February 12, 2018

The Championships has attracted a massive number of nominations with a record 1454 noms received following today’s closing deadline for the fifth running of the highly-successful series.

Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club received 75 (up 5%) more nominations than last year which in itself was a record for the 10 races to be staged during The Championships at Royal Randwick on Saturday 7 April and Saturday 14 April.

The $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) attracted 181 entries (up 30 noms) – easily the largest number of nominations in the five years of the Group 1 event being held during The Championships.

Similarly, there are strong numbers in the $2m BMW Australian Derby (155-up 22), $1m James Boag’s Australian Oaks (148-up 20) and the feature race of The Championships, the $4m Group 1 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (121-up 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 Mr Peter V’landys AM, Racing NSW’s Chief Executive.

“It’s also very pleasing to see a marked increase in interest from international stables this year after nearly 40 overseas horses were nominated.

“Their accommodation will be first class with the excellent Canterbury Park quarantine centre now boasting a brand new Polytrack.”

Australian Turf Club’s co-acting CEO, Mr James Heddo, said: “It is pleasing to see such strong interest in these nominations from major overseas racing and breeding operations such as Coolmore, U Carrot Farm and Silk Racing.

“The ATC looks forward to welcoming horses and connections from around the world to Royal Randwick in April, particularly off the back of Polarisation’s win in last year’s Schweppes Sydney Cup.”

For all ticketing and hospitality options go to australianturfclub.com.au or for further information on The Championships click on thechampionships.com.au