April 10, 2018

Four horses from across Australia and New Zealand will race for a new Australian Turf Club owners and trainers bonus in Saturday’s $2 million Schweppes Sydney Cup on Day Two of The Championships at Royal Randwick.

The bonus has added another dimension to Saturday’s Group 1 Schweppes Sydney Cup, helping it reach a capacity 20 runners over the 3200m journey.

The ATC will pay a $100,000 bonus to the owners and a $50,000 bonus to the trainer if Five To Midnight, Fanatic, Ormito or Peribsen win or run a place in the Schweppes Sydney Cup.

Each of these horses passed a qualifying clause for the bonus by winning or placing in a series of lead up races, including the Auckland Cup (Five to Midnight 2nd), Adelaide Cup (Fanatic 1st and Ormito 2nd) and NE Manion Cup (Peribsen 3rd).

Australian Turf Club Acting CEO James Heddo said the bonus provided extra incentive for participants to have a runner in one of only two Group 1 3200m events in Australia.

“This is the first year we have offered owners and trainers this bonus and we are thrilled with its success in having four runners who are eligible,’’ Mr Heddo said.

“With 20 runners, Saturday is the first time in many years that the Schweppes Sydney Cup has attracted a capacity field.

“We will continue to look at how we may be able to extend the bonus to encourage more owners and trainers from right across Australia and New Zealand, along with other international runners, to aim at Sydney’s iconic two mile race.’’