The Group 1 Sapphire Crown is the premier bitches only race on the Australian greyhound racing calendar. The Sapphire Crown series is open to the best 32 female greyhounds nominated, plus reserves, and is conducted over the 515m trip at Sandown Park each year. Our Sapphire Crown betting guide will run you through everything you need to know for the 2023 edition of the race, including the Sapphire Crown field, odds and latest news and tips for the 515m feature.
The most recent edition of the Sapphire Crown was won by Here Comes Milli, who is likely again to be in the mix for the G1 feature in 2025.
The 2025 Sapphire Crown heats will be raced on May 15, while the final will take place on May 23.
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
The Sapphire Crown final field will not be available until the heats are run on May 15, 2025. Australian Racing Greyhound will update this page when the Sapphire Crown field is released.
Betting for the Sapphire Crown is currently not open.
With the best of the best bitches contesting the series, bookmakers are always on their toes ahead of the Sapphire Crown, releasing fixed odds markets on the heats as soon as the box draws are complete, giving punters ample opportunity to get some cash on their top picks.
Notably, platforms like PlayUp and Neds offer all-in markets for the winner before the heats begin, giving punters the chance to lock in potentially higher odds if they can identify the standout contender early in the series.
The race often holds big pools on the final, so there is generally plenty of value to be found for those playing the exotic markets too.
With lots on offer when betting on the Sapphire Crown, be sure to check out the form and prices throughout the series and watch for any market movers.
Odds are not yet available for the 2025 Sapphire Crown, but be sure to check this page in the weeks leading up to the final to secure the best betting odds on offer.
Originally being run as the Sir Arthur Rylah Sapphire Crown, the race was first run on February 7, 1974 when taken out by South Australian star Bristol Sue which clocked 31.11 over the old 513m trip at Sandown Park. In those days, the race was run as an age restricted race for dogs and bitches.
In the early years, the race was run in late January or early February, until 1990 when it was moved to April or May. The race was relaunched in 2002 as the Sapphire Crown Classic and since that time has been a bitches only feature, with the event being conducted in November between 2002 and 2009, allowing it to act as a main precursor to the Melbourne Cup.
The race was not run in 2010, with the 2011 edition conducted in June. Since 2012 the final has been run throughout the month of May.
Since its inception, the race has been contested by some of the finest canine athletes in training, with names such as Token Prince, Bogie Leigh, Paua To Burn, Betty’s Angel, Queen Lauryn, Cindeen Shelby and Xylia Allen on the honour roll.
The aforementioned Paua To Burn is the only greyhound to win dual finals, with the NSW champion scoring brilliant victories in 2004 and 2005.
The race has been run as a group event since the introduction of group racing in 1995. For the first two years it was run as a group 3, before it was raised to group level from 1997 and 1999. Since 2000 the Sapphire Crown has been run as a group 1 race.
The 2023 Sapphire Crown is due to be raced on May 11 and 18, with this meeting boasting three high-class group 1 races.
Wow She’s Fast won the 2022 edition of the Sapphire Crown in a time of 28.82, to stamp herself as one of Australia’s best bitches. The Jacqueline Greenough dog, which weighs 31.7kg, beat home Lets Win Coin ($25.80) and Devel Sixteen ($46.70) in an impressive display. Wow She’s Fast gave punters a few flutters the week previously in her heat, when she jumped last, before recovering to win in 29.19. The victory was also extra special for Jacqueline Greenough, after her husband won the 2009 Sapphire Crown with Cindeen Shelby.
Qwara Bale was crowned the Queen of Australian greyhound racing with her victory in the Sapphire Crown. Trained by Andrea Dailly in Victoria, Qwara Bale was all class in the final, sitting third throughout the early stages of the race after jumping from box six. But the Warrnambool Cup winner then produced a stunning burst of speed to win her 13th race from just 22 starts. Qwara Bale ($3.40) beat home Carry on Star ($17.20) and race favourite Shima Classic ($3.20) in a time of 29.27. Qwara Bale had previously put the field on notice after producing the fastest heat time of 29.28.
