Newmarket Handicap
| Group 1 race | |
| Location | Flemington Racecourse |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1874 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | Lexus (2017) |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1,200 metres |
| Surface | Turf |
| Track | Straight |
| Qualification | Maidens ineligible |
| Weight | Handicap |
| Purse | $1,250,000 (2017) |
The Newmarket Handicap is a Victoria Racing Club Group 1 Thoroughbred open handicap horse race over a distance of 1200 metres, at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia in March during the VRC Autumn Racing Carnival. Prize money is A$1,250,000.
The Newmarket Handicap is considered Australia's premier sprint race. First run in 1874, the brainchild of VRC committeeman Captain Frederick Standish who thought a "short and merry" race over six furlongs would add interest to the Club's autumn program.
The Newmarket Handicap is the only Flemington race, apart from the Melbourne Cup, in which up to 24 horses are permitted to start.
In 2007 the race was run at Caulfield Racecourse due to refurbishment work at Flemington Racecourse.
Four horses in the history of the event have won the Newmarket Handicap twice.
The most successful trainer has been Bart Cummings with eight wins – (1972, 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1990, 1991).
The most successful jockey has been Damien Oliver with three wins – Alinghi (2005), Toledo (2001) and Shillaci (1992).
The race record is held by 2011 winner Black Caviar who posted the time of 1:07.36.
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