{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} {{Infobox horseraces | surface = Turf | class = Group 1 | horse race = Champions Mile (VRC)<br /><small>''registered as the Cantala Stakes''</small> | image = 260px | caption = Denis Boy, 1932 winner | location = Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia | inaugurated = 1881 | last run = | race type = Thoroughbred | sponsor = Lexus (2025) | website = | distance = 1,600 metres | track = | qualification = Three year olds and older that are not maidens | weight = Quality handicap | purse = $3,000,000 (since 2022) | bonuses = }}
The '''VRC Champions Mile''', registered as the '''''Cantala Stakes''''', is a Group 1 Victoria Racing Club quality handicap Thoroughbred horse race run over 1,600 metres at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia on the fourth and last day during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.<ref name="Melbourne Cup Carnival">{{cite web|url=https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/significant-changes-to-the-melbourne-cup-carnival/330986|title=Significant changes to the Melbourne Cup Carnival|work = Just Horse Racing Australia|date=2016|accessdate=6 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="Emirates ">{{cite web|url=http://www.progroupracing.com.au/group-races/victoria-racing-club/emirates-stakes|title=Winners and Past Results for the Emirates Stakes|work=Pro Group Racing Australia|date=2014|accessdate=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324071445/http://www.progroupracing.com.au/group-races/victoria-racing-club/emirates-stakes|archive-date=24 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Total prize money is A$3,000,000
[[Image:Amounis 1930 VATC Futurity Stakes Jockey Harold Jones Trainer Frank McGrath.jpg|thumb|260px|Amounis, 1926 & 1929 winner]] [[File:Prince Cortauld.jpg|thumb|260px|Prince Cortauld, 1954 winner]]
==History== The race was moved in 2016 to the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival (Victoria Derby Day) from the last day. This was swapped with the LKS Mackinnon Stakes, which became the feature race on the last day of the carnival.<ref name="Melbourne Cup Carnival"/> In 2022, the race was returned to the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and renamed the VRC Champions Mile in order to align with the branding of the entire race day, which is now called Champions Day instead of Stakes Day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.punters.com.au/races/champions-stakes/ |title=VRC Champions Stakes |website=punters.com.au |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref>
===Name=== {{refbegin|20em}} * 1881–1918 - Coburg Stakes * 1919–1961 - Cantala Stakes * 1962–1984 - George Adams Handicap * 1985–1988 - Ampol Stakes * 1989–1992 - Honda Stakes * 1993–1995 - Nissan Stakes * 1996–1997 - Chrysler Stakes * 1998–2015 - Emirates Stakes * 2016 - Cantala Stakes * 2017–2018 - Kennedy Mile * 2019–2021 - Kennedy Cantala Stakes * 2022–2023 - Kennedy Champions Mile * 2024 - VRC Champions Mile * 2025 - Lexus Champions Mile {{refend}}
===Distance=== * 1881–1894 - 1{{frac|1|8}} miles (~1800 metres) *1895–1971 - 1 mile (~1600 metres) *1972–1993 – 1600 metres * 1994 – 1616 metres *1995–2005 – 1600 metres *2006 – 1610 metres *2007 onwards - 1600 metres
===Grade=== *1881–1978 - Principal Race *1979 onwards - Group 1 ===1953 and 1954 racebooks=== <gallery> File:1953 VRC Derby Racebook P1.jpg|1953 VRC Derby racebook front cover File:1953 VRC Cantala Stakes Racebook P1.jpg|1953 VRC Cantala Stakes page showing starters and results File:1953 VRC Cantala Stakes Racebook P2.jpg|1953 VRC Cantala Stakes page showing the winner, Rio Janeiro File:1954 VRC LKS Mackinnon Stakes Racebook P1.jpg|1954 VRC Derby racebook front cover File:1954 VRC LKS Mackinnon Stakes Racebook P2.jpg|1954 VRC Derby raceday officials File:1954 VRC Cantala Stakes Racebook P3.jpg|1954 VRC Cantala Stakes showing winner, Prince Cortauld File:1954 VRC Cantala Stakes Racebook P4.jpg|1954 VRC Cantala Stakes starters and results File:1954 VRC LKS Mackinnon Stakes Racebook P5.jpg|Back Cover showing enclosure information for visitors </gallery>
==Winners== {{refbegin|20em}} * 2025 – Ceolwulf<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/297/flemington/2025-11-08/907973 |title=2025 Result – Lexus VRC Champions Mile ''(held 8 November 2025)'' |publisher=racingpost.com |access-date=10 November 2025}}</ref> * 2024 – Mr Brightside<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.racingpost.com/results/297/flemington/2024-11-09/881554 |title=2024 Result – VRC Champions Mile ''(held 9 November 2024)'' |publisher=racingpost.com |access-date=13 November 2024}}</ref> * 2023 – Pride Of Jenni<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/297/flemington/2023-11-11/854500|title=Full Result 5.30 Flemington (AUS) | 11 November 2023 | Racing Post|website=www.racingpost.com}}</ref> * 2022 – Alligator Blood<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/297/flemington/2022-11-05/825833 |title=2022 Result – Kennedy Champions Mile ''(held 5 November 2022)'' |publisher=racingpost.com |access-date=5 November 2022}}</ref> * 2021 – Superstorm<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/result?v=Flemington&d=2021-10-30&race=Cantala+Stakes |title= 2021 Result – Kennedy Cantala Stakes ''(held 30 October 2020)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2021}}</ref> * 2020 – Yulong Prince * 2019 – Fierce Impact<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/result.aspx?v=Flemington&d=2019-11-02&race=Kennedy+Cantala|title= 2019 Result – Kennedy Cantala ''(held 2 November 2019)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2019}}</ref> * 2018 – Best Of Days<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/result.aspx?v=Flemington&d=2018-11-03&race=Kennedy+Mile |title= 2018 Result – Kennedy Mile ''(held 3 November 2018)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=4 