the race was first held over two miles, about 3,218 metres, but after australia changed to the metric system in 1972 it was changed to 3,200 metres. this made it 61 ft 6in shorter, and rain lover's 1968 race record of 3min.19.1sec was changed to 3min.17.9sec. now, the record holder is the 1990 winner kingston rule with a time of 3min 16.3sec.