Racing Victoria (RV), in conjunction with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), earlier this year unveiled an exciting new scheme which offers the winners of 12 races across Australia and New Zealand a $1 million bonus should they also win the TAB Empire Rose Stakes during the same calendar year.
With prizemoney already at $1 million for the Empire Rose Stakes with $600,000 to the winner, those chasing the bonus have the opportunity to pick up a $1.6 million cheque if they prove themselves the Penfolds Victoria Derby Day queen.
Those racing for the bonus are:
- TOFANE (Michael Moroney, Victoria) - winner of the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June
- STILL A STAR (Bill Ryan, Tasmania) - winner of the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in September
- SIRILEO MISS (Symon Wilde, Victoria) - winner of the Group 3 Ladies Day Vase (1600m) at Caulfield in October
- COLETTE (James Cummings, New South Wales) - winner of the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in October
- FLYING MASCOT (Tom Dabernig, Victoria) - winner of the Group 3 Tesio Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley in October
While Tofane and Colette have already succeeded at the highest level, the Empire Rose Stakes offers Still A Star, Sirileo Miss and Flying Mascot the chance to add the tag 'Group 1 winner' to their resume.
VRC Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon said the Club was looking forward to the race.
"The TAB Empire Rose Stakes has proven itself to be Australia's pinnacle event for fillies and mares over the past three decades," Mr. Jordon said.
"We have fillies and mares bringing form from all over Australia and New Zealand into Saturday's contest
"For the owners of those five mares that are chasing the bonus, the thrill of chasing a valuable Group 1 win is only enhanced by the incentive of an additional $1 million. I wish all of those owners, and every owner with a runner in the TAB Empire Rose Stakes, the very best of luck.
"It is certainly an exciting initiative that ensures the Empire Rose Stakes remains Australia's best race for fillies and mares, as it has proven once again this year."
The Empire Rose Stakes, named for the giant New Zealand mare that won the 1988 Group 1 Melbourne Cup as well as the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes three days earlier, boasts a classy honour roll that includes top mares like Shout The Bar (2020), Melody Belle (2019), Red Tracer (2013), Sacred Choice (2010), Typhoon Tracy (2009), Forensics (2008), Divine Madonna (2007), Lotteria (2005), Miss Potential (2004) and Bonanova (1998).
Image: Tofane is eligible for a $1 million bonus (Credit: Racing Photos)
