The William Reid Stakes is a prestigious Group 1 sprint race run over 1200m under Weight-For-Age (WFA) conditions at Moonee Valley Racecourse. Held annually during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival, the race offers a total prize pool of $1 million and serves as the carnival’s finale. Uniquely, it is run under lights, creating a thrilling spectacle for racing fans.

First held in 1925, the race is named after William Reid, a former Moonee Valley Racing Club committee member and prominent racehorse owner, whose legacy includes the ownership of two-time Caulfield Cup winner Uncle Sam. Over the years, the race has showcased Australia’s top sprinters and held Group 1 status since 1987. Briefly renamed the Australia Stakes from 1994 to 2009, it reverted to its original title in 2010.

The William Reid Stakes headlines a race card that includes the Group 2 Sunline Stakes and Alexandra Stakes, attracting high-quality fields despite its typically smaller size. The race’s history features back-to-back victories by its inaugural winner, The Night Patrol, and it remains one of the most significant sprint events in Australian racing.