RJ Peters Stakes

The RJ Peters Stakes is a Group 3 race run under Handicap conditions for the open class sprinters at Ascot conducted by Perth Racing.

The RJ Peters Stakes is run over 1500m. It was first run in 1905 and was won by Rustaff.

Run the week prior to the Railway Stakes, it is a race to note for the Group 1.

Named after a very prominent owner Bob Peters, the race was previously known as the WATC Plate then sponsored before becoming the RJ Peters. He won it for the first time in 2019 and then again in 2020.

The RJ Peters Stakes was predominantly run at 1200m but then gradually increased from 1400m up to 1997 then 1500m to 2002. It was a mile in 2003 then from 2004 back to 1500m.

The RJ Peters Stakes was a Principal race then Listed up to 1985 before being a Group 3 from 1986.

It can be a decent guide to the Railway with Scales Of Justice backing up to do the double in 2016. El Presidente did the same thing in 2007.

The most famous winner has to be Northerly who did the Peters/Railway double in 2000 before heading east the next Autumn to start his greatness in Melbourne, winning two Cox Plates and a Caulfield Cup.

2019 winner Mississippi Delta began the summer winning the RJ Peters and finished winning the Perth Cup.

Then Truly Great took out the Kingston Town Classic and the Ted Van Heemst following his win in 2020.

2003 running was at Belmont racecourse over the mile.

The RJ Peters Stakes was worth $200,000 in 2024.

Notable winners of the RJ Peters Stakes include Kissonallforcheeks (2021), Truly Great (2020), Mississippi Delta (2019), Scales Of Justice (2016), God Has Spoken (2010), El Presidente (2007), Finito (2004), Modem (2003), Old Fashion (2001), Northerly (2000), Jacks Or Better (1997), Vows (1992), Heron Bridge (1982) and Starglow (1973).

The 2023 RJ Peters Stakes was won by Mojo Rhythm from Alsephina and Let's Galahvant.