The 2026 TAB Champions Stakes will take place at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Formerly known as the Mackinnon Stakes, this prestigious Group 1 weight-for-age race is one of the feature events on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Runners will compete over 2,000 meters on turf for a share of AUD 3 million in prize money.
Champions Stakes 2026 Race Overview
| Race Name | TAB Champions Stakes |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| Racecourse | Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia |
| Grade | Group 1 |
| Distance | 2,000 meters (Turf) |
| Conditions | Weight-for-age, 3-year-olds and older |
| Total Prize Money | AUD 3,000,000 |
| Race Number | To be confirmed |
Why International Bettors Follow the Champions Stakes
The Champions Stakes is one of Australia’s premier Group 1 middle-distance races. Run over 2,000 meters at Flemington, it attracts high-class weight-for-age performers capable of combining speed, stamina and tactical versatility. The race is also a major target for horses competing in the spring racing carnival, making recent form in other elite Australian races an important consideration for bettors.
Champions Stakes 2026 Early Betting Odds
Early betting odds for the 2026 Champions Stakes provide an indication of the market’s assessment of the leading contenders for this Group 1 contest. Prices can change as the field takes shape and race day approaches.
Check the latest 1xBet market for current win odds. The final field and available betting markets should be checked closer to the race.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
| Horse | 1xbet |
|---|---|
| Cosmic Crusader | 4.00 |
| Aeliana | 5.00 |
| Birdman | 5.00 |
| Sir Delius | 6.00 |
| Another Wil | 13.00 |
| Small Fry | 13.00 |
| Lindermann | 15.00 |
| Omni Man | 15.00 |
| Tom Kitten | 15.00 |
| Buckaroo | 17.00 |
| Defiantly | 17.00 |
| Trustyourinstinct | 17.00 |
| Enfjaar | 26.00 |
| Goodie Two Shoes | 26.00 |
| James J Braddock | 26.00 |
| Sons And Lovers | 26.00 |
| Attrition | 50.00 |
| Darkbonee | 50.00 |
| Kizlyar | 50.00 |
| Land Legend | 50.00 |
| Light Infantry Man | 50.00 |
| Sabaj | 50.00 |
| Treasurethe Moment | 50.00 |
| Von Hauke | 100.00 |
For the latest available prices and betting markets, visit 1xBet.
Champions Stakes 2025 Result
Via Sistina won the 2025 Champions Stakes, successfully defending her title after also winning the race in 2024. Zambardo finished second, while Tom Kitten took third place.
| Position | Horse |
|---|---|
| 1st | Via Sistina |
| 2nd | Zambardo |
| 3rd | Tom Kitten |
Recent Champions Stakes Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Via Sistina |
| 2024 | Via Sistina |
| 2023 | Atishu |
| 2022 | Zaaki |
| 2021 | Zaaki |
