Written by Lydia Symonds
Racing Victoria announced on Tuesday a series of $1 million bonuses to further incentivise horses to stay in Victoria for the duration of the spring carnival.
The five bonuses will be available for connections if they compete in a list of Victorian races and then win a spring major, including the G1 Cox Plate and G1 Darley Sprint Classic.
The five bonuses will be available for connections if they compete in a list of Victorian races and then win a Spring major, including the G1 Cox Plate and G1 Darley Sprint Classic | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
The lucrative investment comes on the back of a further $26.2 million in prizemoney additions announced in May, bringing the total prize pool in the state to almost $315 million.
“We’re excited to unveil $5 million in bonuses for the 2022 Victorian Spring Racing Carnival on top of the previously announced prizemoney increases to both country minimums and feature races across the state,” RV General Manager of Racing Greg Carpenter said.
“These bonuses further reward those owners and trainers who support the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival and in turn provide great enjoyment to fans and punters.
Greg Carpenter | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
“We want to continue to compile the best fields possible for our racing showpiece and to deliver storylines throughout the carnival that excite and captivate.
“With five $1 million bonuses up for grabs, there is a great spread of opportunity for both emerging talent and established stars to create their own headlines this spring.
“We’re pleased to welcome back the Empire Rose Bonus which proved an instant hit last year with Godolphin’s classy mare Colette claiming the lucrative prize.
“With five $1 million bonuses up for grabs, there is a great spread of opportunity for both emerging talent and established stars to create their own headlines this spring.” - Greg Carpenter
“The G1 Empire Rose not only provides coveted black type for future breeding careers, but a winner’s cheque of $1.6 million for any mare or filly that claims one of 12 designated races on their way to ultimate success at Flemington.
“The Moonee Valley Racing Club is celebrating the centenary of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate this year and the addition of a $1 million bonus adds further incentive for horses to compete.
“There is a well-established pathway to the Ladbrokes Cox Plate and the bonus will build further momentum through those spring features into the weight-for-age championship of Australasia.
The Fleminton Stand
“The VRC Darley Champions Sprint and VRC Kennedy Champions Mile have both received prizemoney increases to $3 million in 2022 as part of the revamped VRC Champions S. Day at Flemington, and they now have added appeal with a $1 million bonus attached to each.
“If a sprinter wins the Ladbrokes Manikato S. at The Valley and VRC Darley Champions S. at Flemington, its connections will now pocket $4 million whilst adding two prized Group 1 races to their credentials.
“If a sprinter wins the Ladbrokes Manikato S. at The Valley and VRC Darley Champions S. at Flemington, its connections will now pocket $4 million whilst adding two prized Group 1 races to their credentials.” - Greg Carpenter
“The Penfolds Victoria Derby is Australia’s most prestigious classic, having been first run in 1855. We want to ensure that it remains the target for staying 3-year-olds with a $1 million bonus now on offer for the winners of its traditional lead-up races.”
Bonus 1: G1 Cox Plate Bonus
A $1 million bonus will be paid to the winner of the $5 million G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 22, 2022 if they have won one of the following races in 2022:
● G2 Feehan S. – Moonee Valley, September 3
● G1 Makybe Diva S. – Flemington, September 10
● G1 Underwood S. – Ladbrokes Park, September 25
● G1 Turnbull S. – Flemington, October 1
● G1 Caulfield Guineas – Caulfield, October 8
● G1 Might and Power – Caulfield, October 8
Bonus 2: G1 Victory Derby Bonus
A $1 million bonus will be paid to the winner of the $2 million G1 Victoria Derby at Flemington on October 29, 2022 if they have won one of the following races in 2022:
● G3 Neds Classic – Caulfield, October 15
● Listed Geelong Classic – Geelong, October 19
● G2 Moonee Valley Vase – Moonee Valley, 22 October
Bonus 3: G1 Empire Rose S.
A $1 million bonus will be paid to the winner of the $1 million G1 Empire Rose S. at Flemington on October 29, 2022 if they have won one of the following races for fillies and mares in 2022:
● G1 Queen of the Turf – Randwick, April 9 – won by Nimalee (So You Think {NZ})
● G1 NZ Breeders' S. – Te Rapa, April 16 – won by Imperatriz (I Am Invincible)
● G1 Tattersall’s Tiara – Eagle Farm, June 25 – won by Startantes (Star Turn)
● G2 Let’s Elope S. – Flemington, September 10
● G2 Stocks S. – Moonee Valley, September 23
● G2 Rose of Kingston S. – Flemington, October 1
● G2 Edward Manifold S. – Flemington, October 1
● G1 Thousand Guineas – Caulfield, October 12
● G3 Ladies' Day Vase – Caulfield, October 12
● G2 Tristarc S. – Caulfield, October 15
● G2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic – Moonee Valley, October 22
● G3 Tesio S. – Moonee Valley, October 22
Bonus 4: G1 Darley Champions Sprint
A $1 million bonus will be paid to the winner of the $3 million G1 Darley Champions Sprint at Flemington on November 5, 2022 if they have:
● Won the $2 million G1 Manikato S. at Moonee Valley on October 21, 2022;
OR
● Competed in the $2 million G1 Manikato S. at Moonee Valley on October 21, 2022 having previously won any of the following races in 2022:
● G2 McEwen S. – Moonee Valley, September 3
● G1 Moir S. – Moonee Valley, September 23
● G2 Gilgai S. – Flemington, October 1
● G2 Schillaci S. – Caulfield, October 8
Bonus 5 - G1 Kennedy Champions Mile
A $1 million bonus will be paid to the winner of the $3 million G1 Kennedy Champions Mile at Flemington on November 5, 2022 if they have won one of the following races in 2022:
● G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. – Caulfield, September 17
● G1 Toorak H. – Caulfield, October 8
● G2 Crystal Mile – Moonee Valley, October 22
