One of Australian racing fans favourite days is just days away, in fact it’s a favourite for those who don’t care about racing at all, such is its reputation as an epic event.
Should the day be renamed ‘Coolmore Stud Stakes Day’ given that race, thanks to the best programming in recent decades, has far surpassed the Derby, which relies on history dating back centuries, to remain relevant.
Both are worth $2m in prizemoney, the winner of the Coolmore could be worth $50m, the winner of the Derby (unless HK calls) will be apologising for winning the race should they want to stand at stud.
When assessing and ranking the races across Flemington and Rosehill, it would be hard to argue that it sits as 1. Coolmore Stud Stakes 2. The Golden Eagle 3. Empire Rose Stakes 4. Russell Balding Stakes 5. VRC Derby
Arguing about which race is the best, is a great problem to have, so don’t let the negative sentiment about the 2500m race for future jumpers put you off. It’s a tough race for punters who put their faith in the trainers hoping their runners will run the 2500m, if the race was over 2000m the turnover would likely be 20% more. Let’s not forget that is as important as the number of people that attend HQ on Saturday.
The age-old argument of reducing the Derby distance to 2000m will no doubt arise on Twitter (X) this week, whether the new CEO Kylie Rogers wants to have that discussion remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, she will explore every avenue to create the best version of the VRC that is possible. Kylie is exactly what that Club needs and we all watch on with interest to see how quickly she can impact the wood duck establishment.
With 26c and sunny the forecast for Saturday and 28c and sunny in Sydney (V’Landys made sure it was better than Melbourne, haha) we are being treated with a special day that regardless of the level of interest, is a bloody brilliant day out……or in.