Black Opium, trained by Jason Thompson, finally tasted victory at group 1 level with a stirring victory in the Sapphire Crown. Beginning the series as favourite, Black Opium had punters holding their rosary beads in the final after starting fairly. Sitting third, behind Aston Silk and Spring Fair at the first turn, Black Opium darted past Spring Fair on the back straight, before switching to the rail on the run home and mowing down her kennel mate Aston Silk. Black Opium’s Sapphire Crown victory was her 25th from 49 career starts and comes 18 months after finishing second in the Melbourne Cup.
Neo Cleo continued her perfect record for champion trainer Robert Britton, who was racing her for just the fifth time and she did not disappoint. The Sale Cup winner was the $2.30 favourite in the final after blitzing qualifying with a standout 29.23 victory. Despite the tricky six alley, Neo Cleo joined Miss Innings on the home bend and powered home. Go Seek Heidi ($40.50) was second by just over a length, with Miss innings ($40.40) rounding out a lucrative top three for punters. Neo Cleo took her record to 33 wins from 66 starts.
Maja Mahi Mahi upstaged a sensational field including dual group 1 winner Striker Light, Laurels heroine Up Hill Jill and WA speedster Pepper Fire to reign supreme in the most recent edition of the Sapphire Crown. The daughter of Spring Gun and April’s Legacy had to fight off plenty of challengers throughout the run, but showed plenty of determination to score in 29.67.
2017 Sapphire Crown results
May 25, 2017. Sandown Park SGRC First Prize $100,000
Winner: Maja Mahi Mahi (Spring Gun x April’s Legacy) Born Oct 2013 Black Female
Owner: Middle Tote Syn. Trainer: Ashlee Terry.
Time: 29.669. Margins: 0.5 x 2.
Others in finishing order: Up Hill Jill, Striker Light, Pepper Fire, Flyrite, Princess Pout, Dash Of Rose, Call Me Gee.
Narralee scored a tremendous victory in the 2016 running of the Sapphire Crown, giving trainer Steve Creighton his first group 1 win in over 40 years as a trainer. The black bitch began exceptionally from box two and fought off a late challenge by Folio Bale to score by a head on the line.
2016 Sapphire Crown results
May 19, 2016. Sandown Park SGRC First Prize $100,000
Winner: Narralee (Aston Galilee x Prince’s Fay) Born: Jan 2013 Black Bitch
Owner: Mother and Sons Syn, Trainer: Steve Creighton.
Time: 29.47. Margins: 0.25 x 3.5.
Others in finishing order: Folio Bale, Cash In Motion, Mepunga Fame, Star Torana, skate Thin Ice, Shared Equity, Nymeria.
The 2015 edition of the race was won by Lamia Bale who gave trainer Steve Collins his first group 1 victory. Owned by Paul Wheeler, the daughter of High Earner and Maple Bale defeated a quality field including Angie Rocks, Elfen Bale and Cosmic Wise, scoring by a head in a fast 29.23.
2015 Sapphire Crown results
May 14, 2015. Sandown SGRC First Prize $100,000
Winner: Lamia Bale (High Earner x Maple Bale). Born: July 2012 Brindle Bitch.
Owner: Paul Wheeler, Trainer: Steven Collins.
Time: 29.23. Margins: Head x 5.25.
Others in finishing order: Angie Rocks, One Dee, Dyna Nico, West on Delly, Elfen Bale, Humming Birdhill, Cosmic Wise.
South Australian-owned bitch Oakdale Destiny scored her biggest career win in the 2014 Sapphire Crown for Jeff Britton and Angela Langton. The blue bitch defeated her litter sister and kennel mate Oakdale Flyer by one length at the finish, stopping the clock in 29.92 over the 515m trip.
