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The Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) will be held at Flemington on Saturday, November 6 and Bettingpro.com.au provides you with a comprehensive guide to the race.
The Mackinnon Stakes 2026 — now run as the VRC Champions Stakes — is the weight-for-age championship that closes the Melbourne Cup Carnival. It’s a $3 million Group 1 over 2000m at Flemington on Champions Stakes Day, Saturday 7 November 2026. This is our complete guide: the 2026 date and start times, the name change, the field, tips and best bets, live odds, the form guide, how to watch, past winners and FAQs — updated all carnival with the latest field, odds and our best bets.
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The Mackinnon Stakes 2026: Key Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Race | Mackinnon Stakes / VRC Champions Stakes (Group 1, WFA) |
| Date | Saturday 7 November 2026 (Champions Stakes Day) |
| Start time | ~4:45pm AEDT (confirmed race week) |
| Venue | Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne |
| Distance | 2000m |
| Conditions | Weight-for-age, 3yo & up |
| Prize money | $3 million |
| Broadcast | Channel 7 / 7plus, Racing.com, Sky Racing + bookmaker streams |
When is the Mackinnon Stakes & What Time?
The Mackinnon Stakes is run on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival — Champions Stakes Day, the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup. In 2026 that’s Saturday 7 November, with the feature jumping in the late afternoon (approximately 4:45pm AEDT; the exact time is confirmed race week). Local start times by state:
| State | Local start time |
|---|---|
| VIC / NSW / ACT / TAS | ~4:45pm AEDT |
| Queensland | ~3:45pm AEST |
| South Australia | ~4:15pm ACDT |
| Northern Territory | ~3:15pm ACST |
| Western Australia | ~1:45pm AWST |
Mackinnon Stakes or VRC Champions Stakes? The Name Explained
If you’re confused by the name, you’re not alone. The historic Mackinnon Stakes was renamed the VRC Champions Stakes in 2022 and its prize money lifted to $3 million, but most punters still search and bet on it as the Mackinnon. It’s the centrepiece of Champions Stakes Day, the carnival’s final day, headlining a Group 1 program alongside the VRC Champions Sprint (formerly the Darley Sprint Classic) and the VRC Champions Mile (formerly the Emirates Stakes). However you know it, it’s the spring’s last great weight-for-age test.
The Mackinnon Stakes 2026 Field & Barrier Draw
As a weight-for-age Group 1 the Mackinnon attracts an elite but compact field — many of the spring’s best middle-distance horses, often including runners backing up from the Cox Plate or stepping out of Cup-week features. Over 2000m at Flemington the start is on the course proper into a long, fair straight, so the barrier is less punishing than at a tight track; tactical speed and a strong finish matter most. Check back for the confirmed 2026 field and barriers.
Mackinnon Stakes Tips, Best Bets & Predictions
Our tipsters post their Mackinnon Stakes best bets and value selections once the field and barriers are confirmed. As a true weight-for-age championship it rewards proven Group 1 class at 2000m and a horse peaking on the final day of a long carnival. Win and each-way are the staples; the small field also makes the quinella and exacta playable. Bookmark this page for our final selections.
How to Bet on the Mackinnon Stakes
All the standard markets apply — win and each-way, plus exotics (quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four) that suit a small, classy field. Futures open through the spring as the Cox Plate and Cup-week form unfolds. Prices vary between bookmakers, so always compare and take the best available — see our toplist below.
Mackinnon Stakes Odds & Favourites
Mackinnon (Champions Stakes) markets firm through Cup week as the field is confirmed. It is one of the more favourite-friendly Group 1s on the calendar — Via Sistina won at $1.80 in 2025 and Zaaki was a dual winner — but a strongly run weight-for-age race can still reward a value play. For live odds and the best price on every runner, compare the bookmakers below.
Mackinnon Stakes Form Guide
The key form lines are the spring weight-for-age races — the Cox Plate, Caulfield Stakes and Turnbull Stakes — plus horses freshening into the final day of the carnival. Look for proven 2000m Group 1 class, a genuine turn of foot for the Flemington straight, and a stable that has the horse cherry-ripe at the end of a long campaign. The Mackinnon closes the Melbourne Cup Carnival alongside the VRC Oaks and the Champions Sprint.
Mackinnon Stakes Recent Winners & 2025 Result
The 2025 Mackinnon (Champions Stakes) was won by the brilliant mare Via Sistina ($1.80), who went back-to-back under James McDonald to notch her 12th Group 1 win. Recent winners:
| Year | Winner | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Via Sistina | Back-to-back; 12th Group 1 win |
| 2024 | Via Sistina | Reigning Horse of the Year |
| 2023 | Atishu | Chris Waller mare, upset |
| 2022 | Zaaki | Second Champions Stakes |
| 2021 | Zaaki | Dominant favourite |
History & Background
One of Flemington’s great weight-for-age races, the Mackinnon Stakes has long been the spring’s final Group 1 examination of the best middle-distance horses. After a series of program changes it was renamed the VRC Champions Stakes in 2022 and given a $3 million purse as the headline act of Champions Stakes Day. Its honour roll features the cream of Australian racing, and recent runnings have been dominated by superstar mare Via Sistina. It remains the perfect full-stop to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
How to Watch the Mackinnon Stakes (Live Stream & TV)
Champions Stakes Day is shown free-to-air on Channel 7 and 7plus, plus Racing.com and Sky Racing, and you can live stream the race free with most licensed Australian bookmakers once your account is funded. Replays go up on Racing.com shortly after.
Best Bookmakers for the Mackinnon Stakes
For a full comparison of the top Australian racing bookmakers — best odds, futures and live streaming — see our best horse racing betting sites in Australia guide.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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Mackinnon Stakes FAQs
What are the Mackinnon Stakes now called?
The Mackinnon Stakes is now run as the VRC Champions Stakes — renamed in 2022 and worth $3 million. It is also sometimes shown under its sponsor as the Ladbrokes (LKS) Champions Stakes.
When is the Mackinnon Stakes 2026?
Saturday 7 November 2026 — Champions Stakes Day, the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival — at Flemington over 2000m.
Is the Mackinnon Stakes the same as the VRC Champions Stakes?
Yes. The Mackinnon Stakes was renamed the VRC Champions Stakes in 2022, with prize money lifted to $3 million. Many punters still call it the Mackinnon.
What time is the Mackinnon Stakes?
Late afternoon — approximately 4:45pm AEDT — with the exact jump time confirmed race week.
How much is the Mackinnon Stakes worth?
$3 million, at Group 1 weight-for-age level.
Who won the 2025 Mackinnon Stakes?
Via Sistina, going back-to-back under James McDonald for her 12th Group 1 win.
What distance is the Mackinnon Stakes?
2000m, weight-for-age, for horses aged three and over.
How can I watch the Mackinnon Stakes?
Free-to-air on Channel 7 and 7plus, plus Racing.com and Sky Racing, with free live streams via most bookmakers.
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