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The Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) will be held at Ascot on Saturday, December 4 and Bettingpro.com.au provides you with a comprehensive guide to the race.
The Kingston Town Classic 2026 ā now run as the Northerly Stakes ā is Western Australia’s premier weight-for-age race: a $1.5 million Group 1 over 1800m at Ascot on Saturday 5 December 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 ā updated all carnival with the latest field, odds and our best bets.
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The Kingston Town Classic 2026: Key Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Race | Kingston Town Classic / Northerly Stakes (Group 1, WFA) |
| Date | Saturday 5 December 2026 |
| Start time | ~5:00pm AWST (confirmed race week) |
| Venue | Ascot Racecourse, Perth |
| Distance | 1800m |
| Conditions | Group 1, weight-for-age |
| Prize money | $1.5 million |
| Broadcast | Sky Racing, TABtouch + bookmaker live streams |
When is the Kingston Town Classic & What Time?
The race is run on the first Saturday of December at Ascot ā in 2026 that’s Saturday 5 December, with the feature jumping in the late afternoon Perth time (approximately 5:00pm AWST; the exact time is confirmed race week). Local start times by state:
| State | Local start time |
|---|---|
| Western Australia | ~5:00pm AWST |
| Northern Territory | ~6:30pm ACST |
| Queensland | ~7:00pm AEST |
| South Australia | ~7:30pm ACDT |
| NSW / VIC / ACT / TAS | ~8:00pm AEDT |
Kingston Town Classic or Northerly Stakes? The Name Explained
This race honours WA’s champions. It was the Kingston Town Classic ā named after the dual-Cox-Plate hero ā until 2021, then renamed the Northerly Stakes in 2022 (after WA’s other great, Northerly), with prize money lifted to $1.5 million. Most punters still search and bet on it as the Kingston Town Classic, so you’ll see both names. Either way it’s the premier weight-for-age race in Western Australia, the staying-mile feature of the Perth summer carnival.
The Kingston Town Classic 2026 Field & Barrier Draw
As a weight-for-age Group 1 over 1800m, it brings together the best of the WA spring/summer gallopers plus the occasional eastern raider. The barrier and a fair run matter over the Ascot 1800m, with proven middle-distance class and tactical speed the keys. The field firms after the Railway Stakes and the early carnival features. Check back for the confirmed 2026 field and barriers.
Kingston Town Classic Tips, Best Bets & Predictions
Our tipsters post their Kingston Town Classic (Northerly Stakes) best bets and value selections once the field and barriers are confirmed. A WFA 1800m at Ascot rewards proven local Group form and a horse peaking late in the carnival ā and it can reward each-way value. Win and each-way are the staples. Bookmark this page for our final selections.
How to Bet on the Kingston Town Classic
All the standard markets apply ā win and each-way, plus exotics (quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four). Futures open through the Perth carnival. Prices vary between bookmakers, so always compare and take the best available ā see our toplist below.
Kingston Town Classic Odds & Favourites
Markets firm through the Perth summer as the field is confirmed. It can be a strong race for the locals, but a well-credentialled WFA performer can win at any price ā Cosmic Crusader took the 2025 running. For live Kingston Town Classic (Northerly Stakes) odds and the best price on every runner, compare the bookmakers below.
Kingston Town Classic Form Guide
The key form lines are the Perth summer lead-ups ā the Railway Stakes, Lee-Steere Stakes and the WA carnival features ā plus eastern-states middle-distance form shipping west. Look for proven WA Group class and a horse cherry-ripe at 1800m. The Kingston Town Classic anchors the Perth Summer Racing Carnival alongside the Railway Stakes and the Winterbottom Stakes.
Kingston Town Classic Recent Winners & Latest Result
The 2025 running (as the Northerly Stakes) was won by Cosmic Crusader. Recent winners:
| Year | Winner | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Cosmic Crusader | As the Northerly Stakes |
| 2024 | Light Infantry Man | |
| 2023 | Dom To Shoot | |
| 2022 | Amelia’s Jewel | First running as the Northerly Stakes |
| 2021 | Regal Power | Last as the Kingston Town Classic |
History & Background
Long the showpiece weight-for-age race of the Perth summer, the race was known as the Kingston Town Classic ā in honour of the champion Kingston Town ā before being renamed the Northerly Stakes in 2022, saluting another WA great. Champions including Northerly, Old Comrade and Regal Power have won it, and it remains the defining middle-distance test of the WA carnival. It headlines the Perth Summer Racing Carnival.
How to Watch the Kingston Town Classic (Live Stream & TV)
The race is shown on Sky Racing and via TABtouch, with coverage in WA, and you can live stream it free with most licensed Australian bookmakers once your account is funded. Replays go up on the RWWA and Sky channels shortly after.
Best Bookmakers for the Kingston Town Classic
For a full comparison of the top Australian racing bookmakers ā best odds, futures and live streaming ā 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 LimitĀ 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 LimitĀ 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 LimitĀ 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 LimitĀ For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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Kingston Town Classic FAQs
When is the Kingston Town Classic 2026?
Saturday 5 December 2026 at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, over 1800m.
Is the Kingston Town Classic the same as the Northerly Stakes?
Yes. The Kingston Town Classic was renamed the Northerly Stakes in 2022, with prize money lifted to $1.5 million. Many punters still call it the Kingston Town Classic.
How much is the Kingston Town Classic worth?
$1.5 million, at Group 1 weight-for-age level.
What time is the Kingston Town Classic?
Late afternoon Perth time ā approximately 5:00pm AWST (around 8:00pm AEDT in the eastern states) ā with the exact time confirmed race week.
Who won the 2025 Kingston Town Classic / Northerly Stakes?
Cosmic Crusader.
What distance is the Kingston Town Classic?
1800m, weight-for-age, at Ascot in Perth.
How can I watch the Kingston Town Classic?
On Sky Racing and via TABtouch, with free live streams via most bookmakers.
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