The $2 million Australian Derby is also known as the ATC Derby and takes place over 2400m at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships in April during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.
2024 Australian Derby Results
- 1st: #1 Riff Rocket
- 2nd: #3 Ceolwulf
- 3rd: #9 Glad You Think So
Australian Derby News
- Riff Rocket Leads 2024 Australian Derby Field & Betting
- Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby
- 2023 Australian Derby Results: Waterhouse Wins First With Major Beel
- Australian Derby 2023 Betting Tips & Best Bets
- Sharp ‘N’ Smart Tops 2023 Australian Derby Field & Odds
The Australian Derby is a classic Group 1 race for three-year-olds. Held on a Saturday in early April during the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, the race takes place at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Day 1 of ‘The Championships’. This is a classic Derby, raced over a distance of 2400 metres (a mile and a half) and offers $2 million in total prize money.
The Australian Derby prizemoney for 2020 was reduced to $1 million to help cope with the financial stress on the industry brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but was back to $2 million in 2021.
As a set weights race, colts and geldings must carry 56.5kg and fillies must carry 54.5kg. The ATC Australian Derby is regarded as a prestigious event and attracts some of the greatest emerging stayers from around the country.
Run on Doncaster Mile Day the Australian Derby is one of four Group 1 races on the card along with the $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m), $3 million TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), and the $1 million ATC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).
Following a run in the ATC Derby some of the better young stayers may head to Adelaide in May for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) with Explosive Jack (2021) the last to do the interstate Derby double.
The Australian Derby winner is exempt from ballot for the upcoming Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes the following Saturday.
In 2024 the Chris Waller-trained Riff Rocket became the fourth horse in history to complete the interstate Victoria Derby – Australian Derby double. He also completed that year’s Rosehill Guineas – ATC Derby double and handed Waller his first Australian Derby victory as a trainer.
The 2024 Australia Derby ran on Saturday April 6, 2024 on Day 1 of The Championships in Sydney and was won in terrific fashion by Chris Waller’s last start Rosehill Guineas hero and race favourite Riff Rocket ($2.20F).
| Australian Derby 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday April 6, 2024 |
| Track: | Randwick Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2400m |
| Race Type: | 3YO Set Weights |
| Status: | Group 1 |
| Prize Money: | $2,000,000 |
The key lead up races for the Australian Derby are the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) held two weeks earlier and the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) held one week before at Rosehill Gardens.
The Rosehill Guineas – Australian Derby double has recently been achieved by the likes of It’s A Dundeel (2013), Criterion (2014), and Riff Rocket (2024).
The Tulloch Stakes – Australian Derby was achieved four times in as many years by Jon Snow (2017), Levendi (2018), Angel Of Truth (2019), and Quick Thinker (2020).
In 2023 Major Beel improved on his lead-up second the Saturday prior in the Tulloch Stakes to score an upset Australian Derby win at 30/1.
2024 Australian Derby Results
- 1st: #1 Riff Rocket ($2.20F)
- 2nd: #3 Ceolwulf
- 3rd: #9 Glad You Think So
Trainer Chris Waller incredibly celebrated his maiden Australian Derby win with his VRC Derby champion from the spring and last start Rosehill Guineas winner Riff Rocket ($2.20F) came from second last to first off a gun James McDonald ride to score a narrow but convincing victory in the 2024 ATC Derby results at Randwick.
Click here to read more on the thrilling Australian Derby 2024 victory by the top elect Riff Rocket.
