The Maturity Classic stands as Australia’s premier age-restricted event on the greyhound racing calendar. Traditionally held at The Meadows, the 2024 edition featured heats on July 13 and culminated in the final on July 20. This prestigious Group 1 race offers a winner’s purse of $75,000, attracting the nation’s most promising young greyhounds.
The 2024 Maturity Classic was claimed by Follow The Band, trained by Rebecca Gibbons, who secured victory with a time of 29.73 seconds. This win adds to the illustrious history of the Maturity Classic, which has seen champions like Temlee, Brett Lee, Fernando Bale, and Wow She’s Fast grace its honour roll.
Betting on the Maturity Classic is available well in advance, offering an opportunity to engage with one of the most anticipated events in the greyhound racing season.
The 2025 Maturity Classic field is yet to be released, with these due after the running of the heats in July, 2025.
The Maturity Classic odds are yet to be released.
The Maturity Classic, held at The Meadows, is one of the most prestigious age-restricted greyhound races in Australia, drawing elite young sprinters from across the country. With high stakes and a competitive field, betting on this Group 1 event is always in high demand.
Most of our recommended online bookmakers will provide fixed odds markets leading up to the heats and final, with odds tightening once the box draw is confirmed. Some bookies, such as Neds and Bet365, may also offer all-in markets before the heats, giving punters a chance to lock in early value on potential contenders.
With a mix of traditional win/place bets and exotic wagering options, Maturity Classic presents excellent opportunities for both casual punters and experienced bettors alike.
As the 2025 edition approaches, staying updated with our form guides and free race tips will help ensure your betting strategies remain sharp and informed.
The Maturity Classic, a prestigious Group 1 greyhound race, has a rich history dating back to its inaugural running at Olympic Park over 560 yards on March 23, 1970. The first winner, Phantom’s Heir, utilised box one to perfection, securing the $1,250 winner’s purse in 30 5/16. Initially, the event was exclusive to male greyhounds, but since 1973, it has welcomed both male and female competitors.
The race remained at Olympic Park until 1996, then moved to Sandown Park for two years before finding its current home at The Meadows, where it’s contested over 525 metres. Legendary trainer Graeme Bate holds the record for the most victories, with five wins: Storm Glade (1985), Hay Dinney (1988), Northern Legend (1995), Shereen Bale (2011), and Barcia Bale (2012).
Over the years, the Maturity Classic has crowned numerous champions who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Notable winners include Temlee (1974), New Tears (1987), Brett Lee (2001), Hallucinate (2004), El Grand Señor (2010), Barcia Bale (2012), and Fernando Bale (2015). These greyhounds not only excelled on the track but also made significant contributions to breeding, with several becoming influential sires.
In recent years, the race has continued to showcase exceptional talent. In 2022, the remarkable greyhound Wow She’s Fast added the Maturity Classic to her list of triumphs, further solidifying her status in the racing community. The 2024 edition saw Mepunga Shine attempting to become the first greyhound since the early 1990s to complete the Silver Chief-Maturity double, highlighting the ongoing allure and competitive spirit of the event.
The Maturity Classic remains a cornerstone of Australian greyhound racing, celebrated for its rich history and the platform it provides for emerging stars to etch their names into the annals of the sport.
2024 Maturity Classic Results
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Dist | Box | Margin | Time | Second |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Phantom’s Heir | J. Bushell | 560y | 1 | 2L | 30 5/16 | Grand Snapper |
| 1971 | Linden Lad | T. Jacobs | 560y | 7 | 2-1/4L | 30 12/16 | Rodarin Boy |
| 1972 | Nulla’s Call | R. Pyers | 560y | 8 | 2L | 30 10/16 | Tal Fenek |
