Three Australian Turf Club races have been rated in the top ten of the Longines World’s Top 100 Group 1 races – the most of any Club or jurisdiction in international racing.
The group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes was rated third overall in the world and Australia’s highest rated race.
The Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes (ninth overall) and Group 1 $3 million TJ Smith Stakes (equal tenth) were also the highest rated races in their categories in world racing.
Twelve Sydney Group 1 races were ranked in the top 100 – also the highest of any city or country in the world.
Australian Turf Club CEO Matt Galanos said the rankings confirmed Sydney’s status as amongst the strongest in the world.
“The 12 races in the top 100 equals a previous record set in Sydney in 2018 as our prizemoney and international visitors continue to grow,’’ Mr Galanos said.
“Sydney has the highest rated race in Australia in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes which is the crescendo of the upcoming Autumn Carnival.
“We thank and congratulate all of our trainers, jockeys, owners and especially the thoroughbreds who continue to make Sydney racing a world leader.’’
Sydney’s eight-time Champion Premiership jockey James McDonald was ranked the world’s best rider, while the Chris Waller trained Via Sistina was rated third in the world, a single rating point behind joint winners, Coolmore’s City Of Troy and the US based Laurel River.
Other Australian Turf Club races in the top 100 were the Ranvet Stakes (equal 22), TAB Everest (equal 29), TAB Verry Elleegant Stakes (55), King Charles III Stakes, Schweppes All Aged Stakes and The Agency George Ryder Stakes (all equal 59), Kia Ora Galaxy (71), Canterbury Stakes (79) and The Star Doncaster Mile (98).
The Longines World’s Top 100 comprises racing in 11 countries across 41 different racecourses.
Royal Randwick had nine races in the Top 100 list along with three races hosted at Rosehill Gardens.
AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:
Brett de Vine
0419 613 455