Written by Paul Vettise
The Sydney spring carnival has had another prizemoney boost with Racing New South Wales announcing a new marquee race for fillies and mares, and prizemoney increases for other events.
The Invitation will carry a purse of $2 million and will be run over 1400 metres under set weights, penalties and conditions at Royal Randwick on Saturday, October 23.
The field for the new event will comprise of 12 starters invited by a panel convened by Racing NSW with invitations to be extended to fillies and mares from across Australia and New Zealand.
The Sydney spring carnival will also be further boosted with prizemoney increases and additional new races with the G1 George Main S. to rise from $500,000 to $1 million, the G2 Hill S. will increase from $500,000 to $1 million, a the new 2300 metre handicap on The Hunter race day will be run for $300,000 and a 1000 metre handicap on The Gong race day will offer prizemoney of $300,000.
“As we head toward The Everest and The Golden Eagle, The Invitation will provide a further highlight to spring racing in Sydney with a unique formulation of the field by invitation only,” said Racing NSW Chairman, Russell Balding, said.
“As we head toward The Everest and The Golden Eagle, The Invitation will provide a further highlight to spring racing in Sydney with a unique formulation of the field by invitation only.” – Russell Balding
“The Hill S. will be run for the 100th time and it is fitting that this race be commemorated with prizemoney of $1 million where we are confident of attracting some of the best middle-distance horses in Australasia.
“Further, running the George Main S. at $1 million recognises this race in its own right and also provides a superb progression for horses stepping up in distance to 2000 metres or contesting the Epsom for record prizemoney in 2021.”
Member of Parliament Kevin Anderson said racing in the State continued to go to higher levels.
“The Invitation is another exciting development in the Sydney spring. As Minister responsible for Racing, I’m extremely proud to oversee the significant growth of the NSW thoroughbred racing industry both in popularity and profile in the past few years.
“Its growth is nothing less than extraordinary, however, as this announcement has shown, it’s even going to get better.”
Eight exciting weeks
His comments were echoed by Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Jamie Barkley.
“The introduction of The Invitation and other strategic prizemoney increases to traditional races has significantly added to the Sydney spring racing program, which will now host an amazing eight straight weeks of $1 million-plus races,” he said.
Redzel winning The Everest in 2018
“These enhancements will take The Everest carnival prizemoney to a record $50 million, again proving Sydney is among the leading racing jurisdictions in the world. This period is Sydney’s time to shine in spring with a globally recognised racing carnival.”
