Crown Oaks

Crown Oaks
registered as VRC Oaks

Group 1 race
Chicquita, 1949 winner
Location	Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia
Inaugurated	1861; 163 years ago (1861)
Race type	Thoroughbred
Sponsor	Crown (2024)
Race information
Distance	2,500 metres
Surface	Turf
Qualification	Three year old fillies
Weight	Set weights – 55½ kilograms
Purse	$1,000,000 (2022)

The Victoria Racing Club Oaks (known as the Crown Oaks for sponsorship reasons), is a Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old fillies, run under set weights conditions, over 2,500 metres at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia on the third day of the VRC Spring Carnival, the Thursday after the Melbourne Cup in early November.^[1] Total prize money for the race is A$1,000,000

History

Record attendance for the race day was set in 2004 with 110,677 in attendance.^[2]

1950 and 1952 racebooks

• 
  1950 VRC Oaks Stakes racebook front cover
• 
  1950 VRC Oaks Stakes raceday officials
• 
  Starters and results 1950 Oaks Stakes showing the winner, True Course
• 
  1952 VRC Oaks Stakes racebook front cover
• 
  1952 VRC Oaks Stakes raceday officials
• 
  Starters and results of the 1952 VRC Oaks Stakes
• 
  Starters and results of the 1952 Oaks Stakes showing the winner, Waterlady
• 
  Back page showing railway arrangements and charges at the entrance gates

Name

• 1861–1993 – VRC Oaks
• 1994–2016 – Crown Oaks
• 2017–2023 – Kennedy Oaks^[3]
• 2024 onwards – Crown Oaks

Distance

• 1861–1971 – 11⁄2 miles (~2400 metres)
• 1972 – 2400 metres
• 1973 onwards – 2500 metres

Grade

• 1855–1978 – Principal Race
• 1979 onwards – Group 1

Social attraction

Popularly known as Ladies Day or just Oaks Day (but in recent times also colloquially called Blokes Day^[4]), Kennedy Oaks Day has been an extraordinary phenomenon^{[peacock prose]} of racing^{[citation needed]}. Despite being held on a work day (Melbourne Cup Day is the only public holiday during the racing carnival), Oaks Day boasts the fastest growing crowd records of any day in the Carnival; excluding the pandemic-impacted years of 2020 and 2021, every Oaks Day since 1994 has drawn a crowd of 50,000 or more.^[5] While the main draw card of the race day are the stars of the track, the other popular event on Crown Oaks Day is the annual "Fashions on the Field" celebrations. Introduced by the Victoria Racing Club in 1962 in an effort to woo more women to the track, Ladies day and the Fashions on the Field concept has grown considerably with each year and is now adopted at racetracks and smaller events all over the world.

Attendance

Source:^[6]

• 1980 – 37,098
• 1981 – 37,353
• 1982 – 37,028
• 1983 – 38,633
• 1984 – 40,812
• 1985 – 39,051
• 1986 – 42,649
• 1987 – 45,329
• 1988 – 48,490
• 1989 – 51,673
• 1990 – 50,196
• 1991 – 54,023
• 1992 – 50,925
• 1993 – 46,744
• 1994 – 50,176
• 1995 – 62,388
• 1996 – 67,086
• 1997 – 75,482
• 1998 – 77,301
• 1999 – 83,870
• 2000 – 96,406
• 2001 – 101,201
• 2002 – 103,269
• 2003 – 101,179
• 2004 – 110,677
• 2005 – 100,263
• 2006 – 104,131
• 2007 – 95,230
• 2008 – 89,338
• 2009 – 80,112
• 2010 – 75,088
• 2011 – 71,659
• 2012 – 71,825
• 2013 – 66,757
• 2014 – 64,430
• 2015 – 57,560
• 2016 – 60,888
• 2017 – 63,673
• 2018 – 61,355
• 2019 – 57,296
• 2020 – 0 (no attendance due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions)
• 2021 – 10,000 (restricted attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
• 2022 – 45,046
• 2023 – 46,596^[7]
• 2024 – 50,873