November 2018}}</ref> * 2017 – Shillelagh<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=4/11/2017&v=Flemington&r=8&race=Kennedy+Mil |title= 2017 Result – Kennedy Mile ''(held 4 November 2017)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=4 November 2017}}</ref> * 2016 – Le Romain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=29/10/2016&v=Flemington&r=8 |title= 2016 Result – Cantala Stakes ''(held 29 October 2016)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=29 October 2016}}</ref> * 2015 – Turn Me Loose<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=7/11/2015&v=Flemington&r=7|title=2015 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 7 November 2015)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=7 November 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081702/http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=7%2F11%2F2015&v=Flemington&r=7|url-status=dead}}</ref> * 2014 – Hucklebuck<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=8/11/2014&v=Flemington&r=7|title=2014 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 8 November 2014)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072832/http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=8%2F11%2F2014&v=Flemington&r=7|url-status=dead}}</ref> * 2013 – Boban<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=9/11/2013&v=Flemington&r=7 |title= 2013 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 9 November 2013)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2012 – Happy Trails<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=10/11/2012&v=Flemington&r=6 |title= 2012 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 10 November 2012)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2011 – Albert The Fat<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=5/11/2011&v=Flemington&r=6 |title= 2011 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 5 November 2011)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2010 – Wall Street<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=6/11/2010&v=Flemington&r=6 |title= 2010 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 6 November 2010)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2009 – All American<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=7/11/2009&v=Flemington&r=6 |title= 2009 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 7 November 2009)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2008 – All Silent<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=8/11/2008&v=FLEMINGTON&r=7 |title= 2008 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 8 November 2008)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2007 – Tears I Cry<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=10/11/2007&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2007 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 10 November 2007)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2006 – Divine Madonna<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=11/11/2006&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2006 Result – Emirates Stakes ''(held 11 November 2006)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2005 – Valedictum<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=5/11/2005&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2005 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 5 November 2005)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2004 – Sky Cuddle<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=6/11/2004&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2004 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 6 November 2004)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2003 – Titanic Jack<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=8/11/2003&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2003 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 8 November 2003)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2002 – Scenic Peak<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=9/11/2002&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2002 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 9 November 2002)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2001 – Desert Eagle<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=10/11/2001&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2001 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 10 November 2001)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 2000 – Testa Rossa<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=11/11/2000&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 2000 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 11 November 2000)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1999 – Bonanova<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=6/11/1999&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 1999 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 6 November 1999)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1998 – Bezeal Bay<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=7/11/1998&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6 |title= 1998 Result – Emirates Stks ''(held 7 November 1998)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1997 – Catalan Opening<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=8/11/1997&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6|title=1997 Result – Chrysler Stks ''(held 8 November 1997)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924155432/http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=8%2F11%2F1997&v=FLEMINGTON&r=6|url-status=dead}}</ref> * 1996 – Miss Margaret<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=9/11/1996&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1996 Result – Chrysler Stks ''(held 9 November 1996)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1995 – Seascay<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=11/11/1995&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1995 Result – Nissan Stks ''(held 11 November 1995)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1994 – Seascay<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=5/11/1994&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1994 Result – Nissan Stks ''(held 5 November 1994)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1993 – Primacy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=6/11/1993&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1993 Result – Nissan Stks ''(held 6 November 1993)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1992 – Planet Ruler<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=7/11/1992&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5|title=1992 Result – Honda Stks ''(held 7 November 1992)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154901/http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=7%2F11%2F1992&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5|url-status=dead}}</ref> * 1991 – Pontormo<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=9/11/1991&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1991 Result – Honda Stks ''(held 9 November 1991)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1990 – Shaftesbury Avenue<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=10/11/1990&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1990 Result – Honda Stks ''(held 10 November 1990)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1989 – Better Loosen Up<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=11/11/1989&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1989 Result – Honda Stks ''(held 11 November 1989)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1988 – Our Westminster<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=5/11/1988&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1988 Result – Ampol Stks ''(held 5 November 1988)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1987 – Warned<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=7/11/1987&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1987 Result – Ampol Stks ''(held 7 November 1987)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1986 – Chanteclair<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=8/11/1986&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1986 Result – Ampol Stks ''(held 8 November 1986)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1985 – Dazzling Duke<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=9/11/1985&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1985 Result – Ampol Stks ''(held 9 November 1985)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1984 – Riverdale<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=10/11/1984&v=FLEMINGTON&r=5 |title= 1984 Result – Ampol Stks ''(held 10 November 1984)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1983 – Honest Promise<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breednet.com.au/stakes-race-results/stakesResults.asp?mdate=5/11/1983&v=FLEMINGTON&r=4 |title= 1983 Result – The George Adams ''(held 5 November 1983)''|publisher=breednet.com|accessdate=2 November 2015}}</ref> * 1982 – Magari * 1981 – Tower Belle * 1980 – Silver Bounty * 1979 – Bit Of A Skite * 1978 – Family Of Man * 1977 – Galway Bay * 1976 – Maybe Mahal * 1975 – Kiwi Can * 1974 – Skyjack * 1973 – Taj Rossi * 1972 – All Shot * 1971 – Gunsynd * 1970 – Levian * 1969 – Vain * 1968 – Cyron * 1967 – Heroic Stone * 1966 – Storm Queen * 1965 – Heroic Stone * 1964 – Brandy Lad * 1963 – Wenona Girl * 1962 – Woambra * 1961 – Aquanita * 1960 – Aquanita * 1959 – Wheat King * 1958 – Droll Prince * 1957 – Landy * 1956 – Matrice * 1955 – Kosciusko * 1954 – Prince Cortauld * 1953 – Rio Janeiro * 1952 – Phaethon * 1951 – Kintail * 1950 – Ellerslie * 1949 – Comedy Prince * 1948 – Beau John * 1947 – Money Moon * 1946 – St. Fairy * 1945 – Royal Gem * 1944 – Gay Revelry * 1943 – Burberry * 1942 – Queen Baccha * 1941 – Burrabil * 1940 – Gold Salute * 1939 – Manrico * 1938 – St. Constant<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47985679 |title=St. Constant Stirs Crowd In Great Cantala Finish - Race Results section Cantala Stakes ''(held 29 October 1938)''|work=The Barrier Miner|publisher=Trove|date= 29 October 1938|accessdate=26 October 2015|page=1 col. 1–4}}</ref> * 1937 – Mohican * 1936 – Gay Lover * 1935 – Hostile * 1934 – L'elite * 1933 – Care Free * 1932 – Denis Boy * 1931 – Dermid * 1930 – Mystic Peak * 1929 – Amounis * 1928 – Highland * 1927 – Vaals * 1926 – Amounis * 1925 – Waranton * 1924 – The Night Patrol * 1923 – Claro * 1922 – Violoncello * 1921 – Beeline * 1920 – Ethiopian * 1919 – Chal *1918 – Fitness *1917 – De Gama *1916 – Colugo *1915 – Fidelio *1914 – De Gama *1913 – Ireland *1912 – Walter Tyrril *1911 – Ladies' Man *1910 – Perilous *1909 – Kerlie *1908 – Iolaire *1907 – Iolaire *1906 – Benbow *1905 – Debenture *1904 – P.K. *1903 – Graft *1902 – Kinglock *1901 – Caledonia *1900 – Nitre *1899 – Security *1898 – Sailor Boy *1897 – The Grafter *1896 – Ayrshire *1895 – Hindoo *1894 – Escapade *1893 – Rosebrook *1892 – Cooya *1891 – Cardoness *1890 – Crown Jewel *1889 – Boz *1888 – Plutarch *1887 – Quintin Matsys *1886 – Day Star *1885 – The Bohemian *1884 – Josephine *1883 – Paul *1882 – Wizard *1881 – Courtenay {{refend}}
==See also== *Thoroughbred racing in Australia *Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival * VRC Stakes day * List of Australian Group races * Group races
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
Category:Open mile category horse races Category:Group 1 stakes races in Australia Category:Flemington Racecourse Category:Sports competitions in Melbourne Category:The Emirates Group Category:Horse races established in 1881 Category:1881 establishments in Australia