3 minute read
Been a while since The Metropolitan run at Randwick on Saturday produced the Caulfield Cup winner.
Tawqeet did just that but it was 15 years ago. Who can step up in the 2021 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday?
2021 The Metropolitan: Nominations
2021 THE METROPOLITAN - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Metropolitan is a Group 1 race run under Handicap conditions for open class horses at Randwick conducted by the Australian Turf Club.
The Metropolitan is run over 2400m. It was first run in 1866 and was won by Bylong.
The Metropolitan has been run over the 2400m for some time but was as much as two miles in the early days. It was also 2600m for many editions.
Except under the Principal Race scale, the Metropolitan has always been a Group 1.
The Metropolitan was called the Great Metropolitan Stakes but since 1898 has been the Metropolitan Handicap.
From 1995 to 1999 the AJC changed the conditions to a SW&P event and mares absolutely cleaned up. Last mare to win the Metropolitan was Coco Cobanna in 2000.
Like so many of the Randwick G1s, Gai Waterhouse has dominated - winning the Metrop on eight occasions.
Te Akau Nick was Gai Waterhouse's first Group 1 winner in 1992.
Junoob lost 2014 Metropolitan on a positive swab. It was awarded to Opinion.
In consecutive years Railings and Tawqeet won the Caulfield Cup after the Metropolitan.
Following Glastonbury's win in 1994, Randwick was the subject of a demonstration following a big form reversal.
Come Play With Me became Chris Waller's fourth Group 1 of the day around the country in 2019 which was an Australian record.
The Metropolitan/Caulfield Cup (4 times) – Tawqeet most recent in 2006.
The Metropolitan/Melbourne Cup (5 times) – Macdougal most recent in 1959.
Last Newcastle Cup/Metrop double – Glencadam Gold 2012.
Last Colin Stephen/Metrop double – Railings 2005.
The 2007 race was not held due to the Equine Influenza break out.
The Metropolitan was worth $750,000 in 2021.
Notable winners of The Metropolitan include Tawqeet (2006), Railings (2005), County Tyrone (2004), Dress Circle (2001), Electronic (1995), Te Akau Nick (1992), Natski (1988), Born To Be Queen (1986), Hayai (1983/1984), Ming Dynasty (1978), Battle Heights (1976), Analie (1973), Tails (1969/1970), Macdougal (1959), Straight Draw (1957), Redcraze (1956), Delta (1951), Beau Vite (1940), Malt King (1911), The Barb (1868) and Tim Whiffler (1867).
The 2020 Metropolitan was won by Mirage Dancer from Mugatoo and Angel Of Truth.
