Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2025
The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, registered as the Invitation Stakes, is a Group 1 open handicap run over 1400 metres at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne. Held during the Spring Racing Carnival, it’s one of Victoria’s premier mid-spring features and a key lead-in to the Toorak Handicap.
A significant calendar shift has restored the race to its traditional mid-September slot, aligning it with the Underwood Stakes on Underwood Day, strengthening its position in the carnival schedule.
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
Preview, Trends & Analysis
- Track: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne
- Distance: 1400m
- Class: Group 1 (Open Handicap)
- Conditions: Open Handicap
- Sponsor: Sportsbet
- Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025
- Purse: A$1,000,000 (Winner: A$600,000)
About the Race
First run as the Invitation Stakes in 1951, the race was renamed in 2005 after Sir Rupert Clarke, long-time chairman of the former Victorian Amateur Turf Club. It has been a Group 1 event since 1979.
The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes often reveals emerging sprint stars—Santa Ana Lane launched into prominence after his 2017 victory. It can also serve as a springboard to notable races like the Toorak Handicap, Memsie Stakes, and the Kennedy Mile.
When is the Next Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes?
The 2025 edition returns to its traditional spring position on Saturday, 20 September 2025, forming a Group 1 double-header with the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield.
Betting Guide
Popular Bet Types:
Win, Place, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, First Four, Same Race Multi
Form Tips:
- The Memsie Stakes (G2)at Caulfield is a proven key lead-in—horses like Regal Roller (2004) and Behemoth (2020) completed the double.
- The Bobbie Lewis Quality(1200m) and Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) often feed into strong form lines.
- Mares perform well—the 2021 win by Sierra Suewas the first since Response in 2010, and Kimochi added to that list in 2024.
- High weights are rarely successful; few horses have won carrying over 57 kg in recent decades.
The Recent Winners
| Year | Winner |
| 2024 | Kimochi |
| 2023 | Magic Time |
| 2022 | Callsign Mav |
| 2021 | Sierra Sue |
| 2020 | Behemoth |
| 2019 | Begood Toya Mother |
| 2018 | Jungle Cat |
| 2017 | Santa Ana Lane |
| 2016 | Bon Aurum |
| 2015 | Stratum Star |
| 2014 | Trust In A Gust |
| 2013 | Rebel Dane |
| 2012 | Moment of Change |
| 2011 | Toorak Toff |
| 2010 | Response |
The Questions
Saturday, 20 September 2025 at Caulfield Racecourse.
1400 metres, Group 1 open handicap.
Kimochi (trained by Gary Portelli, ridden by Craig Williams) delivered an upset with a long-neck victory.
