News

Manikato Stakes added to Breeders Cup series

23rd Jun 2009

Racenet - Clinton Payne - Tuesday, 23 June 2009

The Group I Manikato Stakes has been selected as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge series race, where the winner earns an automatic berth in the $US25.5 million Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita in California in November.

Breeders Cup Limited have increasing its global expansion and there are now 12 international Challenge races conducted outside the USA.

“We are excited that the Moonee Valley Racing Club and the nation of Australia - a country whose passion and devotion for thoroughbred racing is renowned the world over - has joined the Breeders’ Cup Challenge,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli.

“We are always striving to make the Breeders’ Cup more inclusive to our international horsemen and fans, and the selection of the Manikato Stakes in the series fits perfectly in our continuing efforts to maximize the global popularity and excellence of the Breeders’ Cup.”

The winner of the $500,000 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 25 will gain an automatic berth in the $US1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at 6½ furlongs on November 7, following the payment of applicable pre-entry fees.

The first three placegetters in the Manikato Stakes will also receives an additional $US 50,000 from the Breeders’ Cup in owners premiums.

“The Moonee Valley Racing Club is delighted to be involved in the expanding International Breeders’ Cup Challenge races and provide our premium Group One sprinting race the Manikato Stakes as the first Australian race to be linked with the Breeders Cup,” Michael Browell, the Mooney Valley Racing Club CEO said.

“The Manikato Stakes to be run under lights on Friday September, 25 and will showcase Australia’s best sprinters and we will look forward to hosting Singapore sprinting star Rocket Man in this premium Group One event.”

Pictured - 2008 Manikato Stakes won by Typhoon Zed