Verry Special Day at Royal Randwick for First Group 1s of Sydney Autumn

28 February, 2024

The first Group 1 of the 2024 Sydney autumn takes on special significance this Saturday as a high-class field contests the inaugural running of the $1 million TAB Verry Elleegant Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Saturday also sees the Group 1 $750,000 Drinkwise Surround Stakes, return of reigning TAB Golden Slipper favourite Storm Boy in the Group 2 $300,000 Catanach’s Jewellers Skyline Stakes and three more Group races two weeks before the official start of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

The Group 1 TAB Verry Elleegant Stakes honours the 11-time Group 1 winner and Chris Waller trained champion mare on a poignant day for connections and her legion of fans.

The Australian Turf Club’s recognition of the $14.5 million-plus prizemoney earner comes just two weeks since the mare passed away after giving birth to her first foal.

Verry Elleegant’s managing part owner Brae Sokolski said connections were grateful for the Club’s gesture in naming the prestigious race – which she won as the former Chipping Norton Stakes in 2021 and 2022.

“We are extremely grateful for this recognition of our champion and courageous mare as we celebrate and reflect on her great many wins as a racehorse,’’ Mr Sokolski said.

“It is also a poignant time for us all and the wider racing industry and fans to have lost her so suddenly as she was ready to be a mum.’’

Patrons and Members this Saturday are being encouraged to wear a touch of red noting the predominant colour of the silks Verry Elleegant carried to victory.

Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering James Ross said: “Verry Elleegant won eight of Group 1 races on ATC tracks and we are pleased to honour such a popular and modern-day champion on such a major raceday.”

“ATC is delighted to be joined by the ownership group of Verry Elleegant, her strapper Rocky Mangat, trackwork rider Chris Harwood and the wider team connected with the stable to honour their beloved mare.”

Four-time Group 1 winner Full fields for all races at Royal Randwick are available here and full TAB Fixed Odds here.

Fangirl for trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald opens a $1.50 TAB favourite in the Group 1 $1 million TAB Verry Elleegant.

McDonald is seeking a fourth consecutive victory in the race and his sixth overall while Waller would claim a remarkable 11th win in the past 14 years.

His stable also has Buckaroo ($8.50 TAB Tommy Berry), Lindermann ($11 TAB Tim Clark) and Atishu ($26 TAB Kerrin McEvoy.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have the second favourite $6 TAB in Just Fine for jockey Regan Bayliss.

The Group 1 $750,000 Drinkwise Surround Stakes sees Learning To Fly for trainer Annabel Neasham and jockey Chad Schofield at $3.60 TAB ahead of Tiz Invincible at $5 TAB with James McDonald aboard.

Both horses come out of the TAB Light Fingers stakes which has been the lead up for 10 of the past 15 winners of the Drinkwise Surround Stakes.

The winner of the TAB Light Fingers Stakes Kimochi for the Gary Portelli and Jason Collett pairing is at $6.50 TAB on Saturday.

Storm Boy is at $1.30 TAB for Waterhouse and Bott and jockey McDonald in the Group 2 $300,000 Catanach’s Jewellers Skyline Stakes ahead of stablemate Prost at $6 TAB for Adam Hyeronimus.

Storm Boy I the current $2.80 TAB favourite in the Group 1 $5 million TAB Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens on 23 March.

Saturday’s 10-race card also features the Group 2 $300,000 Proven Thoroughbreds Guy Walter Stakes, Group 2 $300,000 TAB Sweet Embrace Stakes and Group 3 $250,000 Liverpool City Cup.

For all racing, general and ticketing information including booking for the upcoming Sydney Autumn Racing carnival go to theraces.com.au

ATC MEDIA CONTACT:
Brett de Vine
0419 613 455
bdevine@theATC.com.au