with connections hoping that he will be the first horse in history to win the Newmarket Handicap for a third consecutive year.
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