
The Fanta Bale Stayers is one of Australia’s most prestigious greyhound races, held annually at The Meadows in Melbourne. Renamed in honour of the legendary Fanta Bale, the Group 1 event is over a gruelling 725-metre distance. Previously known as the Gleeson & Tonta Super Stayers and the Australian Super Stayers, the race has a rich history dating back to 1978 at Olympic Park. As part of the Australian Cup Carnival, the Fanta Bale Stayers continues be a race not to be missed on the Victorian racing calendar.
Currently no odds are available for the 2026 Fanta Bale Stayers.
The 2026 Fanta Bale Stayers field is currently not available.
Betting on the Fanta Bale Stayers offers a variety of wagering opportunities for punters.
Win and place bets are popular, providing straightforward options for predicting the race winner or top finishers.
Exotic bets, such as trifectas, quinellas, and exactas, add intrigue and the potential for larger payouts.
Boxed options allow for multiple combinations, increasing the likelihood of success.
Leading bookmakers frequently offer competitive odds and special promotions for this event, enhancing the excitement for bettors.
Expert analyses and form guides are available to help punters make informed decisions, ensuring a rewarding betting experience, which are found in our greyhound tips closer to race day.
The Fanta Bale Stayers, originally known as the Gleeson & Tonta Super Stayers, has a rich history that dates back to its inaugural running in 1978 at Olympic Park.
First contested as the Gleeson & Tonta Trophy, the event quickly established itself as one of the premier staying races in Australian greyhound racing.
Over the years, the race has undergone numerous transformations, including changes in sponsorship and venue.
It eventually moved to The Meadows and was renamed to honor the legendary Fanta Bale in 2018, celebrating her extraordinary achievements and lasting impact on the sport.
The race has showcased some of the greatest greyhounds in history, with early winners such as King’s Domain (1978), Sue’s Repeat (1980), and Mystic Hope (1987) setting the stage for decades of elite competition.
Fanta Bale herself triumphed in 2018, further solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Recent winners like Unreal Speed (2025), Palawa King (2024) and Ariane Bale (2023) have upheld the race’s tradition of thrilling finishes and high-calibre performances.
Over the years, champions such as Destini Fireball, a back-to-back winner in 2013 and 2014, have left an indelible mark on the event.
The enduring appeal of the Fanta Bale Stayers lies in its ability to test the stamina, strategy, and determination of the nation’s finest stayers.
Its transformation from the Gleeson & Tonta Trophy to the Fanta Bale Stayers represents not only a nod to its storied past but also a commitment to honouring excellence in the sport.
Unreal Speed lived up to his name with a dominant display in the Group 1 Fanta Bale Stayers Final at The Meadows on Saturday, February 22. The Robert Britton-trained star took control mid-race and surged clear to claim victory in 42.49, securing the $100,000 winner’s prize.
2025 Fanta Bale Super Stayers Results
On February 24, 2024, at The Meadows, Palawa King, trained by Raymond Smith, showcased exceptional endurance to win the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers. Starting from box five, Palawa King completed the 730m race in 42.71 seconds, finishing 1 length ahead of Drill Sergeant.
On February 25, 2023, at The Meadows, Ariarne Bale, under the guidance of trainer Daniel Gibbons, delivered a dominant performance in the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers. Breaking from box two, she led the 730m race, finishing 7.10 lengths ahead of Golden Quest with a time of 42.31 seconds.
On February 26, 2022, at The Meadows, Mepunga Ruby, trained by Jeffrey Britton, showcased her staying prowess by winning the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers. Starting from box four, she dominated the 725m race, finishing 8.83 lengths ahead of Orca with an impressive time of 42.13 seconds.
2022 Fanta Bale Super Stayers Results
On February 27, 2021, at The Meadows, Stanley Road, trained by Mark Gatt, exhibited a strong finishing burst to clinch the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers. Starting from box eight, he completed the 725m race in 42.15 seconds, finishing 2.93 lengths ahead of Sir Truculent.
2021 Fanta Bale Super Stayers Results
On February 15, 2020, at The Meadows, Here’s Tears, trained by Robert Britton, demonstrated exceptional staying ability to claim the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers. Starting from box two, Here’s Tears managed to edge out True Detective by 0.70 lengths, completing the 725m race in an impressive time of 42.31 seconds. This victory further solidified Here’s Tears’ reputation as a top-class stayer.
2020 Fanta Bale Super Stayers Results
On February 16, 2019, at The Meadows, Blue Moon Rising, trained by John Finn, displayed incredible determination to secure victory in the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers. Breaking from box seven, Blue Moon Rising completed the 725m race in 42.38 seconds, narrowly defeating Double Gee by 0.93 lengths. This victory highlighted his tenacity and stamina.
2019 Fanta Bale Super Stayers Results
On February 17, 2018, at The Meadows, Fanta Bale, trained by Robert Britton, concluded her illustrious career with a stellar performance in the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers. Starting from box one, she led a competitive field to secure a 0.63-length victory over Quick Jagger, completing the 725m race in 42.63 seconds. This win cemented Fanta Bale’s legacy as one of the greatest stayers in the sport’s history.
