The fourth edition of The Championships, held at Royal Randwick Apr. 1 and Apr. 8, saw a total of 660 first acceptances spread across the 10 group races, an increase of 9%. Australian wonder-mare Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) headlines the 2000-metre A$4-million G1 Longines Queen Elizabeth S., with Black Heart Bart (Aus) (Blackfriars {Aus}), Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) and Le Romain (Aus) (Hard Spun) also among the 61 first acceptances. The 1400-metre A$1-million G1 Inglis Sires' acceptances rose by 37% to 107 from 78 in 2016, while the 2400-metre A$1-million G1 James Boag's Premium Australian Oaks attracted 69 (+24%) from 56 for last year. The speedy grey Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) is among the 81 first acceptances (75 in 2016) for the 1600-metre A$3-million G1 The Star Doncaster Mile.
“The Championships are now entering their fourth year and have firmly established themselves as the Grand Finals of Australian racing,” said Peter V'landys, Racing New South Wales's Chief Executive. “The concept presents two of the best days of racing witnessed anywhere in the world carrying over A$20 million in prize money. The quality of horses this year will be outstanding, including Sydney's own superstar Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}), as well as English trainer Charlie Appleby's Godolphin horses.”
Added the Australian Turf Club's CEO Darren Pearce, “This 9% rise in first acceptances underlines the great strength of Sydney racing and the stature The Championships already holds. We are looking forward to showcasing so many world-class horses, jockeys and trainers at Royal Randwick.”
For the Apr. 1 The Championships acceptances, click here and for the Apr. 8 acceptances click here.
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