The Desert Gold Stakes is a horse race held by the Wellington Racing Club at Trentham Racecourse named in honor of the great filly, Desert Gold. The horses taking part are 3 year-old fillies which race over 1600 metres.
The Desert Gold Stakes was first held in 1947 when there was two Desert Gold Stakes, the first in January won by Indian Dawn and then another in October won by Regal Gem.
The race was previously held in March (2003-2005) and late October (up to 2001) but is now held during the Wellington Cup carnival in January. The Desert Gold Stakes was raced over a 1500m journey from 2000 to 2005. The 1998 event was raced over 1600m at Hastings. It is currently a Group 3 event but in the 1980s it held Group 2 status.
Notable winners include La Crique, La Mer and Princess Coup. Those who could only manage a placing include: Bonneval, Katie Lee and Tycoon Lil.
Savabeel has sired four winners between 2016 and 2023. Champion jockey Grenville Hughes rode four winners between 1953 and 1975.
The following are the winners and place-getters of the Desert Gold Stakes since 1947.