The upcoming horse racing event, The Championships in Sydney, is set to be influenced significantly by the strong form shown at Flemington during the recent autumn carnival. The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is enthusiastic about leveraging the success of the Flemington races to enhance the excitement surrounding the March racing calendar.

Leigh Jordan, the VRC chief, has expressed satisfaction with the revamped Flemington autumn carnival, anticipating that the form displayed there will have a substantial impact on Day 1 of The Championships in Sydney. Notable contenders from Flemington include Joliestar, the winner of the Newmarket Handicap, who is favored in the TJ Smith Stakes, and Tom Kitten, the victor of the All-Star Mile, who is a top choice in the Doncaster Mile.

The VRC is optimistic about the performance of other horses like Another Wil, Jimmysstar, and Shanwah, all of whom have showcased their skills in various races leading up to The Championships. Additionally, emerging talents such as Vinrock and Prestige Forever are expected to compete in the Inglis Sires’, adding more excitement to the prestigious event.

Leigh Jordon emphasized the importance of aligning the racing events in Melbourne with those in Sydney to create a seamless flow between the two racing seasons. By coordinating the race calendar effectively, both cities can benefit from enhanced competition and higher-quality fields, ultimately elevating the overall standard of racing in Australia.

The All-Star Mile, a significant race serving as a reference for the Doncaster, has seen impressive performances in recent years, attracting top-class contenders despite variations in the number of participants. Jordon highlighted the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where the field composition can change rapidly leading up to the event, but the quality of competition remains consistently high.

Looking ahead, the VRC aims to collaborate closely with Racing Victoria to build upon the success of the March racing calendar. With substantial wagering turnover and growing attendance numbers during key race days like Australian Guineas, Super Saturday, and Australian Cup, there is a clear indication of the growing popularity and economic impact of horse racing in the region.

The recent spike in wagering turnover during Australian Cup day, following unfortunate weather-related cancellations in Sydney and Brisbane, underscores the resilience and appeal of horse racing as a major sporting and entertainment spectacle. With strategic planning and promotional efforts, the VRC is poised to further enhance the profile and reach of these racing events, ensuring a vibrant and competitive horse racing scene for enthusiasts and punters alike.