2024 Australian Derby Results & Finishing Order
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | RIFF ROCKET | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 8 | 56.5kg | $2.20F | |||
| 2 | 3 | CEOLWULF (NZ) | Joseph Pride | Blake Shinn | 0.34L | 4 | 56.5kg | $7 | ||
| 3 | 9 | GLAD YOU THINK SO | John Sargent | Ms Rachel King | 4.47L | 3 | 56.5kg | $91 | ||
| 4 | 2 | TOM KITTEN | James Cummings | Adam Hyeronimus | 5.13L | 2 | 56.5kg | $7 | ||
| 5 | 6 | IMMEDIACY (NZ) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Luke Currie | 6.01L | 11 | 56.5kg | $10 | ||
| 6 | 4 | CAP FERRAT | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 6.03L | 5 | 56.5kg | $14 | ||
| 7 | 7 | WYMARK (NZ) | Michael Freedman | Tommy Berry | 6.13L | 12 | 56.5kg | $6.50 | ||
| 8 | 8 | NOISY BOY | Todd Howlett | Jay Ford | 9.12L | 6 | 56.5kg | $31 | ||
| 9 | 5 | GANBARE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 9.59L | 1 | 56.5kg | $21 | ||
| 10 | 10 | ADAGIO | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Regan Bayliss | 12.4L | 9 | 56.5kg | $81 | ||
| 11 | 11 | ZENMASTER | Craig Carmody | Chad Schofield | 24.66L | 7 | 56.5kg | $201 | ||
| 12 | 12 | HOOLIGAN TOMMY (NZ) | John Sargent | Jason Collett | 29.84L | 10 | 56.5kg | $61 | ||
| 14 | ZARDOZI | James Cummings | Ms Jamie Kah | 0 | ||||||
| 13 | SAXON BRAVE | Daiki Chujo | Joshua Parr | 0 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2024 Australian Derby Betting Odds
Over the autumn the all-in and final field Australian Derby 2024 betting odds courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au complete with market links to the Group 1 staying clash will be available below.
Hitotsu ($3.30 in 2022) and Riff Rocket ($2.20 in 2024) – who both also won the VRC Derby the spring prior – are the latest favourites in Australian Derby betting to win.
There was a notable upset in 2023 with Major Beel winning at Australian Derby odds of $31.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST 2024 AUSTRALIAN DERBY ODDS (Final Field)
2024 Australian Derby Form Guide
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2024 AUSTRALIAN DERBY FORM GUIDE
2024 Australian Derby Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Australian Derby 2024 tips and best bets to be published below during race week.
- To Win: #1 Riff Rocket ($3 at time of publish) – BET NOW
While there are historical factors that might work against the favourite Riff Rocket, his current form is undeniable. Chris Waller has yet to capture the ATC Derby, but with his VRC Derby hero from the spring, he has a strong contender in 2024. Riff Rocket has been remarkably consistent this preparation, finishing a close third in the Australian Guineas (Flemington) followed by a win in the Rosehill Guineas. He comes into the race fit and ready to perform after extending his distance. While unproven at Randwick and untested on a Heavy track, his sheer class makes him the horse to beat.
*All odds quoted are provided by Ladbrokes.com.au, correct at time of print and subject to change.
2024 Australian Derby Field
The Australian Derby field attracts a line-up of the season’s best three-year-old stayers. The majority of the horses that run in the ATC Derby field are colts and geldings, with the fillies generally running the following weekend in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) against their own kind.
The official 2024 Australian Derby field and barriers are set to be released by Racing NSW on Tuesday April 2, 2024 and will be published in full below.
The Australian Derby 2024 final field features a talented line-up of young stayers including the VRC Derby champ Riff Rocket coming off a Rosehill Guineas win and VRC Oaks winning filly Zardozi taking on the boys after a lead-up Vinery Stud Stakes third.
- 2024 ATC Derby Scratchings: #13 Saxon Brave
Click here to read more on the key runners in the Australian Derby 2024 field and betting markets.