2014 Sapphire Crown results
May 15, 2014. Sandown SGRC. First Prize: $100,000
Winner: Oakvale Destiny (Vapour Whirl x Foot Luce) Jul 2012 Blue Bitch
Owner: Nathan Wilson. Trainer: Jeff Britton.
Winners Time: 29.92. Margins: 1 x 1.25
Others in finishing order: Oakvale Flyer, Prue Bale, Amadeus Strikes, Te Amo, You Say Goodbye, Hot Dream, Zelemar Fever.
Champion bitch Xylia Allen scored a memorable success in the 2013 Classic, the first group 1 victory for the daughter of Turanza Bale and Tayah Bale who would go on to become one of the best chasers of her era. The 2013 field was one of the best assembled in recent years, with Xylia Allen defeating former Wentworth Park track record holder Punch One Out by one length in a slick 29.51.
2013 Sapphire Crown results
May 16, 2013. SGRC Sandown Park First Prize: $100,000
Xylia Allen ( Turanza Bale X Tayah Bale ) April 2011 Black Bitch
Owner: Janice Wheeler Trainer: Graeme Bate
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Distance | Boxes | Margin | Time (s) | Second Place | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inaugurated as the Sir Arthur Rylah Sapphire Classic | ||||||||
| 1974 | Bristol Sue | Alec Reid | 513m | ? | ? | 31.11 | ? | S/PK |
| 1975 | Dynamic Dean | Paul Hogan | 513m | ? | ? | 30.67 | ? | S/PK |
| 1976 | Tawny Brad | Greg Durham | 513m | ? | ? | 30.82 | ? | S/PK |
| 1977 | Overflow Love | Pat Haas | 513m | ? | ? | 31.09 | ? | S/PK |
| 1978 | Rubin Caine | Ted Sallows | 513m | ? | ? | 30.77 | ? | S/PK |
| 1979 | Monica’s Mist | John Hellingman | 513m | ? | ? | 30.74 | ? | S/PK |
| 1980 | Worthy Weston | Brian Jacobson | 513m | ? | ? | 30.93 | ? | S/PK |
| 1981 | Shamrock Flight | Kevin McCabe | 513m | ? | ? | 31.06 | ? | S/PK |
| 1982 | Wynlee Spirit | Alan Roberts | 513m | ? | ? | 31.17 | ? | S/PK |
| 1983 | Rocky Pyramid | Fred Ladd | 513m | ? | ? | 30.65 | ? | S/PK |
| 1984 | Currency Lass | Ned Bryant | 513m | 5,1,8 | 1-1/2L | 31.10 | Sarah’s Sanction | S/PK |
| 1985 | Rembrandt | John Hose | 513m | 1,2,4 | Head | 31.06 | Silver Jim | S/PK |
| 1986 | Sydney Dingaan | Ned Bryant | 513m | 8,1,2 | 3L | 30.82 | Hawk Machine | S/PK |
| 1987 | Rothwell | Keith Anderson | 511m | 2,3,1 | 2-1/2L | 30.63 | Tidi Taipan | S/PK |
| 1988 | Hogan | Len Ketelaar | 511m | 5,1,7 | 1/2L | 31.02 | Barbariot | S/PK |
| Renamed as the Sandown Sapphire Classic | ||||||||
| 1989 (Jan) | Super Gun | Edwin Baumgartner | 511m | 5,7,4 | 3L | 30.81 | Boilover Ash | S/PK |
| 1989 (Jul) | Dapto Brandi | Darren Murray | 511m | 7,1,6 | 3L | 30.77 | Black Pirate | S/PK |
