One of the biggest events on the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival calendar, the Warrnambool Cup runs in early May at Warrnambool Racecourse - 'The Bool'.
2025 Warrnambool Cup Results
- 1st: #1 Smokin' Romans
- 2nd: #4 Torranzino
- 3rd: #13 Ziryab
Warrnambool Cup News
The Warrnambool Cup is the most anticipated race on the annual Warrnambool May Racing Carnival calendar in Victoria. Run over a staying distance of 2350m, the Warrnambool Cup field attracts a quality line-up of black-type gallopers from mainly local Melbourne-based stables and offers $300,000 in total prize money.
2025 Warrnambool Cup Results
- 1st: #1 Smokin’ Romans ($9)
- 2nd: #4 Torranzino
- 3rd: #13 Ziryab
Ciaron Maher’s evergreen eight-year-old Smokin’ Romans ($9) returned to winning form in a remarkable all-the-way 2025 Warrnambool Cup win with Ben Melham aboard as the horse held out a fast-finishing Torranzino to salute in style!
Warrnambool Cup 2025 Odds & Results
Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup (L)
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1st
1. Smokin' Romans (2) J: Ben Melham 59kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
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2nd
4. Torranzino (16) J: Celine Gaudray 56kg
T: Paul Preusker |
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3rd
13. Ziryab (7) J: Teo Nugent 54kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
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4th
15. Ferago (6) J: Craig Newitt 54kg
T: Patrick F Ryan Jnr |
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|
5th
10. True Marvel (9) J: Dean Yendall 54kg
T: Matthew Smith |
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6th
5. Strawberry Rock (5) J: Jamie Melham 55.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
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7th
2. Military Mission (13) J: John Allen 57.5kg
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
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|
8th
9. Claidheamh Mor (11) J: Declan Bates 54kg
T: Gemma Rielly |
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|
9th
3. Virtuous Circle (3) J: Jordan Childs 57kg
T: Liam Howley |
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10th
11. Mystery Island (15) J: Harry Coffey 54kg
T: Shane Jackson |
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11th
8. Mission Of Love (12) J: Linda Meech 54kg
T: J G Symons & S Laxon |
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12th
18. Burlington Gate (1) J: Tom Madden 54kg
T: Glen Thompson |
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13th
16. Any Luck (8) J: Kate Walters 54kg
T: Wayne Walters |
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14th
7. Hit The Road Jack (10) J: Luke Currie 54kg
T: Symon Wilde |
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15th
14. Precious Charm (14) J: Harry Grace 54kg
T: Symon Wilde |
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|
16th
12. Speycaster (4) J: Fred W Kersley 54kg
T: Chris Waller |
Data retrieved: 26/05/2025 11:17:27 PM (Australia/Brisbane)
The Warrnambool Cup, traditionally held on the first Wednesday or Thursday in May, is one of Australia’s most renowned country races and it often attracts punting volumes far and above the average Listed status race.
Horses who compete in the Warrnambool Cup often have a decent season behind them already and are looking to wrap up their racing in the southern half of the country before either spelling for winter or heading north for the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
The 2025 Warrnambool Cup ran on Thursday May 1, 2025 at Warrnambool Racecourse, known as The ‘Bool’, and saw trainer Ciaron Maher take out the feature for the first time with his all-the-way champ Smokin’ Romans ($9).
