Hill Stakes
Hill Stakes
Group Two Betting Guide
| Date: | Saturday, October 11, 2025 |
| Location: | Rosehill Racecourse – Sydney, New South Wales |
| Prize Money: | $2,000,000 |
| Distance: | 1900m |
Held at Rosehill Gardens, the Hill Stakes is a 1900m Group 2 horse racing event. Run in early October annually, in 2025 the Hill Stakes is run for $2,000,000.
Just two mares have won the Hill Stakes, with Verry Elleegant (2019) and Miss Marielle (2009) the only females to have won this race since 2003.
Several superstars of the turf have gone on to win the Hill Stakes. The most notable winners of the Hill Stakes include: Attrition (2024), Cascadian (2022), Think It Over (2021), Verry Elleegant (2019), Hartnell (2016), Preferment (2015), Desert War (2005/2006), Tie The Knot (1999), Saintly (1996), Super Impose (1991), Emancipation (1983), Gunsynd (1972), Baguette (1971), Eskimo Prince (1965), Sky High (1962), Redcraze (1956/1957), Hydrogen (1952/1953), Bernborough (1946), Shannon (1945), Peter Pan (1932/1935), Chatham (1933/1934), Phar Lap (1930/1931) and Gloaming (1922).
2025 Hill Stakes Betting Odds
Horse racing bookmakers are yet to release betting odds for the 2025 Hill Stakes.
Best Hill Stakes bookmakers
The Hill Stakes is one race during the Sydney spring carnival that is attracting plenty of early betting interest, so online bookmakers tend to open early all-in markets. Bookmakers will have markets for Hill Stakes throughout the week of the race, and punters will still get great odds and the best value.
All of our recommended horse betting sites offer betting on the Hill Stakes and bookmaker bonuses will also be available in the days leading up to the race. These horse racing betting sites generally have apps available for iOS and Android smartphones.
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Latest Hill Stakes News
2025 Hill Stakes Final Field
HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Hill Stakes final field is released.
Previous Hill Stakes Field
No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 
Pericles James Cummings Nash Rawiller 4 59kg 2 Royal Patronage Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 10 59kg 3 Attrition Mitchell Freedman Beau Mertens 11 59kg 4 Kovalica Chris Waller Zac Lloyd 2 59kg 5 Nonconformist Grahame Begg Harry Coffey 5 59kg 6 Golden Path Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr Chad Schofield 7 59kg 7 New Endeavour Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 9 59kg 8 Adelaide RiverKris LeesDylan Gibbons659kg9 Berkshire ShadowCiaron MaherJoshua Parr1359kg10 Navajo Peak David Payne Kerrin McEvoy 1 59kg 11 Stockman Joseph Pride Reece Jones 8 59kg 12 Redstone WellAnnabel Neasham & Rob ArchibaldTom Sherry359kg13 HingedChris WallerTommy Berry1257kgNo. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Numerian Annabel Neasham Ryan Maloney 15 59kg 2 Zeyrek Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Tommy Berry 7 59kg 3 Young Werther Danny O’Brien Billy Egan 14 59kg 4 Luncies Kris Less Tim Clark 3 59kg 5 No Compromise Chris Waller Tyler Schiller 16 59kg 6 Protagonist Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons 1 59kg 7 Hoo Ya Mal Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 6 59kg 8 Sky Lab Paul Perry Kathy O’Hara 4 59kg 9 Hosier Mark Minervini Rachel King 8 59kg 10 Mount Popa Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Koby Jennings 10 59kg 11 Montefilia Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 2 57kg 12 Hinged Chris Waller Brett Prebble 5 57kg 13 Magical Lagoon Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 9 57kg 14 Fireburn Gary Portelli Jason Collett 11 56kg 15 Hezashocka (1E)Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)Zac Lloyd1259kg16 Ironclad (2E)Will Clarken & Nikki O’SheaN/A1359kgNo. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Cascadian James Cummings James McDonald 8 59kg 2 Numerian Annabel Neasham Tommy Berry 3 59kg 3 StockmanJoseph PrideN/A259kg4 Yonkers Chris Waller William Pike 1 59kg 5 Elephant Emma-Lee & David Browne Hugh Bowman 6 59kg 6 LunciesKris LeesTim Clark459kg7 Kiss The Bride Bjorn Baker Dylan Gibbons 7 59kg 8 Montefilia David Payne Jason Collett 5 57kg
2024 Hill Stakes result
1st – Attrition (+2500)
2nd – Kovalica (-142.86)
3rd – Royal Patronage (-142.86)
Recent Hill Stakes winners
- Jockey Beau Mertens made the trip to Sydney for one ride at Rosehill, and it dividends in the form of Attrition ($26.00) claiming victory in the $2 million Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m). The Mitchell Freedman-trained gelding made the trip to NSW after running last of four in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 27, with the son of Churchill finally getting out to a staying journey after racing over 1800m once in his 15-start career. It proved a master stroke by Freedman as Attrition was suited by the Rosehill circuit, with Beau Mertens electing to sit on the hammer of well-supported favourite Royal Patronage ($4.00) every step of the way. The pair were sent forward to hold the lead in the middle stages before giving a bold kick turning for home, with the Chris Waller-trained Kovalica ($4.20) putting in the big strides with 400m left to travel. The outside appeared to be doing the better at the furlong pole; however, it was Attrition lifting off the canvas to career away with the prize to claim his first victory since securing Group 1 glory in the 2023 Toorak Handicap (1600m) 12 months ago.