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x12121x131 | RIFF ROCKET | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 10 | 56.5kg | 107 | ||
| 2 | 13321×6546 | TOM KITTEN | James Cummings | Adam Hyeronimus | 3 | 56.5kg | 100 | ||
| 3 | 312x6x662 | CEOLWULF (NZ) | Joseph Pride | Blake Shinn | 5 | 56.5kg | 92 | ||
| 4 | 5x9732x673 | CAP FERRAT | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 7 | 56.5kg | 88 | ||
| 5 | x41183x794 | GANBARE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 1 | 56.5kg | 88 | ||
| 6 | 1115 | IMMEDIACY (NZ) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Luke Currie | 13 | 56.5kg | 88 | ||
| 7 | 34×2421111 | WYMARK (NZ) | Michael Freedman | Tommy Berry | 14 | 56.5kg | 88 | ||
| 8 | 24100×652 | NOISY BOY | Todd Howlett | Jay Ford | 8 | 56.5kg | 80 | ||
| 9 | 31150×3067 | GLAD YOU THINK SO | John Sargent | Ms Rachel King | 4 | 56.5kg | 69 | ||
| 10 | 21241 | ADAGIO | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Regan Bayliss | 11 | 56.5kg | 60 | ||
| 11 | x01x598462 | ZENMASTER | Craig Carmody | Chad Schofield | 9 | 56.5kg | 60 | ||
| 12 | 5x865x233 | HOOLIGAN TOMMY (NZ) | John Sargent | Jason Collett | 12 | 56.5kg | 56 | ||
| 13 | x32524x231 | SAXON BRAVE | Daiki Chujo | Joshua Parr | 6 | 56.5kg | 55 | ||
| 14 | 007121×013 | ZARDOZI | James Cummings | Ms Jamie Kah | 2 | 54.5kg | 102 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2024 Australian Derby First Acceptances
Like all of the Group 1 races run at Randwick Racecourse on Doncaster Mile Day, the Australian Derby first acceptances close around a month before the race takes place.
The 2024 Australian Derby first acceptances close at midday on Tuesday the 12th of March, 2024.
The Australian Derby 2024 first acceptances are now out with 56 three-year-old staying types left in the mix including the spring’s VRC Derby winner Riff Rocket, star NZ Derby winning filly Orchestral on a hot streak back home, and the Godolphin-raced Tom Kitten.
2024 Australian Derby Nominations
Like all of the Group 1 races run at Randwick Racecourse on Doncaster Mile Day, the Australian Derby nominations close in early to mid-February around two months before the race takes place and often attract over 100 early entries.
The 2024 Australian Derby nominations close at midday on Tuesday the 13th of February, 2024.
The prestigious 2024 Australian Derby promises a clash of the titans with a staggering 134 hopeful stayers nominated for the 2400m classic. Leading the charge is Godolphin’s rising star Tom Kitten, dominant Spring Champion Stakes victor last prep. He’ll face a determined challenge from Chris Waller’s powerhouse stayer Riff Rocket, seeking to achieve the rare feat of conquering the VRC – Australian Derby double. Adding another layer of intrigue is Lindsay Park’s talented Apulia, winner of the Moonee Valley Vase and a close runner-up in the prestigious Victoria Derby.
Australian Derby History
With names such as Phar Lap, Tulloch and Kingstown Town included in the list of race winners, it’s little wonder why this race is so highly regarded in the industry. First won by Kyogle in 1861, the event was titled the Randwick Derby Stakes. In 1865, it was changed to the Australian Derby Stakes and in 1994 it was given its current name.
The Derby was originally run over 1 1/2 miles however was changed in 1972 to 2400m to conform to the metric system. Between 1932 and 1956 geldings were banned from competing in the race.
The 2020 Australian Derby results saw Quick Thinker become the fourth horse in as many years to do the Tulloch Stakes – ATC Derby double. The Kiwi also handed co-trainer Murray Baker with his fifth win in the classic.
In 2022 Hitotsu made history as the first horse since Mahogany (1993-94) to win the Victoria derby – Australian Derby interstate double. He also became the first Australian Guineas winner to back up and win the Australian Derby without a run in between.
Gai Waterhouse celebrated her maiden Australian Derby win in 2023 with Major Beel ($31) in partnership with Adrian Bott. Waterhouse’s father TJ Smith holds the Australian Derby record having prepared an incredible nine winners throughout his career.
See below for the full Australian Derby results going back to 2000.
The VRC Derby – ATC Derby double was last completed by Riff Rocket (2023/24).
| Australian Derby Records | |
|---|---|
| Time Record: | 2:28.41 – Octagonal (1996) |
| Largest Winning Margin: | 10 Lengths – Trident (1886) |
| Most wins by a Jockey: | 6 Wins – Thomas Hales (1875, 1880, 1882, 1884, 1886, 1887) |
Recent Australian Derby Winners
| Year | Place | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Australian Derby | 1st | Riff Rocket | 2 minutes 23.45 seconds |
| 2nd | Ceolwulf | ||
| 3rd | Glad You Think So | ||
| 2023 Australian Derby | 1st | Major Beel | 2 minutes 40.37 seconds |
| 2nd | Virtuous Circle | ||
| 3rd | Suizruo | ||
| 2022 Australian Derby | 1st | Hitotsu | 2 minutes 39.39 seconds |
| 2nd | Benaud | ||
| 3rd | Alegron | ||
| 2021 Australian Derby | 1st | Explosive Jack | 2 minutes 34.13 seconds |
| 2nd | Young Werther | ||
| 3rd | Lion’s Roar | ||
| 2020 Australian Derby | 1st | Quick Thinker | 2 minutes 34.24 seconds |
| 2nd | Zebrowski | ||
| 3rd | Eric The Eel | ||
| 2019 Australian Derby | 1st | Angel Of Truth | 2 minutes 35.67 seconds |
| 2nd | Madison County | ||
| 3rd | Surely Sacred | ||
| 2018 Australian Derby | 1st | Levendi | 2 minutes 28.73 seconds |
| 2nd | Ace High | ||
| 3rd | Tangled | ||
| 2017 Australian Derby | 1st | Jon Snow | 2 minutes 38.18 seconds |
| 2nd | Harper’s Choice | ||
| 3rd | Hardham | ||
| 2016 Australian Derby | 1st | Tavago | 2 minutes 33.6 seconds |
| 2nd | Jameka | ||
| 3rd | Tally | ||
| 2015 Australian Derby | 1st | Mongolian Khan | 2 minutes 37.10 seconds |
| 2nd | Hauraki | ||
| 3rd | Volkstok’n’barrell | ||
| 2014 Australian Derby | 1st | Criterion | 2 minutes 38.49 seconds |
| 2nd | Tupac Amaru | ||
| 3rd | Hooked | ||
| 2013 Australian Derby | 1st | It’s A Dundeel | 2 minutes 33.49 seconds |
| 2nd | Philippi | ||
| 3rd | Kingdoms | ||
| 2012 Australian Derby | 1st | Ethiopia | 2 minutes 28.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Polish Knight | ||
| 3rd | Laser Hawk | ||
| 2011 Australian Derby | 1st | Shamrocker | 2 minutes 29.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Retrieve | ||
| 3rd | Anacheeva | ||
| 2010 Australian Derby | 1st | Shoot Out | 2 minutes 32.68 seconds |
| 2nd | Descarado | ||
| 3rd | Monaco Consul | ||
| 2009 Australian Derby | 1st | Roman Emperor | 2 minutes 31 seconds |
| 2nd | Harris Tweed | ||
| 3rd | Predatory Pricer | ||
| 2008 Australian Derby | 1st | Nom De Jeu | 2 minutes 36.2 seconds |
| 2nd | Red Ruler | ||
| 3rd | Littorio | ||
| 2007 Australian Derby | 1st | Flumicino | 2 minutes 36.4 seconds |
| 2nd | Ambitious General | ||
| 3rd | Tuesday Joy | ||
| 2006 Australian Derby | 1st | Headturner | 2 minutes 29.9 seconds |
| 2nd | De Beers | ||
| 3rd | Testafiable | ||
| 2005 Australian Derby | 1st | Eremein | 2 minutes 35.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Stella Grande | ||
| 3rd | Railings | ||
| 2004 Australian Derby | 1st | Starcraft | 2 minutes 34.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Braeloch | ||
| 3rd | Delzao | ||
| 2003 Australian Derby | 1st | Clangalang | 2 minutes 32.3 seconds |
| 2nd | Strasbourg | ||
| 3rd | Mummify | ||
| 2002 Australian Derby | 1st | Don Eduardo | 2 minutes 32.7 seconds |
| 2nd | Carnegie Express | ||
| 3rd | Pentastic | ||
| 2001 Australian Derby | 1st | Universal Prince | 2 minutes 30.8 seconds |
| 2nd | Sir Clive | ||
| 3rd | Danamite | ||
| 2000 Australian Derby | 1st | Fairway | 2 minutes 34 seconds |
| 2nd | Shogun Lodge | ||
| 3rd | Now Voyager | ||
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