| 2025 Warrnambool Cup | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Thursday May 1, 2025 |
| Track: | Warrnambool Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2350m |
| Conditions: | Open – H |
| Status: | Listed |
| Prize Money: | $300,000 |
| Inaugurated: | 1873 |
2025 Warrnambool Cup Finishing Order
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | Ben Melham | 2 | 59kg | $9 | |||
| 2 | 4 | TORRANZINO (NZ) | Paul Preusker | Ms Celine Gaudray | 0.15L | 16 | 56kg | $12 | ||
| 3 | 13 | ZIRYAB (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Teo Nugent | 1.9L | 7 | 54kg | $4.60F | ||
| 4 | 15 | FERAGO | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | Craig Newitt | 3.65L | 6 | 54kg | $17 | ||
| 5 | 10 | TRUE MARVEL (FR) | Matthew Smith | Dean Yendall | 5.4L | 9 | 54kg | $26 | ||
| 6 | 5 | STRAWBERRY ROCK (IRE) | Ciaron Maher | Ms Jamie Melham | 7.4L | 5 | 55.5kg | $8.50 | ||
| 7 | 2 | MILITARY MISSION (IRE) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | John Allen | 8.4L | 13 | 57.5kg | $21 | ||
| 8 | 9 | CLAIDHEAMH MOR | Gemma Rielly | Declan Bates | 10.65L | 11 | 54kg | $17 | ||
| 9 | 3 | VIRTUOUS CIRCLE (NZ) | Liam Howley | Jordan Childs | 11L | 3 | 57kg | $12 | ||
| 10 | 11 | MYSTERY ISLAND (JPN) | Shane Jackson | Harry Coffey | 11.75L | 15 | 54kg | $5 | ||
| 11 | 8 | MISSION OF LOVE | John Symons & Sheila Laxon | Ms Linda Meech | 12.5L | 12 | 54kg | $26 | ||
| 12 | 18e | BURLINGTON GATE | Glen Thompson | Tom Madden | 14.75L | 1 | 54kg | $41 | ||
| 13 | 16 | ANY LUCK (NZ) | Wayne Walters | Ms Kate Walters | 20.25L | 8 | 54kg | $101 | ||
| 14 | 7 | HIT THE ROAD JACK (NZ) | Symon Wilde | Luke Currie | 24.25L | 10 | 54kg | $26 | ||
| 15 | 14 | PRECIOUS CHARM | Symon Wilde | Harry Grace | 24.45L | 14 | 54kg | $18 | ||
| 16 | 12 | SPEYCASTER (GB) | Chris Waller | Fred Kersley | 39.45L | 4 | 54kg (cd 54.5kg) | $21 | ||
| 19e | GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS | Andrew Bobbin | 0 | |||||||
| 6 | IMMEDIACY (NZ) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Blake Shinn | 0 | ||||||
| 17e | TIKEMYSON (NZ) | Symon Wilde | 0 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2025 Warrnambool Cup Betting
The season’s top Warrnambool Cup 2025 betting odds and market links to Ladbrokes.com.au will be available for punters at Races.com.au the week of the race.
Too Close The Sun ($2.50 in 2020) was the last favourite in Warrnambool Cup betting to salute for the punters.
There was a notable upset in 2024 with Mystery Island saluting at Warrnambool Cup odds of $14 for local horseman Shane Jackson.
2025 Warrnambool Cup Form
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL 2025 WARRNAMBOOL CUP FORM GUIDE
2025 Warrnambool Cup Tips
Stay tuned for our insider Warrnambool Cup 2025 Tips on the popular May event this season.
- Each Way: #14 Precious Charm ($12 at time of publish) – BET NOW
At the price, fancy an Each Way play on classy local mare Precious Charm who has a stellar record at the Warrnambool track with three wins from four starts here for Symon Wilde. The consistent Per Incanto five-year-old was brave in defeat at The Valley two back in February with a hefty 61kg running only two lengths sixth to Charming Deel over the mile. She improved for a powerhouse six length romp home in the Edenhope Cup (2000m) at her latest with 54.5kg on March 8. Freshened up since and kept for this assignment where she chases her first win over further than that. The ease of her lead-up victory suggests she’ll run it out without issues, and she drops to 54kg. Benefits from the booking of Daniel Moor. Drawn wider out in gate 16 but she’s a track specialist here not without claims. Keep safe.
2025 Warrnambool Cup Field
The Warrnambool Cup field attracts a strong line-up of stayers to The ‘Bool each May, many coming off lead-up runs out of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival races including the Group 2 Chairman’s Quality Handicap (2600m) run at Randwick over ‘The Championships’.
Plenty of the gallopers in the Warrnambool Cup field have contested previous editions of the race and there are also plenty of strong Victorian lead-up races to follow into the popular Listed feature including the Terang Cup (2150m) in mid-April. Too Close The Sun (2020) was the last horse to complete the Terang Cup – Warrnambool Cup double.
The Warrnambool Cup 2025 Final Field & Barriers will be announced below the week of the race.
The 2025 Warrnambool Cup field features a capacity line-up of stayers including Paul Preusker’s last start Group 3 Easter Cup winner Torranzino and the defending champion Mystery Island.