2018 Fanta Bale Super Stayers Results
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Distance | Box | Margin | Time | Runner-Up | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Bay Supreme | Judith Thomas | 732m | 1,7,3 | ? | 44.04sec | Stock Agent | OLP |
| 1987 | Mystic Hope | Thomas Walsh | 732m | 3,1,6 | ? | 44.06sec | Lucky Draw | OLP |
| 1988 | Magic Lightning | Kevin Mugavin | 732m | 5,2,8 | ? | 43.77sec | Bold Trease | OLP |
| 1989 | High Flight | Neil Dicks | 732m | 4,5,8 | ? | 44.78sec | Blue Speed | OLP |
| 1990 | Pebbles’ Beach | Stanley Beecroft | 732m | 2,4,8 | ? | 44.27sec | Stealthy Lady | OLP |
| 1991 | Modern Express | Kevin Mugavin | 732m | 6,8,7 | ? | 43.74sec | Artic Style | OLP |
| 1992 | Saltwater Sid | Mark O’Grady | 732m | 5,4,1 | ? | 43.67sec | Village Stomper | OLP |
| 1993 | Gold Roulette | Raymond Drake | 732m | 1,7,4 | ? | 44.05sec | Homer Simpson | OLP |
| 1994 | Race Not Held | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| 1995 | Just Barby | Jon Roberts | 732m | 8,2,4 | ? | 43.87sec | Proud Stranger | OLP |
| 1996 | City Blitz | Peter Giles | 715m | 3,2,7 | ? | 42.96sec | Reeta | SAN |
| 1997 | Nowhere To Go | Peter Giles | 715m | 1,4,3 | ? | 42.40sec | Ebony Park Lass | SAN |
| 1998 | Ringside Fire | Philip Smith | 715m | 2,4,8 | ? | 42.38sec | Red Mystique | SAN |
| 1999 | Moe’s Tavern | Peter Giles | 725m | 4,2,6 | ? | 43.44sec | Bravest Tears | MEA |
| 2000 | Sunblest Kid | Peter Kelly | 725m | 2,3,1 | ? | 43.25sec | John’s Fury | MEA |
| 2001 | Proven Dream | Jason Thompson | 725m | 5,4,3 | ? | 43.06sec | Beauhaven Escape | MEA |
| 2002 | Boomeroo | Michael Edwards | 725m | 5,1,4 | ? | 43.17sec | Mighty Galore | MEA |
| 2003 | Oh Behave | Stevan Shinners | 725m | 1,7,2 | ? | 42.71sec | City Of Sydney | MEA |
| 2004 | Skipper Rip | Wayne Vassallo | 725m | 1,5,4 | ? | 42.58sec | Al Fresco | MEA |
| 2005 | Malfoy | Christine Oldfield | 725m | 5,3,8 | ? | 42.34sec | Slick Galore | MEA |
| 2006 | Quidame | Tony Brett | 725m | 1,3,4 | 1-1/4L | 42.38sec | Spalding | MEA |
| 2007 | Flashing Floods | Gerald Cunnold | 725m | 4,7,3 | 4L | 42.49sec | Glenavon Helen | MEA |
| 2008 | Just Friends | Kelvyn Greenough | 725m | 5,1,7 | 3-3/4L | 42.41sec | Gunnadoo Magic | MEA |
| 2009 | Lilley Criminal | Anthony Azzopardi | 725m | 2,7,3 | 6-1/4L | 42.63sec | Gunnadoo Magic | MEA |
| 2010 | Drill ‘Em | David Knocker | 725m | 4,1,6 | 3-1/2L | 42.53sec | Jarvis Bale | MEA |
| 2011 | Bobby Boucheau | Angela Jackson | 725m | 6,1,2 | 4L | 42.29sec | So Seductive | MEA |
| 2012 | Thrilling Brat | Karen Walsh | 725m | 8,6,1 | 11-3/4L | 42.34sec | Adelle Bale | MEA |
| 2013 | Destini Fireball | Emilio Rinaldi | 725m | 1,6,3 | 0.06L | 42.73sec | Irma Bale | MEA |
| 2014 | Destini Fireball | Emilio Rinaldi | 725m | 2,6,7 | 1.50L | 42.57sec | Dyna Kayla | MEA |
| 2015 | Luna Jinx | Len Ketelaar | 725m | 5,1,6 | 3.53L | 42.33sec | Lady Toy | MEA |
| 2016 | Star Recall | Jeffrey Britton | 725m | 5,3,1 | 0.34L | 42.47sec | Esparza | MEA |
| 2017 | Trip To Eden | Jason Thompson | 725m | 3,5,8 | 1.50L | 42.31sec | Teddy Monelli | MEA |
| 2018 | Fanta Bale | Robert Britton | 725m | 1,5,6 | 0.63L | 42.63sec | Quick Jagger | MEA |
| 2019 | Blue Moon Rising | John Finn | 725m | 7,1,3 | 0.93L | 42.38sec | Double Gee | MEA |
| 2020 | Here’s Tears | Robert Britton | 725m | 2,1,5 | 0.70L | 42.31sec | True Detective | MEA |
| 2021 | Stanley Road | Mark Gatt | 725m | 8,6,5 | 2.93L | 42.15sec | Sir Truculent | MEA |
| 2022 | Mepunga Ruby | Jeffrey Britton | 725m | 4,2,7 | 8.83L | 42.13sec | Orca | MEA |
| 2023 | Ariarne Bale | Daniel Gibbons | 730m | 2,5,4 | 7.10L | 42.31sec | Golden Quest | MEA |
| 2024 | Palawa King | Raymond Smith | 730m | 5,3,1 | 1.00L | 42.71sec | Drill Sergeant | MEA |
| 2025 | Unreal Speed | Robert Britton | 730m | 6,2,7 | 1.50L | 42.49sec | Pass Mark | MEA |