| 1973 | Shan’s Tempest | R. Jeffrey | 511m | 1 | 5-1/2L | 30.33sec | Dougie’s Rose |
| 1974 | Temlee | F. Cray | 511m | 1 | 9L | 30.45sec | Sylvan Prince |
| 1975 | Warranwood Girl | J. Hickson | 511m | 1 | 3L | 30.56sec | Spot Monaro |
| 1976 | Aaron King | N. Bryant | 511m | 1 | 3-1/4L | 30.50sec | Leeander Mist |
| 1977 | Overflow Love | P. Haas | 511m | 2 | 1/2L | 31.06sec | Shelley O’Reilly |
| 1978 | Satan’s Legend | D. Gillard | 511m | 7 | 6-3/4L | 30.26sec | Precious Charm |
| 1979 | Marajax | A. Brearley | 511m | 1 | 5L | 30.29sec | Jeddy Royale |
| 1980 | Worthy Weston | B. Jacobson | 511m | 6 | 4-1/4L | 30.39sec | Belmore Pride |
| 1981 | Murchison Champ | K. Richards | 511m | 5 | 2-1/2L | 30.46sec | Fun Legend |
| 1982 | Wynlee Spirit | A. Roberts | 511m | 5 | 1-1/4L | 30.28sec | Spaetzel |
| 1982 | Rocky Pyramid | F. Ladd | 511m | 3 | 1-3/4L | 30.44sec | Superstar |
| 1983 | Series Not Conducted | ||||||
| 1984 | Broken Cup | L. Ketelaar | 511m | 1 | 1-1/2L | 30.03sec | Regional Wave |
| 1985 | Storm Glade | G. Bate | 511m | 2 | 4-1/4L | 29.80sec | Black Zephyr |
| 1986 | Pharaoh’s Mask | D. Connor | 511m | 3 | 3L | 29.92sec | Karen Jent |
| 1987 | New Tears | S. Davies | 511m | 5 | 2-1/2L | 29.94sec | Blackman Ray |
| 1988 | Hay Dinney | G. Bate | 511m | 1 | 3/4L | 29.80sec | Free Wheeler |
| 1989 | Best Of Blue | A. Evans | 511m | 4 | 6L | 29.96sec | Hua |
| 1990 | Eureka Man | K. Patterson | 511m | 4 | 1-3/4L | 29.82sec | Immortal Flash |
| 1991 | Enfield | S. Johannesen | 511m | 4 | 2-3/4L | 30.10sec | Blue Success |
| 1992 | Executive Class | M. Taylor | 511m | 1 | Nose | 29.82sec | Mr. Slick |
| 1993 | Keystone | T. Brown | 511m | 2 | 2-1/2L | 29.98sec | Shaymark’s Man |
| 1994 | Refur | R. Halliday | 511m | 3 | 3-3/4L | 30.03sec | Terasaki |
| 1995 | Northen Legend | G. Bate | 511m | 1 | 2-1/4L | 29.85sec | His True Value |
| 1996 | Royal Honcho | G. Edwards | 515m | 8 | 5L | 30.10sec | Cattle Drive |
| 1997 | Running Gold | S. Sorbello | 515m | 7 | 1-1/2L | 30.33sec | Chicago Blue |
| 1998 | Andrenalin Storm | N. Maurer | 515m | 1 | 3/4L | 29.99sec | Burton |
| 1999 | Coriole | D. Holmes | 518m | 3 | 2-1/4L | 29.97sec | My Mutley |
| 2000 | Acacia Dee | P. Giles | 518m | 4 | 1L | 30.28sec | Connemara Lad |
| 2001 | Brett Lee | D. McDonald | 518m | 8 | 3L | 29.75sec | Draco Star |
| 2002 | Rocka Cockatoo | P. Chaker | 525m | 8 | 3/4L | 30.63sec | Zazzy Princess |
| 2003 | Hall’s Northern | K. Hunt | 525m | 2 | 5-3/4L | 29.98sec | Tut |
| 2004 | Hallucinate | D. McDonald | 525m | 1 | 1L | 30.10sec | Regal Ricky |
| 2005 | Poetic Magic | K. Mugavin | 525m | 5 | 1-3/4L | 30.15sec | Plastered |
| 2006 | Train A Journey | J. Galea | 525m | 4 | 4L | 30.11sec | Red Legend |
| 2007 | Run’s House | J. Thompson | 525m | 1 | 4-1/2L | 29.80sec | Axe Handle |
| 2008 | Paddy’s Flame | P. Giles | 525m | 6 | 1-3/4L | 30.03sec | Lochinui |
| 2009 | Aston Trivett | J. Thompson | 525m | 2 | 4-1/2L | 29.89sec | Nova Surf |
| 2010 | El Grand Senor | C. Jones | 525m | 1 | 2-3/4L | 29.99sec | Arsonist |
| 2011 | Shereen Bale | G. Bate | 525m | 8 | 1.50L | 29.76sec | Stefan Bale |
| 2012 | Barcia Bale | G. Bate | 525m | 3 | 0.75L | 30.03sec | Desalle Bale |
| 2013 | Marcus Joe | B. Moloney | 525m | 3 | 1.26L | 29.66sec | Dyna Nalin |
| 2014 | Mepunga Hayley | J. Britton | 525m | 8 | 3.30L | 29.78sec | Shoulders |
| 2015 | Fernando Bale | A. Dailly | 525m | 2 | 5.28L | 29.50sec | Dyna Double One |
| 2016 | Kilty Express | R. Drew | 525m | 6 | 0.19L | 30.18sec | Shima Song |
| 2017 | Mepunga Blazer | J. Britton | 525m | 6 | 1.53L | 29.81sec | Paradiso Lass |
| 2019 | Sennachie | S. Bruce White | 525m | 8 | 4.19L | 29.53sec | Whiskey Riot |
| 2020 | Simon Told Helen | D. Burnett | 525m | 3 | 1.53L | 29.60sec | Hard Style Rico |
| 2021 | Qwara Bale | A. Dailly | 525m | 3 | 0.56L | 29.93sec | Fernando Mick |
| 2022 | Wow She’s Fast | J. Greenough | 525m | 1 | 1.03L | 29.84sec | Dusty Bourbski |
| 2023 | Launch Code | B. Ennis | 525m | 6 | 1-3/4L | 29.77sec | Make No Promise |
| 2024 | Follow The Band | R. Gibbons | 525m | 1 | 2-1/4L | 29.73sec | Mepunga Tully |