- Five-time Group 1 winner Montefilia ($3.20) stormed away with the $2 million prize packet in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill. It was an astonishing finish by the six-year-old mare, who was idling worse than midfield, turning for home under Nash Rawiller before swallowing up her rivals in the shadows of the post. Mount Popa ($101.00) and Hoo Ya Mal ($4.80) ensured a genuine galloper throughout the 1900m and were always going to leave some back markers coming into play. Initially, it seemed Hoo Ya Mal had pinched a big enough break with 200m to run; however, Protagonist ($6.50) slipped up the rail to cause a grandstand finish before Montefilia produced her scintillating best to snag the prize.
- He might not consistently wow punters like Anamoe or Zaaki, but for an eight-year-old, Cascadian still commands plenty of respect. He was far too good for his competitors in the Hill Stakes at Randwick, comfortably winning the $1 million Group 2 feature over 2000m by almost 3.5 lengths. When the $2.20 favourite Montefilia ran out of gas at the 300m mark, that was when $2.80 winning chance Cascadian pounced for James Cummings, with star jockey James McDonald aboard.
- In the wake of Verry Elleegant’s withdrawal from the 2021 Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000m) to compete in Melbourne, the spotlight turned to Think It Over. Despite the absence of his formidable rival, Think It Over faced a challenging battle as the $1.75 favourite. The determined gelding, guided by Nash Rawiller’s expertise, navigated the length of the Randwick straight. It wasn’t until the final moments that he managed to overtake leader Shared Ambition ($6.50), securing victory by a narrow margin of a short head. The gallant Cepheus ($51) finished a commendable 1.25 lengths behind in third place.
- Guided by the unstoppable James McDonald, Kolding showcased an impressive performance in the 2020 Hill Stakes. Positioned strategically on the speed, Kolding maintained an unyielding gallop, ultimately triumphing over Avilius by a convincing two lengths, with Fierce Impact closely following in third by a mere half-neck. The victory came a year after Kolding’s success in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and a recent triumph in the George Main Stakes (1600m). Despite initial skepticism about Kolding’s ability to excel beyond a mile, his champion trainer remained unwavering in confidence. In the race, Fierce Impact, the $2.30 favorite, opted for a restrained strategy, settling to the rear of the field from barrier six of eight under Nash Rawiller. Meanwhile, Kolding ($3.60) and Avilius ($6.50) positioned themselves ahead in the running order. As the race unfolded, Just Thinkin’ ($9) secured an uncontested lead but relinquished the advantage upon straightening. It was then that Kolding seized the opportunity, and Avilius, equipped with blinkers for the first time, gave chase. Kolding maintained a two-length advantage at the finish line, securing James McDonald a remarkable achievement of four winners on a Group 1 race day.
- Verry Elleegant made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle, securing a dramatic victory in the Hill Stakes at Randwick and rekindling her prospects for major spring races. Trainer Chris Waller, buoyed by the mare’s impressive performance, expressed that both the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup are once again viable options for Verry Elleegant following her Group 2 Hill Stakes triumph. The Australian Oaks champion from the spring, Verry Elleegant, had faced challenges with her racing manners in the past. Waller and his dedicated team, however, diligently addressed these concerns, and their hard work paid off in the Hill Stakes. Overcoming a moderate tempo, Verry Elleegant, priced at $2.40, showcased her resilience by making a compelling late surge from near-last. In a thrilling finish, she managed to edge past Samadoubt ($5.50) in the final bound, clinching victory by a mere nose. Life Less Ordinary ($7.50) finished a commendable three-quarters of a length behind in third place.
