3 minute read

Some good names have come through the Race History of the Fernhill Handicap run at Randwick on Saturday.

Danewin was one of them so the 2021 Fernhill Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday has something to live up to.

2021 Fernhill Handicap: Nominations

2021 FERNHILL HANDICAP - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Fernhill Handicap is a Listed Race for two-year-old conducted by the Australian Turf Club at Royal Randwick as part of The Championships.

The Fernhill Handicap was first run in 1928 when the distance was seven furlongs.

The Fernhill Handicap became a mile race in 1933 and has remained at that distance except for the years 1942-1943 when it reverted to seven furlongs.

The Fernhill Handicap became a Listed Race in 1997 and held Group 3 status from 1998 until 2005 before a downgrade to Listed in 2006.

The Fernhill Handicap is traditionally the first Sydney two-year-old race of the season run over 1600m and run under quality handicap conditions with a maximum topweight of 61kg.

The Fernhill Handicap is programmed to fit horses preparing for the Group One Champagne Stakes since that race was increased in distance to 1600m in 1972. However it has a worthy history as a valuable long term guide to classic races the following season.

The 2021 Fernhill Handicap was run over 1600m at Royal Randwick for prizemoney of $150,000.

Right before the winning post, two horses fell in the 2019 running won by Power Scheme. They were both David Payne trained 2yos.

Since 1972 only 3 horses have won the Fernhill Handicap/Champagne Stakes double (March Hare, Dracula, Prized Icon).

Other notable winners include Allunga, Blixten, Murray Stream, Mona's Choice, Prince Darius, Persian Lyric, Summer Prince, Gunsynd, Winking, Marceau, Veloso, Phillip, Handy Proverb, Sound Horizon, Beau Zam, Merimbula Bay, Kinjite, Danewin, Anthems, Gallant Tess, Dear Demi and Power Scheme.

The 2020 Fernhill Handicap was won by Untamed from Wheelhouse and Fayerra.