The fifth edition of The Championships, conducted at Royal Randwick on Apr. 7 and Apr. 14, drew a record level of nominations with 1454, Racing New South Wales and the Australian Turf Club announced on Monday. This is a 5% (75) increase on last year's nominations. The A$3-million G1 The Star Doncaster Mile over 1600 metres drew 181 entries (+30), while the A$2-million G1 BMW Australian Derby attracted 155 (+22). There were 148 nominations for the A$1-million James Boag's Australian Oaks, a rise of 20, while the crown jewel of The Championships, the A$4-million G1 Longines Queen Elizabeth S.–won last year by Australian Horse of the Year Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire})–drew 121 nominations, a rise of 20.
“The Championships has now established its own place on the world stage and these events are the undisputed grand finals of racing in this country,” said Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V'landys AM. “It's also very pleasing to see a marked increase in interest from international stables this year after nearly 40 overseas horses were nominated.”
Winx has been dual nominated, with a chance to defend her title in the Queen Elizabeth, as well as the G1 Coolmore Legacy S. Godolphin's Polarisation (GB) (Echo Of Light {GB}) is also back to defend his title in the G1 Sydney Cup. Grey speedball Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) is eyeing his fourth G1 TJ Smith, while A$10-million The Everest hero Redzel (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) is also nominated.
For further information on The Championships, go to www.thechampionships.com.au or for ticketing and hospitality, go to www.australianturfclub.com.au.
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