Five of Australia’s worst-named races

In a sport with a cultural history like horse racing, the sport acknowledges memories of legends by naming races after them.

But it is unfortunate that some of these acknowledgements are made inappropriately or not at all.

One of my pet hates in the wonderful sport of horse racing is the terrible naming of races. Many legends of the sport have been assigned inappropriate races and others have been ruined by commercial sponsorships.

5. Makybe Diva Stakes

Renamed in 2007 in honour of legendary three-time Melbourne Cup winner, Makybe Diva, this race Group 2 race is run in September at Flemington.

Although a legend well deserving of a race named in her honour, the Makybe Diva Stakes is run over 1600m, well short of the Diva’s preferred distance.

There may not be enough 3200m races to honour her over the Melbourne Cup distance, but only one of her stakes wins were at a distance less than 2000m.

Due to her legacy, it’s a race which will one day be promoted to Group 1 status but for the moment, Group 2 status is reasonable but at no time in her career was she considered a miler.

4. Every Group 1 race known only as their sponsor

The Lexus Stakes, Myer Classic and BMW are the main culprits due to their importance of the races in relation to their position in the racing season.

None of these mentioned names have anything to do with racing beyond sponsorship.

The Patinack Farm Classic, the grand final for sprinters in the spring, almost fell into this category but as a race sponsor who also contributes to the industry, it’s not as infuriating.

In an idealistic world, racing would not care for the sponsorship dollars earned from selling the exclusive rights to a race.

However, this is reality and as important races, they are unfortunately taking an opportunity to acknowledge a legend of the sport.

The BMW is probably the worst decision from the Australian Turf Club. As the best staying race in the autumn, it was previously known as the H.E Tancred Cup before exclusive naming rights were sold.

Harry Tancred served the Sydney Turf Club for 20 years, six as Chairman, and the 2400m race was rightfully named after him. From 1990 onwards, his name was dropped in preference of a carmaker.

3. Wakeful Stakes

At the turn of the century, Wakeful was the best horse in the land. By the time she finished her career, she had won the 11 races which today hold Group 1 status.

From 44 starts, she won 25 and was unplaced just three times. Amongst those wins were three McKinnon Stakes, a record she shares with Tranquil Star.

Winning over distances from 1000m to 3200m, the mare was capable of anything.

One of her greatest feats was the 1903 Melbourne Cup when she was allocated an unfathomable 64kg to carry over 3200m. Impressively, she managed to finish second to Lord Cardigan who carried just 42kg.

Named in her honour, the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes is run over 2000m at Flemington on Derby Day and is contested by three year old fillies.

It is the lead up race to the VRC Oaks with the winner of the Wakeful almost a certainty to be favourite for the Oaks.

Wakeful however, never raced as a three-year-old.

She is also comfortably better credentialed than horses that have been honoured with races of Group 1 status. Storm Queen – I’m looking at you.

Perhaps the most fitting race to honour her would be the ‘Wakeful’ Queen of the Turf.

2. VRC Carbine Club Stakes and ATC Carbine Club Stakes

He was one of the five inaugural inductions into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame for his dominance between 1888 and 1892.

Carbine is relatively unknown by younger generations and that is predominantly because he doesn’t actually have a race named in his honour.

From 44 starts, Carbine finished his racing career with 33 wins and went unplaced on just one occasion when he injured himself mid race.

To this day, he holds the record for biggest weight carried (66kg) to victory in the Melbourne Cup, a record unlikely ever to be broken.

Known as ‘Old Jack’ around the stable, there was no race he could not win.

The handicapper did his best to weight him out of races but fighting with determination, Old Jack rightfully has claims to one of the best few horses in Australian history.

Disappointingly, the closest thing Carbine has to a race named in his honour is the VRC Carbine Club Stakes and the ATC Carbine Club Stakes. Both are Group 3 1600m races for three year olds.

The Carbine Club is a social club, not exclusive to horse racing and has little to nothing to do with Carbine beyond their name.

How Carbine does not have a race named in his honour is unfathomable.

1. Phar Lap Stakes

He’s the greatest horse in the history of Australia. He’s known worldwide and carried the hopes of a nation in its toughest time.

They came from far and wide to get a glimpse of ‘Big Red’ who surprisingly is still the best known horse in Australia despite all the Black Caviar attention.

But have you heard of the Phar Lap Stakes?

It’s a Group 2 race run in the autumn on Coolmore Classic day for three year olds over 1500m.

On the day, there are three Group 1 races. The Ranvet Stakes, Canterbury Stakes and Coolmore Classic are all races which the Phar Lap Stakes is a lead up to.

Phar Lap was a black type winner over distances from 1400m to 3200m and with so many wins; it’s quite difficult to pinpoint his preferred distance.

One thing for sure though, is he is the most worthy horse in the history of Australian horse racing to be honoured with a Group 1.

Any race in Australia could be renamed ‘The Phar Lap’ and no one would have the right to argue but rather than stripping a deserving person or horse of their honour.

The Metropolitan or even BMW loom as appropriate races which could be renamed, The Phar Lap.