Champions Mile 2025
The Champions Mile is a Group 1 quality handicap held over 1600 metres at Flemington Racecourse, marking the climax of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. With a massive A$3 million prize pool, it’s one of Australia’s premier mile races and a top target for elite milers.
The 2025 edition is scheduled for Saturday, 8 November 2025, on Champions Day, the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Champions Mille
Preview, Trends & Analysis
- Track: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
- Distance: 1600m
- Class: Group 1 (Quality Handicap)
- Conditions: Weight-for-Age (via Quality Handicap system)
- Sponsor: Kennedy (as part of VRC branding)
- Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
- Purse: A$3,000,000
About the Race
First contested in 1881 as the Coburg Stakes, this race has undergone several name changes — including Cantala Stakes, Emirates Stakes, and Kennedy Mile — before being rebranded as the Champions Mile in 2022 to align with the festival-day naming conventions.
The Champions Mile is a Group 1 quality handicap held over 1600 metres at Flemington Racecourse, marking the climax of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. With a massive A$3 million prize pool, it’s one of Australia’s premier mile races and a top target for elite milers.
Run as a Quality Handicap, the Champions Mile remains a key event for high-calibre milers at the Carnival’s finale. After being shifted to Victoria Derby Day in 2016, the race returned to the final day in 2022.
When is the Next Champions Mile?
The 2025 Champions Mile takes place on Saturday, 8 November 2025 — the concluding day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, known as Champions Day at Flemington.
Betting Guide
Popular Bet Types:
Win, Place, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, First Four, Same Race Multi
Form Tips:
- Look for in-form Group-level milersadept at Flemington’s long, sweeping straight.
- Strong performances in lead-up races like the Toorak Handicap, Crystal Mile, or Epsom Handicapare key signals.
- Low barriers are less critical due to the track’s straight layout, but stamina and finishing speed remain decisive.
- Mares typically perform well here; recent winners include Pride Of Jenniand Divine.
The Recent Winners
| Year | Winner |
| 2024 | Mr Brightside |
| 2023 | Pride Of Jenni |
| 2022 | Alligator Blood |
| 2021 | Superstorm |
| 2020 | Yulong Prince |
| 2019 | Fierce Impact |
| 2018 | Best Of Days |
| 2017 | Shillelagh |
| 2016 | Le Romain |
| 2015 | Turn Me Loose |
| 2014 | Hucklebuck |
| 2013 | Boban |
| 2012 | Happy Trails |
| 2011 | Albert The Fat |
The Questions
Saturday, 8 November 2025 — Champions Day at Flemington.
1600 metres — run under quality handicap conditions.
Mr Brightside clinched the 2024 Champions Mile in a thrilling finish.
