Three of Australian Turf Club’s most prestigious Everest Carnival races have again received strong nominations as Sydney prepares for the biggest spring carnival in its racing history.
Nominations closed on Monday for three of Sydney’s feature Group 1 races – the $1 million TAB Epsom (1600m), $750,000 Heineken 3 The Metropolitan (2400m) and $500,000 Darley Flight Stakes (1600m).
A total of 83 horses were nominated for this year’s TAB Epsom and 94 horses in the Heineken 3 The Metropolitan.
The Darley Flight Stakes – the final leg of the Darley Princess Series – attracted 68 entries, including star filly Libertini, who has taken out the first two legs of the series including last Saturday’s Darley Furious Stakes.
The three Group 1 races will be run on a bumper card at Royal Randwick on Saturday 5 October, Sydney’s super long weekend of spring sport.
ATC General Manager of Racing and Wagering, James Ross, said: “It is pleasing to see good numbers including a solid increase in the Heineken 3 Metropolitan which rewards the investment both Racing NSW and ATC have made in the Sydney staying program.
“It is always encouraging to see so many of Australia and New Zealand’s biggest stables represented with great support Victoria in particular including significant numbers from Michael Moroney, Ciaron Maher/David Eustace, Liam Howley and the Hayes/Dabernig team.
“This year’s extended Everest Carnival promises some world-class racing through September to November.”
Weights for the two feature handicap races the TAB Epsom and Heineken 3 The Metropolitan will be released by Racing NSW on Monday, 16 September 2019.