Winners

• 1861 – Palestine
• 1862 – Modesty
• 1863 – Aruma
• 1864 – Illumination
• 1865 – Lady Heron
• 1866 – Sea Gull
• 1867 – Sylvia
• 1868 – My Dream
• 1869 – Kestrel
• 1870 – Florence
• 1871 – Formosa
• 1872 – Sunshine
• 1873 – Rose D'amour
• 1874 – Gaslight
• 1875 – Maid Of All Work
• 1876 – Briseis
• 1877 – Pardon
• 1878 – Melita
• 1879 – Petrea
• 1880 – Sapphire
• 1881 – Royal Maid
• 1882 – Vaucluse
• 1883 – Quality
• 1884 – Venetia
• 1885 – Uralla
• 1886 – The Nun
• 1887 – Dainty
• 1888 – Pearlshell
• 1889 – Spice
• 1890 – Litigant
• 1891 – Tiraillerie
• 1892 – Etra Weenie
• 1893 – The Dauphine
• 1894 – Regina
• 1895 – Auraria
• 1896 – Thunder Queen
• 1897 – Eleusive
• 1898 – Symmetry
• 1899 – Nitre
• 1900 – Haulette
• 1901 – Beanba
• 1902 – Fishery
• 1903 – Sweet Nell
• 1904 – Red Streak
• 1905 – Lady Wallace
• 1906 – Yabba Gabba
• 1907 – Lady Rylstone
• 1908 – Nushka
• 1909 – Lady San
• 1910 – Styria
• 1911 – Wilari
• 1912 – Moe
• 1913 – Mint Sauce
• 1914 – Carlita
• 1915 – Rosanna
• 1916 – Thana
• 1917 – Folly Queen
• 1918 – Stagegirl
• 1919 – Hyades
• 1920 – Mufti
• 1921 – Furious
• 1922 – Scarlet
• 1923 – Frances Tressady
• 1924 – Miss Disraeli
• 1925 – Redshank
• 1926 – Lanson
• 1927 – Ninbela
• 1928 – Opera Queen
• 1929 – Lineage
• 1930 – Barbette
• 1931 – Gallantic
• 1932 – Protea
• 1933 – Golden Hair
• 1934 – Alinura
• 1935 – Nalda
• 1936 – Siren
• 1937 – Prairie Moon
• 1938 – French Gem
• 1939 – Triode
• 1940 – Session
• 1941 – Primavera
• 1942 – East End
• 1943 – Three Wheeler
• 1944 – Provoke
• 1945 – Cherie Marie
• 1946 – Sweet Chime
• 1947 – Nizam's Ring
• 1948 – Grey Nurse
• 1949 – Chicquita
• 1950 – True Course
• 1951 – Lady Havers
• 1952 – Waterlady
• 1953 – Waltzing Lady
• 1954 – Lady Mogambo
• 1955 – Evening Peal
• 1956 – Innesfell
• 1957 – Amarco
• 1958 – Chicola
• 1959 – Mintaway
• 1960 – Lady Sybil
• 1961 – Indian Summer
• 1962 – Arctic Star
• 1963 – Jingle Bells
• 1964 – Light Fingers
• 1965 – Gipsy Queen
• 1966 – Farmer's Daughter
• 1967 – Chosen Lady
• 1968 – Double Steel
• 1969 – Goliette
• 1970 – Sanderae
• 1971 – Kiss Me Cait
• 1972 – Toltrice
• 1973 – Bonnybel
• 1974 – Leica Show
• 1975 – Denise's Joy
• 1976 – Surround
• 1977 – Show Ego
• 1978 – Scomeld
• 1979 – Brava Jeannie
• 1980 – November Rain
• 1981 – Rose Of Kingston
• 1982 – Rom's Stiletto
• 1983 – Taj Eclipse^[8]
• 1984 – Spirit Of Kingston^[9]
• 1985 – My Tristram's Belle^[10]
• 1986 – Diamond Shower^[11]
• 1987 – Sandy's Pleasure^[12]
• 1988 – Research^[13]
• 1989 – Tristanagh^[14]
• 1990 – Weekend Delight^[15]
• 1991 – Richfield Lady^[16]
• 1992 – Slight Chance^[17]
• 1993 – Arborea^[18]
• 1994 – Northwood Plume^[19]
• 1995 – Saleous^[20]
• 1996 – My Brightia^[21]
• 1997 – Kensington Palace^[22]
• 1998 – Grand Archway^[23]
• 1999 – Tributes^[24]
• 2000 – Lovelorn^[25]
• 2001 – Magical Miss^[26]
• 2002 – Bulla Borghese^[27]
• 2003 – Special Harmony^[28]
• 2004 – Hollow Bullet^[29]
• 2005 – Serenade Rose^[30]
• 2006 – Miss Finland^[31]
• 2007 – Arapaho Miss^[32]
• 2008 – Samantha Miss^[33]
• 2009 – Faint Perfume^[34]
• 2010 – Brazilian Pulse^[35]
• 2011 – Mosheen^[36]
• 2012 – Dear Demi^[37]
• 2013 – Kirramosa^[38]
• 2014 – Set Square^[39]
• 2015 – Jameka^[40]
• 2016 – Lasqueti Spirit^[41][42]
• 2017 – Pinot^[43]
• 2018 – Aristia^[44]
• 2019 – Miami Bound
• 2020 – Personal^[45]
• 2021 – Willowy^[46]
• 2022 – She's Extreme^[47]
• 2023 – Zardozi
• 2024 – Treasurethe Moment^[48]

