The Hotham Handicap, raced as the Lexus Archer Stakes, is a Victoria Racing Club Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race for horses three years old and older, held under quality handicap conditions, over a distance of 2500 metres, held annually at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia on Makybe Diva Stakes Day. Total prize money for the race is A$300,000.

History

Historically the race has been a traditional lead-up for the Melbourne Cup three days later, with the winner gaining exemption from any ballot for entry to the Cup.

As a "Quality Race", the weights are assigned as in a handicap, but with a maximum weight of 60kg and a minimum weight of 52kg.

The race is also famous due to a triple dead-heat in 1956 involving Fighting Force, Ark Royal and Pandie Sun.

From 2024, the VRC moved the race from Victoria Derby day to Makybe Diva Stakes day in September.

Name

Distance

  • 1869–1971 - 11⁄2 miles (~2400 metres)
  • 1972 onwards - 2500 metres

Grade

  • 1869–1978 - Principal Race
  • 1979–1980 - Group 3
  • 1981–2003 - Group 2
  • 2004 onwards - Group 3

Doubles wins

The following thoroughbreds have won the Hotham Handicap – Melbourne Cup in the same year.

Shocking (2009), Brew (2000), Think Big (1974), Baystone (1958), Foxzami (1949), Sirius (1944), Dark Felt (1943), White Nose (1931), King Ingoda (1922) and Nimblefoot (1870).

1953 and 1954 racebooks

  • 1953 VRC Derby racebook front cover
  • 1953 VRC Derby raceday officials
  • 1953 VRC Hotham Handicap page showing the winner, My Hero
  • 1953 VRC Hotham Handicap page starters and results
  • 1954 VRC Derby racebook front cover
  • 1954 VRC Derby raceday officials
  • 1954 VRC Hotham Handicap page starters and results
  • 1954 VRC Hotham Handicap page showing the winner, Plato
  • Back cover showing enclosure information for visitors

Winners

† Dead heat

See also