The George Main Stakes was first run in 1945 over a distance of 8 furlongs (about 1600 metres) and was won by Modulation. The race has remained at the same distance and was converted to 1600 metres in 1972. It became a Group 1 race in 1980 and was run at Warwick Farm in 1983 and 2001. In 2007 it was not held because of equine influenza (EI) which disrupted the Spring Carnival.

George Main was a former chairman of the Australian Jockey Club. He also bred racehorses and ran sheep with his wife Mary on their grazing property “Retreat” west of Cootamundra on the southwest slopes of New South Wales. The race named in his honour attracts top class milers and solid 2000 metre horses.

Several races are used as lead-ups including the NJC Spring Stakes (1600 metres) and Cameron Handicap (1400 metres) both ran at Newcastle, the Theo Marks Stakes (1300 metres), Shannon Quality Handicap (1500 metres) and Gloaming Stakes (1800 metres for 3YOs) at Rosehill, and the Chelmsford Stakes (1600 metres) at Randwick. The winner of the George Main is exempt from a ballot on the Epsom Handicap, and horses who run well head for the Epsom.

In 2020 Chris Waller had four runners and they were the first four home.

In 2023 it was renamed in honour of the new king. The first running of the King Charles III Stakes carries prizemoney of $5 million.

2024 King Charles III Stakes Preview and results

2023 King Charles III Stakes Preview and results

2022 George Main Stakes Preview and results

2021 George Main Stakes Preview and results

2020 George Main Stakes Preview and results

Last mare to win: Verry Elleegant (2021)

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Viscount (2001); Filly – no filly was won

Multiple winners: Winx (2016, 2017 & 2018); Kingston Town (1981 & 1982); Regal Rhythm (1967 & 1968); Count Radiant (1964 & 1965); Shannon (1946 & 1947).

Fastest time (1600m): Kolding (2020) 1:33:3

Interesting trivia: Grey Boots was the runner-up in three consecutive years (1950, 1951 & 1952).

Several horses have won the George Main Stakes – Epsom double with the most recent being Racing To Win (2006). Winx won the Epsom in 2015 and the George Main in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Kingston Town won the George Main Stakes – Cox Plate double twice in 1981 and 1982. Other notable winners include Shogun Lodge (1999), Juggler (1996), Durbridge (1994), Shaftesbury Avenue (1990), Campaign King (1987), Emancipation (1983), All Shot (1973), Baguette (1971), Wenona Girl (1963) and Shannon (1946 and 1947).

From the archives:

2018 George Main Stakes Final Field & Odds:

You can check out all the latest George Main Stakes odds plus final field below.

George Main Stakes Preview & Tips:

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are only 8 runners for the $500,000 George Main Stakes. For the third year in a row the odds-on favourite is the super mare Winx, one of five runners for Chris Waller, who has won her last 26 starts. Second favourite is Unforgotten who was an impressive winner of the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes last start. Third favourite is Le Romain who resumed for a win in the Group 3 Show County Quality then battled on for 7^th in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes.

Egg Tart resumed for 5^th in the Tramway and looked to have more to offer. Ace High was 2^nd in the Chelmsford, while It’s Somewhat ran 7^th, but was 3^rd in this race in 2016. Religify was 6^th in the Chelmsford. Who Shot Thebarman is the only horse resuming here and hasn’t started since his Sydney Cup win in April. The favourite should notch up her 27^th consecutive win and there may be some value in the quinella and trifectas.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.