The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, also known as the Invitation Stakes, is a Group 1 horse race held at the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne every September. The race opens the Spring Group 1 racing carnival season and is an open handicap spanning 1,400 metres with prize money of $350,000. The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is used as a lead-up race to the Toorak Handicap and the Cox Plate which follow the Stakes shortly afterwards.
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Information
- Date: September
- Carnival: Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
- Racecourse: Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne
- Distance: 1,400 metres
- Race Type: Open Handicap
- Group Listing: Group 1
- Prize Money: $350,000
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes History
In 1951 the first Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes was run as a Principal race over seven furlongs with Jovial Lad winning. In 1972, the race converted to 1,400 metres, and has stayed at this distance ever since. The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes gained its Group 1 status in 1979. The fastest time the race has seen since 1980 is 1.21.20 held by Exceed & Excel in 2003.
