Championships 2026
at Royal Randwick
The Championships 2026 at Royal Randwick represents Sydney’s biggest autumn racing weekend, featuring Group 1 races worth millions of dollars and offering racing enthusiasts a chance to experience world-class thoroughbred competition in one of Australia’s most prestigious venues.
The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival 2026 reaches its crescendo with The Championships, transforming Royal Randwick into the epicenter of Australian horse racing!
Day 1 (4th April) is headlined by iconic Group 1 races including the Doncaster Mile, TJ Smith Stakes, and the ATC Australian Derby, where a traditional black-and-white dress code sets a prestigious tone.
The excitement continues on Day 2 (11th April) with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Australia’s richest weight-for-age race, alongside the Sydney Cup and Australian Oaks.
The Championships represents more than just two weekends of great racing. It serves as an annual celebration of Australian thoroughbred excellence that creates lasting memories and genuine appreciation for the sport. Beyond the track, the carnival offers world-class hospitality, fashion, and live performances.
Here Are The Key Events
Day 1 - 4th April 2026
- Doncaster Mile
G1 $4,000,000 | 1600m for 3YO & Upwards
The Doncaster Mile is acknowledged as Australia’s mile championship. It is the most lucrative mile handicap in the world. - Asahi Super Dry TJ Smith Stakes
G1 $3,000,000 | 1200m for 2YO & Upwards
This race has quickly established itself as the sprinting championship of Australia. - Australian Derby
G1 $2,000,000 | 2400m for 3YO
Australia’s premier race for staying 3YOs. First run in 1861, it has been run in the autumn since 1979. - Inglis Sires’
G1 $1,000,000 | 1400m for 2YO
Forms the second leg of the 2YO triple crown. It is Royal Randwick’s 2YO championship race. - The Evergreen Turf Country Championships Final
$1,000,000 | 1400m
The premier race for NSW country trained horses
Day 2 - 11th April 2026
Queen Elizabeth Stakes
G1 $5,000,000 | 2000m for 3YO & Upwards
A race steeped in history, It is Australia’s premier weight for age race with prizemoney offerings of $A5 million.- Schweppes Sydney Cup
G1 $2,000,000 | 3200m for 3YO & Upwards
An increase in prizemoney to $A 2 million sees the Sydney Cup become the autumn championship in the 2 mile handicap category. - Australian Oaks
G1 $1,000,000 | 2400m for 3YO Fillies
The premier staying test for 3YO Fillies in Australia. Run since 1885 it now becomes one of the world’s richest Oaks. - Queen Of The Turf Stakes
G1 $1,000,000 | 1600m for Fillies & Mares 3YO & Upwards
Registered as the Queen of the Turf, the race moved to Royal Randwick over 1600m in 2014 with $A1 million on offer. Arrowfield 3YO Sprint
G2 $1,000,000 | 1200m for 3YO
Moved from February, the race becomes the autumn sprint championship for 3YOs.- Percy Sykes Stakes
G2 $1,000,000 | 1200m for 2YO Fillies
Originally named the Keith Mackay Stakes, the boost in prizemoney makes the race the Australian championship for 2YO fillies. - The Provincial – Midway Championships Final
$1,000,000 | 1400m
The NSW Provincial Championships
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