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | H Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 54124×5603 | SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | Ben Melham | 2 | 59kg | 103 | ||
| 2 | 568x9909x9 | MILITARY MISSION (IRE) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | John Allen | 14 | 57.5kg | 100 | ||
| 3 | 9080x761x9 | VIRTUOUS CIRCLE (NZ) | Liam Howley | Jordan Childs | 4 | 57kg | 99 | ||
| 4 | 6231658421 | TORRANZINO (NZ) | Paul Preusker | Ms Celine Gaudray | 19 | 56kg | 97 | ||
| 5 | 83×4072102 | STRAWBERRY ROCK (IRE) | Ciaron Maher | Ms Jamie Melham | 6 | 55.5kg | 96 | ||
| 6 | 55x6707x61 | IMMEDIACY (NZ) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Blake Shinn | 15 | 55kg | 95 | ||
| 7 | 11322295×0 | HIT THE ROAD JACK (NZ) | Symon Wilde | Luke Currie | 11 | 54kg | 91 | ||
| 8 | x34500x097 | MISSION OF LOVE | John Symons & Sheila Laxon | Ms Linda Meech | 13 | 54kg | 91 | ||
| 9 | 1x131x8x68 | CLAIDHEAMH MOR | Gemma Rielly | Declan Bates | 12 | 54kg | 90 | ||
| 10 | x80808x800 | TRUE MARVEL (FR) | Matthew Smith | Dean Yendall | 10 | 54kg | 90 | ||
| 11 | 1×66073552 | MYSTERY ISLAND (JPN) | Shane Jackson | Harry Coffey | 17 | 54kg | 86 | ||
| 12 | 157×576205 | SPEYCASTER (GB) | Chris Waller | Fred Kersley | 5 | 54kg | 85 | ||
| 13 | 108×114431 | ZIRYAB (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Teo Nugent | 8 | 54kg | 84 | ||
| 14 | 15686×1461 | PRECIOUS CHARM | Symon Wilde | Daniel Moor | 16 | 54kg | 80 | ||
| 15 | 24819×0655 | FERAGO | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | Craig Newitt | 7 | 54kg | 77 | ||
| 16 | 8562623231 | ANY LUCK (NZ) | Wayne Walters | Ms Kate Walters | 9 | 54kg | 72 | ||
| 17e | 412x12145x | TIKEMYSON (NZ) | Symon Wilde | 18 | 54kg | 71 | |||
| 18e | 36×4531373 | BURLINGTON GATE | Glen Thompson | Tom Madden | 1 | 54kg | 69 | ||
| 19e | x22212x531 | GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS | Andrew Bobbin | 3 | 54kg | 66 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
2025 Warrnambool Cup Nominations
Early nominations for the Warrnambool Cup in 2025 are announced a week out from the race.
| Last 10 | Horse | Sex | Age | Trainer | Ballot | Weight | True Weight | Penalty | H Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0970164211 | BANKERS CHOICE (NZ) | G | 7 | Glen Thompson | 1 | 60kg | 60kg | 105 | |
| 2 | 54124×5603 | SMOKIN’ ROMANS (NZ) | G | 8 | Ciaron Maher | 2 | 59kg | 59kg | 103 | |
| 3 | 568x9909x9 | MILITARY MISSION (IRE) | G | 7 | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 3 | 57.5kg | 57.5kg | 100 | |
| 4 | 9080x761x9 | VIRTUOUS CIRCLE (NZ) | G | 5 | Liam Howley | 4 | 57kg | 57kg | 99 | |
| 5 | 6231658421 | TORRANZINO (NZ) | G | 5 | Paul Preusker | 5 | 56kg | 56kg | 97 | |
| 6 | 83×4072102 | STRAWBERRY ROCK (IRE) | G | 8 | Ciaron Maher | 6 | 55.5kg | 55.5kg | 96 | |
| 7 | 55x6707x61 | IMMEDIACY (NZ) | G | 4 | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 7 | 55kg | 55kg | 95 | |
| 8 | 0264212205 | PROMISES KEPT | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 8 | 54kg | 54kg | 93 | |
| 9 | 621170×558 | DASHING DUCHESS (NZ) | M | 5 | Symon Wilde | 9 | 54kg | 51.5kg | 92 | |
