The Kembla Grange Classic, registered as the Keith F Nolan Classic, is an Illawarra Turf Club Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race, for three-year-old fillies, at set weights with penalties, over a distance of 1600 metres, held annually at Kembla Grange Racecourse in New South Wales, Australia in March.
History
The registered race is named after Keith F. Nolan, founding chairman of the Illawarra Turf Club and was instrumental in saving the Kembla Grange racecourse and establishing it as one of the premier provincial race tracks in New South Wales. The Illawarra Turf Club named a new grandstand after him - the Keith F. Nolan Stand - and named a feature race, the Keith F. Nolan Classic. Keith F. Nolan died in 2005 at the age of 76.
Recent multiple winners include:
Jockeys Kerrin McEvoy in 2017, 2018 and 2025.
Trainers Guy Walter in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Gai Waterhouse in 2005 and 2006 as well as in partnership with Adrian Bott in 2026.
Name 2003–2015 - Keith F Nolan Classic 2016 - Arrowfield Kembla Grange Classic
Grade 2003–2009 - Listed Race 2010 onwards - Group 3
Venue The 2011 race was run at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse after the scheduled race meeting at Kembla Grange was abandoned due to the track condition. The distance of the race at Rosehill was 1800 metres.
The 2022 race was run at Goulburn Racecourse.
Winners
The following are past winners of the race.
2026 - Feminino 2025 - Verona Rose 2024 - Queen Of Dragons 2023 - Pavitra 2022 - Pretty Amazing 2021 - Miravalle 2020 - Asiago 2019 - Pohutukawa 2018 - Luvaluva 2017 - Dawn Wall 2016 - Single Gaze 2015 - Slightly Sweet 2014 - Zanbagh 2013 - Cameo 2012 - Appearance 2011 - Brazilian Pulse 2010 - Slapstick 2009 - Allez Wonder 2008 - Bernicia 2007 - Hot Danish 2006 - Pasikatera 2005 - Ponte Piccolo 2004 - La Nikita 2003 - Ain't Seen Nothin'
See also List of Australian Group races Group races
References