See also

• Thoroughbred racing in Australia
• Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
• List of Australian Group races
• Group races

References

1. "Winners and Past Results for the Crown Oaks". Pro Group Racing Australia. 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
2. Track attendances
3. "2017 Name change – Kennedy Oaks". justhorseracing.com.au. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
4. "Hail to the spring". 7 November 2004.
5. "Track records and attendances". Victorian Racing Club. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
6. "Track records and attendances". Victorian Racing Club. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
7. "Zardozi wins Kennedy Oaks on spectacular third day of Melbourne Cup Carnival". Victoria Racing Club. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
8. "1983 Result – VRC Oaks (held 3 November 1983)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
9. "1984 Result – VRC Oaks (held 8 November 1984)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
10. "1985 Result – VRC Oaks (held 7 November 1985)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
11. "1986 Result – VRC Oaks (held 6 November 1986)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
12. "1987 Result – VRC Oaks (held 5 November 1987)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
13. "1988 Result – VRC Oaks (held 3 November 1988)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
14. "1989 Result – VRC Oaks (held 9 November 1989)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
15. "1990 Result – VRC Oaks (held 8 November 1990)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
16. "1991 Result – VRC Oaks (held 7 November 1991)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
17. "1992 Result – VRC Oaks (held 5 November 1992)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
18. "1993 Result – VRC Oaks (held 4 November 1993)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
19. "1994 Result – VRC Oaks (held 3 November 1994)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
20. "1995 Result – VRC Oaks (held 9 November 1995)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
21. "1996 Result – VRC Oaks (held 7 November 1996)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
22. "1997 Result – VRC Oaks (held 6 November 1997)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
23. "1998 Result – VRC Oaks (held 5 November 1998)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
24. "1999 Result – VRC Oaks (held 4 November 1999)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
25. "2000 Result – VRC Oaks (held 9 November 2000)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
26. "2001 Result – VRC Oaks (held 8 November 2001)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
27. "2002 Result – VRC Oaks (held 7 November 2002)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
28. "2003 Result – VRC Oaks (held 6 November 2003)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
29. "2004 Result – VRC Oaks (held 4 November 2004)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
30. "2005 Result – VRC Oaks (held 3 November 2005)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
31. "2006 Result – VRC Oaks (held 9 November 2006)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
32. "2007 Result – Crown Oaks (held 8 November 2007)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
33. "2008 Result – Crown Oaks (held 6 November 2008)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
34. "2009 Result – Crown Oaks (held 5 November 2009)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
35. "2010 Result – Crown Oaks (held 4 November 2010)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
36. "2011 Result – Crown Oaks (held 3 November 2011)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
37. "2012 Result – Crown Oaks (held 8 November 2012)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
38. "2013 Result – Crown Oaks (held 7 November 2013)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
39. "2014 Result – Crown Oaks (held 6 November 2014)". breednet.com. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
40. "2015 Result – Crown Oaks (held 5 November 2015)". breednet.com. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
41. Lynch, Michael (3 November 2016). "Racing's glorious uncertainty as Lasqueti Spirit and Brenton Avdulla stun rivals in VRC Oaks". The Age. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
42. "2016 Result – Crown Oaks (held 3 November 2016)". breednet.com. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
43. "2017 Result – Kennedy Oaks (held 9 November 2017)". breednet.com. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
44. "2018 Result – Kennedy Oaks (held 8 November 2018)". breednet.com. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
45. "Fastnet Filly Wins G1 VRC Oaks | Breednet".
46. "2021 Result – Kennedy Oaks (held 4 November 2021)". breednet.com. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
47. "2022 Result – Kennedy Oaks (held 3 November 2022)". racingpost.com. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
48. "2024 Result – Crown Oaks (held 7 November 2024)". racingpost.com. Retrieved 7 November 2024.