The Begonia Belle Stakes, raced as Kirin Ichiban Sprint (2025) is a registered Victoria Racing Club Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race for mares aged four years old and upwards, run at set weights with penalties, over a distance of 1100 metres, held annually at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia in November during the VRC Spring Carnival on Victoria Derby Day. Total prize money for the race is A$240,000.
History The registered race is named after Begonia Belle, winner of the 1969 Newmarket Handicap. The race was originally raced on the third day of the VRC Spring Carnival, VRC Oaks day but was moved in 2016 to the first day of the carnival. Name 2005 - The Heaven Sprint 2006–2007 - Crown Trophy 2008 - Crown Promenade Trophy 2009–2010 - Crown Promenade Stakes 2011–2015 - G.H. Mumm Stakes 2016 - Sensis Stakes 2017 - Skip Sprint 2018-2024 - Furphy Sprint 2025 onwards - Kirin Ichiban Sprint
Distance 2005 onwards - 1100 metres. Grade 2005–2008 - Handicap 2009–2013 - Listed Race 2013 onwards - Group 3 race
Winners
The following are the past winners of the race.https://www.racingaustralia.horse/FreeFields/RaceHistory.aspx?GroupID=722https://www.racingandsports.com.au/thoroughbred/feature-race/australia/begonia-belle-stakes/1479
2025 - New York Lustre 2024 - Isthimus 2023 - Queen Of The Ball 2022 - Asfoora 2021 - Minhaaj 2020 - Fiesta 2019 - Tofane 2018 - Divine Quality 2017 - Lyuba 2016 - Sheidel 2015 - Pittsburgh Flyer 2014 - Vain Queen 2013 - Dystopia 2012 - Honey Flower 2011 - Ortensia 2010 - Status Symbol 2009 - Very Discreet 2008 - Beaming 2007 - Soleil 2006 - Street Smart 2005 - Covet Thee
See also List of Australian Group races Group races
References