| 10 | x34500x097 | MISSION OF LOVE | M | 5 | John Symons & Sheila Laxon | 10 | 54kg | 51kg | 91 | |
| 11 | 11322295×0 | HIT THE ROAD JACK (NZ) | G | 8 | Symon Wilde | 11 | 54kg | 53kg | 91 | |
| 12 | 1x131x8x68 | CLAIDHEAMH MOR | G | 6 | Gemma Rielly | 12 | 54kg | 52.5kg | 90 | |
| 13 | x80808x800 | TRUE MARVEL (FR) | G | 9 | Matthew Smith | 13 | 54kg | 52.5kg | 90 | |
| 14 | 0098498×76 | STOCKMAN (NZ) | G | 8 | Symon Wilde | 14 | 54kg | 52kg | 89 | |
| 15 | 4654523982 | BELTORO | G | 7 | Robert Hickmott | 15 | 54kg | 51kg | 87 | |
| 16 | 1×66073552 | MYSTERY ISLAND (JPN) | G | 8 | Shane Jackson | 16 | 54kg | 50.5kg | 86 | |
| 17 | 157×576205 | SPEYCASTER (GB) | G | 6 | Chris Waller | 17 | 54kg | 50kg | 85 | |
| 18 | 0x43205x06 | SUNSETS | G | 4 | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 18 | 54kg | 49.5kg | 84 | |
| 19 | 108×114431 | ZIRYAB (GB) | G | 5 | Ciaron Maher | 19 | 54kg | 49.5kg | 84 | |
| 20 | 0x3210x024 | SAVOIR FAIRE (NZ) | G | 5 | Mark Walker | 20 | 54kg | 49kg | 83 | |
| 21 | 561017×853 | GOLDEN CRUSADER (FR) | G | 7 | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | 21 | 54kg | 49kg | 83 | |
| 22 | 2x2110x871 | ALMA RISE (NZ) | M | 4 | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 22 | 54kg | 46.5kg | 82 | |
| 23 | 8x7173x622 | CHASING APHRODITE (GB) | H | 6 | Henry Dwyer | 23 | 54kg | 48kg | 81 | |
| 24 | 15686×1461 | PRECIOUS CHARM | M | 5 | Symon Wilde | 24 | 54kg | 45.5kg | 80 | |
| 25 | 66413041×7 | FARAG (NZ) | G | 7 | Aaron Purcell | 25 | 54kg | 47.5kg | 80 | |
| 26 | 24819×0655 | FERAGO | G | 8 | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | 26 | 54kg | 46kg | 77 | |
| 27 | 8562623231 | ANY LUCK (NZ) | M | 5 | Wayne Walters | 27 | 54kg | 41.5kg | 72 | |
| 28 | 412x12145x | TIKEMYSON (NZ) | G | 5 | Symon Wilde | 28 | 54kg | 43kg | 71 | |
| 29 | 36×4531373 | BURLINGTON GATE | M | 4 | Glen Thompson | 29 | 54kg | 40kg | 69 | |
| 30 | 5562525567 | SENTIMENTAL FLAME | M | 4 | Travis Doudle | 30 | 54kg | 39.5kg | 68 | |
| 31 | 4232111544 | EARLY WARNING | M | 5 | Paul Preusker | 31 | 54kg | 39.5kg | 68 | |
| 32 | 627×773066 | LAKE’S FOLLY | G | 8 | Michael Hickmott | 32 | 54kg | 41.5kg | 68 | |
| 33 | 572520×645 | SHE’S A CON (NZ) | M | 5 | Paul Preusker | 33 | 54kg | 39kg | 67 | |
| 34 | x22212x531 | GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS | M | 4 | Andrew Bobbin | 34 | 54kg | 38.5kg | 66 | |
| 35 | 903320×236 | DSCHINGIS PRESTIGE (FR) | G | 5 | Symon Wilde | 35 | 54kg | 40.5kg | 66 | |
| 36 | x02356x390 | SIR ROCKFORD (NZ) | G | 6 | Aaron Laing | 36 | 54kg | 40kg | 65 | |
| 37 | 2328338×42 | WUDDZZ (NZ) | G | 7 | Henry Dwyer | 37 | 54kg | 40kg | 65 | |
| 38 | 4177786413 | THE TRUE BELIEVER (NZ) | G | 7 | Patrick F Ryan Jnr | 38 | 54kg | 38.5kg | 62 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
Warrnambool Cup History
The Warrnambool Cup had its inaugural run in 1873, when Villiers was first past the post after a gruelling 3200m run. The race distance has changed several times over the years and today sits at an acceptable staying distance of 2350m, less than the renowned Melbourne Cup distance of 3200m.
