The Doncaster Handicap, held at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia, is the most famous mile on the Australian racing calendar. The Handicap is a Group One thoroughbred horse race held each year on Easter Monday. The race, for three-year-olds and up, is contested over 1600 meters and the 2007 event has a current prize of $2,500,000.

One of the two great mile handicap races run at Randwick, the Doncaster was first staged in 1866. It is the April counterpart of the $600,000 Epsom Handicap, staged in October. Each race takes its name from a famous English racecourse.

Many great horses have won the Doncaster, including several who have also won the Epsom. Super Impose created history in 1990 and 1991 by becoming the only horse to win both races on two occasions.

Racing To Win, with G. Boss in the saddle, won the 2006 running of the Doncaster in a time of 1.34.11. He carried 51 kgs. Johan’s Toy was second and Bentley Biscuit third.

Three horses have won the cup twice in recent years. Sunline won in 1999 and 2002 while Pharaoh and Super Impose won back-to-back races. Pharaoh won in 1994 and 1995 and Super Impose in 1990 and 1991.

Other recent Doncaster champions include Patezza, 2005; Private Steer, 2004; Grand Armee, 2003; Assertive Lad, 2001; Over, 2000; Catalan Opening, 1998; Secret Savings, 1997; Sprint By, 1996; Skating, 1993; and Soho Square, 1992.

Except for one year, the Doncaster Handicap has been held at Randwick Racecourse every year since 1866. That was 1942 when the army took over the track just before the Easter meeting, which was moved to Rosehill Racecourse, also in Sydney.

Dundee won the first running of the race. He captured the Epsom Handicap the previous year and as a result holds a place in Australian horse racing history.

In 1871 there was the only dead heat ever in the race with Sir William and Lottery sharing the prize of what would eventually become the most sought after handicap race in the southern hemisphere.

Past winners of the Doncaster Handicap: