Ladbrokes Tip: The Chairman’s Stakes serves as a nice lead-up into the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes each autumn
The latest edition of the Chairman’s Stakes ran on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Caulfield Racecourse and saw the odds-on favourite Big Sky ($1.60F) salute for the punters with a dominant, all-the-way three-length victory.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Results
The full Chairman’s Stakes 2026 Results & Finishing Order will be known on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and published right here so stay tuned.
- #1 Big Sky
- #2 Invincible Son
- #8 La Gitana
Big Sky ($1.60F) delivered exactly what punters were hoping for in the 2026 Chairman’s Stakes results at Caulfield, producing a dominant three-length win that confirmed his status as one of the country’s most exciting emerging talents. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-prepared Bivouac colt bounced straight to the front under Ben Melham, showing his trademark early speed before cruising through the run and putting the race away with ease in the straight, eased down well before the line. The performance only strengthened the buzz created by his sharp Flemington debut and propelled him straight to the top of early Blue Diamond Stakes markets, with the stable adamant there’s still plenty of improvement to come as he continues to develop.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Odds & Results
The updated Chairman’s Stakes 2026 betting odds will be available below as soon as released followed by the official Chairman’s Stakes results and finishing order following the event.
| 1. Big Sky (2) J: Ben Melham 59kg 1T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 2. Invincible Son (1) J: Jamie Melham 57kg 3T: Robbie Griffiths | ||
| 8. La Gitana (3) J: Damian Lane 55kg T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 9. Orchid Sky (6) J: Michael Dee 55kg T: Patrick Kearney | ||
| 4. Lady Of Five (5) J: Adin Thompson 55kg 12xT: Peter & Will Hulbert | ||
| 5. Mirador (7) J: Luke Currie 55kg 2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 3. Captive Rock (4) J: Thomas Stockdale 57kg T: Simon Zahra |
Chairman’s Stakes Tips
Chairman’s Stakes tips include backing the non-maidens in the field, looking for those with past Group 3 experience and sticking with the favourites who have an outstanding record in the event.
Another good tip when picking the Chairman’s Stakes winner is to back the best filly with the girls having lots of recent success including five straight wins by Inkaruna (2025), Enthaar (2021), Mildred (2020), Loving Gaby (2019), Ennis Hill (2018), and Formality (2017).
From 2002 – 2020, 14 of the 20 Chairman’s Stakes winners were fillies.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Tips
Our expert Chairman’s Stakes 2026 tips will be available below the week of the race so stay tuned.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR COMPLETE 2026 CHAIRMAN’S STAKES DAY PREVIEW & TIPS
| 1. Big Sky (2) J: Ben Melham 59kg 1T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
| 5. Mirador (7) J: Luke Currie 55kg 2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
| 8. La Gitana (3) J: Damian Lane 55kg T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
The Chairman’s Stakes is a Group 3 sprint for two-year-olds currently conducted at Caulfield Racecourse (Sandown Lakeside in 2025) in late January or early February as part of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.
First run in 1990 and holding Group 3 status since 2014, the event is run at set weights plus penalties over 1000m and offers $200,000 in prize money.
It is one of two Group 3 features on the race card that meeting along with the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) for the mares.
The Chairman’s Stakes is considered a key early lead-up into the Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) run in late February back at the track by the season’s most promising juveniles.
Originally known as the Bounding Away Quality in honour of the 1986 Blue Diamond Stakes – Golden Slipper double winner, the race has been run under a number of different names including its current title since 2010.
Three runners have claimed the Chairman’s Stakes – Blue Diamond Stakes double throughout history with Redoute’s Choice (1999), Road To Success (2000), and most recently Extreme Choice (2016).
Some of the best two-year-olds out of the Chairman’s Stakes may also head to Sydney for the Group 1 $5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m).
In 2024, the Chairman’s winner Coleman went on to run second in the Golden Slipper and third in the Group 1 Inglis’ Sires at Randwick.
To date the filly Crystal Lily (2010) is the sole horse to complete the interstate Chairman’s Stakes – Golden Slipper Stakes double.
Chairman’s Stakes Race Info
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Track: Caulfield Racecourse
- Distance: 1000m
- Conditions: 2YO Set Weights + Penalties
- Status: Group 3
- Prize Money: $200,000
- First Run: 1990
Chairman’s Stakes Betting
Chairman’s Stakes betting markets traditionally open after the field is announced on the Wednesday prior to the event running at Caulfield or Sandown towards the start of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.
Two-year-olds with previous race experience from the summer often sit high up the Chairman’s Stakes odds, but with many on the field on debut markets may be led by the better-bred runners with solid trials in the lead-up.
Favourites in Chairman’s Stakes betting have an outstanding record. 11 of the past 16 Chairman’s Stakes favourites have won with: Big Sky ($1.60 in 2026), Coleman ($2.10 in 2024), Enthaar ($1.24 in 2021), Loving Gaby ($3.50 in 2019), Formality ($2.45 in 2017), Extreme Choice ($1.40 in 2016), Nayeli ($3 in 2014), Metastasio ($1.45 in 2013), Atomic ($2.80 in 2011), and Crystal Lily ($2.20 in 2010).
Chairman’s Stakes Field
The Chairman’s Stakes race field attracts a quality line-up of two-year-old gallopers each year, many racing first-up for the autumn.
If not on debut in the event, youngsters may have run in similar grade Group 3 races the spring prior including the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes for fillies held in Sydney. Enthaar (2020 – 2021) was the last to do the Gimcrack Stakes – Chairman’s Stakes double as a two-year-old.
Inkaruna (2025) was the last Chairman’s Stakes winner on debut.
Many Chairman’s Stakes hopefuls go on to contest that month’s Blue Diamond Stakes over the 1200m at Caulfield.
Chairman’s Stakes nominations are taken the Monday before the race with final acceptances and barriers out on the Wednesday.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Field & Barrier Draw
The official Chairman’s Stakes 2026 Field & Barriers are announced by Racing Victoria on the Wednesday of race week and published in full below so stay tuned for the full line-up of progressive autumn two-year-olds.
The Chairman’s Stakes 2026 final field features a smart line-up of promising Blue Diamond types including Bivouac colt Big Sky coming off a winning Flemington debut by nearly three lengths.
| Entrant | Last 6 | Sex | Barrier | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Big Sky
J: Ben Melham
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
1 | C | 2 | 59kg | |
|
2. Invincible Son
J: Jamie Melham
T: Robbie Griffiths |
3 | C | 1 | 57kg | |
|
3. Captive Rock
J: Thomas Stockdale
T: Simon Zahra |
C | 4 | 57kg | ||
|
4. Lady Of Five
J: Adin Thompson
T: Peter & Will Hulbert |
12x | F | 5 | 55kg | |
|
5. Mirador
J: Luke Currie
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
2 | F | 7 | 55kg | |
| 6. Expensive Taste (3) Scratched: | |||||
| 7. Jadzia (6) Scratched: | |||||
|
8. La Gitana
J: Damian Lane
T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
F | 3 | 55kg | ||
|
9. Orchid Sky
J: Michael Dee
T: Patrick Kearney |
F | 6 | 55kg | ||
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Nominations
The Chairman’s Stakes 2026 nominations are taken on the Monday leading-up to the event.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes nominations extended until 10:00am (AEDT) – 27/01/2026
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Hcp Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | BIG SKY | C | 2 | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | 68 |
| 2 | CAPTIVE ROCK | C | 2 | Simon Zahra | ||
| 3 | EXPENSIVE TASTE | F | 2 | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | ||
| 4 | 3 | INVINCIBLE SON | C | 2 | Robbie Griffiths | 63 |
| 5 | 4 | ISLE OF MONA | F | 2 | Nick Ryan | 61 |
| 6 | JADZIA | F | 2 | Grahame Begg | ||
| 7 | 527 | KO PHANGAN | C | 2 | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 63 |
| 8 | LA GITANA | F | 2 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | ||
| 9 | 12x | LADY OF FIVE | F | 2 | Peter & Will Hulbert | 67 |
| 10 | 2 | MIRADOR | F | 2 | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | 63 |
| 11 | ORCHID SKY | F | 2 | Patrick Kearney | ||
| 12 | TOUGH ROMANCE | C | 2 | Tony & Calvin McEvoy |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Chairman’s Stakes Form Guide
The Chairman’s Stakes form guide details all of the must know info like the jockeys, trainers and lead-up form of the runners in the field along with their barriers. Looking at the form for first-up youngsters that have a previous win on their CV is important.
The Chairman’s Stakes form has stacked up many times in the Blue Diamond Stakes in recent years with Extreme Choice (2016) the last to do the double.
Loving Gaby in 2019 meanwhile went on to run second in both the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes and Group 1 Champagne Stakes that autumn in Sydney. She also further franked the Chairman’s Stakes form when returning that spring as a three-year-old to win the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley before a second to Nature Strip down the Flemington straight in the Group 1 VRC Classic.
The following year (2020), Loving Gaby continued here outstanding sprint form with placings in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (3rd) and Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (2nd) before winning the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.
2026 Chairman’s Stakes Form Guide
A link to our comprehensive Chairman’s Stakes 2026 Form Guide will be provided below the week of the race.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2026 CHAIRMAN’S STAKES FORM GUIDE
Past Chairman’s Stakes Results
The Chairman’s Stakes race results have been dominated by fillies and favourites over the past two decades.
Notable Chairman’s Stakes winners throughout history include Redoute’s Choice (1999), Headway (2009), Crystal Lily (2010), Extreme Choice (2016), and Loving Gaby (2019).
Past Chairman’s Stakes Winners
Recent Chairman’s Stakes winners and placegetters going back to 1993 are listed in the below table.
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2026 | Big Sky | Invincible Son | La Gitana |
| 2025 | Inkaruna | Sword Of Legacy | Hot Sea |
| 2024 | Coleman | Eneeza | Counteroffensive |
| 2023 | Zulfiqar | Veecee | Tacito |
| 2022 | Sebonack | Nanagui | Kiko |
| 2021 | Enthaar | Ingratiating | Fortunate Kiss |
| 2020 | Mildred | Aryaaf | Frederick The Dane |
| 2019 | Loving Gaby | Bella Rosa | Lanigera |
| 2018 | Eniss Hill | Encryption | Prairie Fire |
| 2017 | Formality | Time Awaits | Spoils |
| 2016 | Extreme Choice | Highland Beat | Gratwick |
| 2015 | Thurlow | Haybah | Brooklyn |
| 2014 | Nayeli | Bugatty | Cautious |
| 2013 | Metastasio | Kona Breeze | Shamus Award |
| 2012 | Mama’s Choice | Formidable | Kimando |
| 2011 | Atomic | Vatican | Hollyweird |
| 2010 | Crystal Lily | Bedhrah | Rock Of Fortune |
| 2009 | Headway | Silkyanna | Samski |
| 2008 | Whisper | Grand Jardin | Elusive Wonder |
| 2007 | Gibraltar Campion | Patasi | Simplest |
| 2006 | Ulfah | Ready | Bramble Blitz |
| 2005 | Under The Floor | Danger Looms | Ready To Mombo |
| 2004 | Tirade | Stringent | Eire Hostess |
| 2003 | Vengeance Of Rain | Winestock | Fresh Boy |
| 2002 | Yell | Innovation Girl | Oronoko |
| 2001 | Spitz | Mustaagel | Ebony Night |
| 2000 | Road To Success | Keeper | Mannington |
| 1999 | Redoute’s Choice | Transparent Lover | Camargue |
| 1998 | Coup De Grace | Major Fun | Samanda Strike |
| 1997 | Bonegilla Tom | Any Rhythm | Lucan |
| 1996 | Balcanny | Kitty Cat | Shiosaki |
| 1995 | Tennessee Magic | Danaides | Flouro’s Sister |
| 1994 | Flouro | Scenic Belle | Tennessee Morn |
| 1993 | Lady In Reality | Adagietto | Academic |
FAQ
Who won the 2026 Chairman’s Stakes?
The 2026 Chairman’s Stakes was won by two-year-old Bivouac colt Big Sky at $1.60 favouritism for trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr with jockey Ben Melham aboard on 59kg from barrier 2 to win by three lengths on a Good (4) track in a time of 58.06 seconds.
Who won the 2025 Chairman’s Stakes?
The 2025 Chairman’s Stakes winner was Inkaruna with the debutant filly starting at $6 for Anthony & Sam Freedman with Daniel Moor the replacement rider in the saddle.
When is the Chairman’s Stakes 2026?
Saturday, January 31, 2026What is the prize money for the Chairman’s Stakes 2026?
$200,000
Where is the Chairman’s Stakes 2026?
Caulfield Racecourse, Gate 2 Station Street Caulfield, VIC 3145.
How do I bet on the 2026 Chairman's Stakes?
Bet online or via the latest iOS/Android apps with Ladbrokes.
The first step is to create an account at ladbrokes.com.au. The process is quick and easy!
Once you've created your account you can make a deposit via credit card, or any other of our secure payment methods. Next up, head to the racing page and find the race and runner that's right for you.
Which horse will win the 2026 Chairman's Stakes?
The best way to pick which horse will win the Chairman's Stakes is to take into account the form, assess the barriers, and consider the weight the horse will carry (among other factors). Check out ladbrokes.com.au in the lead up to the race for full form information.