The Metropolitan is a Group 1 thoroughbred race for three year olds and upwards, held each year at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Run during the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, this 2400 metre race is run under Handicap conditions for $400,000 in prize money. The Metropolitan has a long and rich history, starting in 1863 and won by some of the biggest names in Australian racing.
[include file=”inpost_adrotator.php”]
The inaugural AJC Metropolitan was taken out by Regno in 1863, with the event then run over a distance of 16 furlongs. This event started its life as a Principal race, graduating directly to a Group 1 event in 1979. In terms of distance, The Metropolitan became a 12 furlong race in 1892, a 13 furlong race in 1920, and a 2600 metre race with the advent of the metric system in 1972.
As the premier staying event of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival, The Metropolitan normally attracts a solid field of competitors and has been won by some notable names over the years. In recent years, both Tawqueet and Railings won this event in 2006 and 2005 before going to Melbourne and taking out the prestigious Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres.
In recent times, other winners of The Metropolitan include Newport in 2008, Speed Gifted in 2009, Herculian Prince in 2010, The Verminator in 2011, and Glencadam Gold in 2012. The Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality has proved to be a great guide for The Metropolitan over the years, with winners coming from this event including Railings in 2005, Dress Circle in 2001, Coco Cobana in 2000, Vita Man in 1999, In Joyment in 1998, Heart Ruler in 1997, and Hula Flight in 1996.
