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The Canberra Racing Club’s four black-type races have all received strong prize money increases ahead of Canberra’s first million-dollar race day on Sunday, 10th March 2024.
The Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (1200m) and Listed TAB Canberra Cup (2000m) will be run for $250,000, a 25% increase while the Listed Iron Jack Canberra Guineas (1400m) and Listed Seears Workwear National Sprint (1400m) will both be worth $165,000 up from $150,000.
Canberra Racing Club Racing and Equine Welfare Manager Chris Polglase said, "We are on an upward trajectory, and it is our hope that we can continue to attract world-class gallopers to Thoroughbred Park."
"Our Black Opal Stakes and Canberra Cups earlier this year have already proven as wonderful form references with the Canberra Cup quinella, Arapaho and Explosive Jack, both enjoying Group 1 glory since."
"The Black Opal Stakes has again proven itself to be a great finder of a talented juvenile with Autumn Ballet winning the Group 2 Silver Shadow first up as a three-year-old."
"The fourth place-getter Tiz Invincible has also returned a serious three-year-old having won both her starts this season in the Listed Rosebud and Group 2 Furious Stakes."
Canberra's first million-dollar race day on Sunday, 10th March will feature a bumper ten-race card including these four stakes races after the two-day Canberra Racing Carnival was condensed into one 'Super Sunday'.
The Canberra Mile (1600m) has been reprogrammed as the Canberra Cup Preview to be run over 2000m for $40,000. Friday 23rd February 2024 will be Preview Day at Thoroughbred Park with the Canberra Cup Preview to be joined by the ETS Refrigeration Black Opal Preview (1000m), the Casino Canberra Canberra Guineas Preview (1400m) and the TAB Federal National Sprint Preview (1200m).
All of which hold ballot exemption for the first two past the post into their respective features a fortnight later.
"It's a revamped Autumn calendar to compliment what is a thrilling Spring here at Thoroughbred Park." Polglase said.
"With the recently announced $200,000 Canberra Community Chest in addition to these increases on Black Opal Stakes Race Day, we're excited to showcase top-class racing to the Canberra community."