Warrnambool Cup Race Distance
| Period | Distance |
|---|---|
| 1873-78 | 3200m |
| 1879 | 2800m |
| 1880-88 | 2000m |
| 1889-90 | 2400m |
| 1891-1903 | 2000m |
| 1904-2001 | 2200m |
| 2002-07 | 2350m |
| 2008 | 2360m |
| 2009-present | 2350m |
The Warrnambool Cup is one of the oldest races in Victoria, with a long history of great fields and great races. One of the best displays of local pedigree, the Warrnambool Cup field has in recent years included a number of interstate horses and even some New Zealand stayers. Unlike a lot of country cup races, the Warrnambool Cup field is usually made up of genuine talent, with a number of notable horses finding their way onto the honour board.
Warrnambool Cup Results
The Warrnambool Cup winners and results going back to 1970 can be found in the table below.
| Year | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2025 | Smokin’ Romans | Torranzino | Ziryab |
| 2024 | Mystery Island | No Apology | Little Mix |
| 2023 | Rolls | Not usual Glorious | Swords Drawn |
| 2022 | Witchachar Star | Nerve Not Verve | Constantinople |
| 2021 | Le Don De Vie | Heart Of Puissance | Moonlight Maid |
| 2020 | Too Close The Sun | Mirimar | Sin To Win |
| 2019 | Furrion | Sheezdashing | Divanation |
| 2018 | Gallic Chieftain | Yogi | Romanesque |
| 2017 | High Church | Observational | Unfurl |
| 2016 | Master Of Arts | Vilanova | Swacadelic |
| 2015 | Tall Ship | Arch Fire | Lucciola |
| 2014 | Akzar | Westsouthwest | Shoreham |
| 2013 | Banca Mo | Muirfield | Shiny Buttons |
| 2012 | Dance With Her | Domesky | Hurdy Gurdy Man |
| 2011 | TInamou | Niwot | Streaky Fella |
| 2010 | Hissing Sid | Cruyfforme | Light Vision |
| 2009 | Hissing Sid | Our Smokin Joe | Joontoo Gemini |
| 2008 | Video Star | Sooze | Action Plan |
| 2007 | Sarrera | Douro Valley | Sentire |
| 2006 | New Kid In Town | Satinspin | Forest Knight |
| 2005 | True Courser | Graduated | Pretorius |
| 2004 | Monde Special | Riley Redwing | Al Zimer |
| 2003 | Gunnamatta | Terminus Prince | The A Train |
| 2002 | Majestic Avenue | Condies Fair | Touch The Groom |
| 2001 | Samosiera | Loch Torrindon | Collins Street |
| 2000 | Majestic Avenue | Collins Street | Showsky |
| 1999 | Jamestown | Casino Heights | Flaming Roberto |
| 1998 | Asagain | Oregon Star | Kristalero |
| 1997 | Seattle Hawk | Sunny Lane | Mrs Krause |
| 1996 | Billingsford | True Identity | French Resort |
| 1995 | Grey Alex | Sondheim | Big Barron |
| 1994 | Placido | Charleston Party | Hoodlum |
| 1993 | Favoured Boy | True Symbol | Royal Snack |
| 1992 | Bundoor’s Best | Lord Zamazaan | Mystery Adventure |
| 1991 | Mantlepiece | Rough Seas | Favoured Boy |
| 1990 | Down The Pitch | Pressman’s Choice | Tropine Queen |
| 1989 | Friar’s Delight | Durham Rivers | Scarvila |
| 1988 | Dandy Andy | Tristaplane | Friar’s Delight |
| 1987 | Top Banner | All Spades | Skipton Town |
| 1986 | Mint Master | Hollinger | Jo’naree |
| 1985 | Nicholas John | Skipton Town | Jamaica Inn |
| 1984 | Gun For Fun | Hollinger | Rare Decision |
| 1983 | Palomine | Stookland | Show Bag |
| 1982 | Little Tipsy | Top Ware | Game Choice |
| 1981 | Top Ware | Sarfraz | Durham Town |
| 1980 | Sarfraz | Licence Fee | Top Ware |
| 1979 | Warri Symbol | Macluen | Off Hand |
| 1978 | Puramaka | Mondeverde | Sky Castle |
| 1977 | Puramaka | Drumshambo | Devereux |
| 1976 | Four Leaf | Puramaka | Java Rose |
| 1975 | Latin Reign | Flash Future | Haarle |
| 1974 | Scotch & Dry | Sheltara | Norfolk Gem |
| 1973 | Arctic Ant | The Sharper | Fair Future |
| 1972 | Van Winkle | Tetrabine | Piping Lane |
| 1971Race Not Held | – | – | – |
| 1970 | Princess Camillo | Bay Cobbler | Bojon |
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