December 15, 2016
Racing will return to Royal Randwick for the first time since Melbourne Cup Day this Saturday, 17 December to host Inglis Villiers Day.
Racegoers with an interest in horse ownership will have the chance to hear from an expert panel of industry participants who will share insights about the benefits of horse ownership, from 11.30am to 1pm in the Longines Owners Pavilion.
The panel will include Sydney trainers Gai Waterhouse, Gary Portelli and Chris Waller, National Bloodstock Director from William Inglis and Son Thoroughbred Auctioneers, Jonathan Dárcy, CEO of Aushorse, Tom Reilly, Managing Director of Newgate Stud, Henry Field, Managing Director at James Harron Bloodstock, James Harron, and leading owner, thoroughbred breeder and ATC Director, Julia Ritchie.
The day’s charity partner, Surf Life Saving NSW, will transport their ambassador, World Champion Ironman Shannon Eckstein to the track via the Westpac Helicopter.
On the track, the nine-race card will be complemented by Surf Life Saving teams of Nippers competing in a relay down the home straight.
Saturday’s racing is headlined by the Group 2 $250,000 Inglis Villiers Stakes where a field of 17 will be vying for ballot exemption into the $3m Group 1 The Star Doncaster.
Fabrizio for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott has opened as the $3.20 TAB Fixed Odds favourite following his two strong last start wins.
The son of High Chaparral has a good record of seven wins from 11 starts including two victories over the distance.
Victorian, Hazzabeel ($8.00 TAB Fixed Odds) is the only other runner to open in single figures in the betting. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding is also proven over the mile however will be hoping for Good track conditions when he faces the starter.
The best up and coming juveniles will be on show in the $500,000 Inglis Nursery as their careers progress towards the $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper.
Gary Portelli has entered She Will Reign into the contest who has opened as the short priced $1.90 TAB Fixed Odds favourite.
The two-year-old impressed in her maiden start with an 8.5 length win over the five furlongs on 10 December.
Vinland ($4.60 TAB Fixed Odds), trained by Tony McEvoy, is expected to be competitive after showing good form in a recent barrier trial at Rosehill Gardens on 6 December.
Sheikha, from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable is another candidate who has shown early potential. Opening at $6.00 TAB Fixed Odds, the well-bred Sebring filly ran a solid second place in her debut run.
Adult general admission tickets are available for $15.00 at ticketek.com.au.
Gates Open at 11.30am with the first race at 12.40pm.
Royal Randwick offers a bus service running from Eddy Avenue directly to the course, with return services later in the day.
For all ticketing, hospitality, racing and general information visit www.theATC.com.au.