Hill Stakes winners
| Hill Stakes Past Winners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2024 | Attrition | Beau Mertens | Mitchell Freedman |
| 2023 | Montefilia | Nash Rawiller | Chris Waller |
| 2022 | Cascadian | James McDonald | James Cummings |
| 2021 | Think It Over | Nash Rawiller | Kerry Parker |
| 2020 | Kolding | James McDonald | Chris Waller |
| 2019 | Verry Elleegant | James McDonald | Chris Waller |
| 2018 | Ace High | Tye Angland | David Payne |
| 2017 | Classic Uniform | Michael Walker | Gary Moore |
| 2016 | Hartnell | James McDonald | John O’Shea |
| 2015 | Preferment | Hugh Bowman | Chris Waller |
| 2014 | Junoob | Blake Shinn | Chris Waller |
| 2013 | Moriarty | Nash Rawiller | Chris Waller |
| 2012 | Lamasery | Peter Robl | David Vandyke |
| 2011 | Trusting | Joao Moreira | John Thompson |
| 2010 | Descarado | Peter Robl | Gai Waterhouse |
| 2009 | Miss Marielle | Peter Robl | Joseph Pride |
| 2008 | Fiumicino | Glen Boss | John Hawkes |
| 2007 | Race Not Held | ||
| 2006 | Desert War | Larry Cassidy | Gai Waterhouse |
| 2005 | Desert War | Jim Byrne | Gai Waterhouse |
| 2004 | Natural Blitz | Danny Beasley | Doug Harrison |
| 2003 | Excellerator | Jim Cassidy | Gai Waterhouse |
| 2002 | Dress Circle | Lenny Beasley | Gai Waterhouse |
| 2001 | Mulan Princess | Chris Munce | Gai Waterhouse |
| 2000 | Pasta Express | John Marshall | Paul Cave |
Hill Stakes winners pre-2000
| Hill Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Horse | ||
| 1999 | Tie The Knot | ||
| 1998 | Arena | ||
| 1997 | Ebony Grosve | ||
| 1996 | Saintly | ||
| 1995 | Stony Bay | ||
| 1994 | Slight Chance | ||
| 1993 | Silk Ali | ||
| 1992 | Muirfield Village | ||
| 1991 | Super Impose | ||
| 1990 | Eastern Classic | ||
| 1989 | Riverina Charm | ||
| 1988 | Natural Habit | ||
| 1987 | Beau Zam | ||
| 1986 | Colour Page | ||
| 1985 | Greatness | ||
| 1984 | Trissaro | ||
| 1983 | Emancipation | ||
| 1982 | Cossack Prince | ||
| 1981 | Canarthus | ||
| 1980 | Silver Wraith | ||
| 1979 | Imposing | ||
| 1978 | Marceau | ||
| 1977 | Carlaw | ||
| 1976 | Ngawyni | ||
| 1975 | Skyjack | ||
| 1974 | Leica Lover | ||
| 1973 | Grand Cidium | ||
| 1972 | Gunsynd | ||
| 1971 | Baguette | ||
| 1970 | Flagrante | ||
| 1969 | Black Onyx | ||
| 1968 | Eternal Youth | ||
| 1967 | Winfreux | ||
| 1966 | Prince Grant | ||
| 1965 | Eskimo Princee | ||
| 1964 | Toi Port | ||
| 1963 | Toi Port | ||
| 1962 | Sky High | ||
| 1961 | Lord Fury | ||
| 1960 | Waipari | ||
| 1959 | Noholme | ||
| 1958 | Skyline | ||
| 1957 | Redcraze | ||
| 1956 | Redcraze | ||
| 1955 | Somerset Fair | ||
| 1954 | Prince Cortauld | ||
| 1953 | Hydrogen | ||
| 1952 | Hydrogen | ||
| 1951 | San Domenico | ||
| 1950 | Playboy | ||
| 1949 | Vagabond | ||
| 1948 | Dark Marne | ||
| 1947 | Columnist | ||
| 1946 | Bernborough | ||
| 1945 | Shannon | ||
| 1944 | Mayfowl | ||
| 1943 | Yaralla | ||
| 1942 | Yaralla | ||
| 1941 | High Caste | ||
| 1940 | Beau Vite | ||
| 1939 | Gold Rod | ||
| 1938 | Gold Rod | ||
| 1937 | Talking | ||
| 1936 | Silver Ring | ||
| 1935 | Peter Pan | ||
| 1934 | Chatham | ||
| 1933 | Chatham | ||
| 1932 | Peter Pan | ||
| 1931 | Phar Lap | ||
| 1930 | Phar Lap | ||
| 1929 | Winalot | ||
| 1928 | Limerick | ||
| 1927 | Limerick | ||
| 1926 | Valicare | ||
| 1925 | The Hawk | ||
| 1924 | Ballymena | ||
| 1923 | The Hawk | ||
| 1922 | Gloaming | ||
| 1921 | Beauford | ||
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