| Race Renamed as the Sapphire Crown Classic, Becomes Bitches-Only Race | ||||||||
| 2000 | Dutchy’s Angel (VIC) | Thomas Dailly | 515m | 2,8,3 | 6-1/2L | 29.74 | Hotshow Ben | S/PK |
| 2001 | Let It Be (VIC) | Neil Dicks | 515m | 4,2,3 | 3-3/4L | 29.75 | Ourgil Greer | S/PK |
| 2002 | Bye For Now (VIC) | Ian Dann | 515m | 4,7,8 | 1-3/4L | 30.00 | Star Witch | S/PK |
| 2003 | Bogie Leigh (QLD) | Tony Brett | 515m | 8,1,4 | 7-1/2L | 30.07 | Georgia Brown | S/PK |
| 2004 | Paua To Burn (NSW) | Steve Bruce White | 515m | 8,4,7 | 3-1/4L | 29.85 | Kalimna Rose | S/PK |
| 2005 | Paua To Burn (NSW) | Steve Bruce White | 515m | 5,1,6 | 10-1/4L | 29.82 | Dynamo Gypsy | S/PK |
| 2006 | Betty’s Angel (VIC) | Paul Bartolo | 515m | 7,6,5 | 5L | 29.86 | Ja Ja | S/PK |
| 2007 | Que Sera Sera (VIC) | Angela Langton | 515m | 8,7,4 | 1-1/2L | 29.91 | One Tree Hill | S/PK |
| 2008 | Queen Lauryn (QLD) | Tony Brett | 515m | 2,4,8 | 4-1/4L | 29.79 | Amelia Bale | S/PK |
| 2009 | Cindeen Shelby (VIC) | Kelvyn Greenough | 515m | 1,8,3 | 2-1/4L | 29.72 | Flash Of Light | S/PK |
| 2010 | Race Not Held | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2011 | Amakler Girl (VIC) | Robert Stack | 515m | 1,6,2 | 1-3/4L | 29.70 | Tonneli Bale | S/PK |
| 2012 | Peggy May (VIC) | Jason Thompson | 515m | 3,2,4 | 3L | 29.42 | Witch’s Potion | S/PK |
| 2013 | Xylia Allen (VIC) | Graeme Bate | 515m | 6,1,4 | 0.06L | 29.48 | Punch One Out | S/PK |
| 2014 | Oakvale Destiny (SA) | Jeffrey Britton | 515m | 5,8,1 | 1.00L | 29.91 | Oakvale Flyer | S/PK |
| 2015 | Lamia Bale (VIC) | Steven Collins | 515m | 6,1,2 | Head | 29.23 | Angie Rocks | S/PK |
| 2016 | Narralee (VIC) | Stephen Creighton | 515m | 2,1,5 | 0.25L | 29.47 | Folio Bale | S/PK |
| 2017 | Maja Mahi Mahi (VIC) | Ashlee Terry | 515m | 2,5,3 | 0.05L | 29.67 | Up Hill Jill | S/PK |
| 2018 | Go Seek Heidi (VIC) | Angela Langton | 515m | 6,8,3 | 0.50L | 29.55 | Envy Heist | S/PK |
| 2019 | Neo Cleo (VIC) | Robert Britton | 515m | 6,5,8 | 1.11L | 29.68 | Go Seek Heidi | S/PK |
| 2020 | Black Opium (VIC) | Jason Thompson | 515m | 4,5,6 | 0.75L | 29.57 | Aston Silk | S/PK |
| 2021 | Qwara Bale (VIC) | Andrea Dailly | 515m | 6,4,3 | 0.83L | 29.27 | Carry On Star | S/PK |
| 2022 | Wow She’s Fast (VIC) | Jacqueline Greenough | 515m | 5,3,4 | 7.59L | 28.82 | Let’s Win Coin | S/PK |
| 2023 | Baby Jaycee (VIC) | Robert Douglas | 515m | 6,1,4 | 0.59L | 29.70 | Magic Muffin | S/PK |
| 2024 | Here Comes Milli (VIC) | Des Douch | 515m | 6,2,1 | 1.50L | 29.39 | Granny Roses | S/PK |