Racing NSW has been unsuccessful in its push to have four Sydney races elevated to Group 1 status, after the Asian Pattern Committee (APC) voted against its submission.
The proposal sought international recognition for the $10 million Golden Eagle and the $3 million Russell Balding, both of which were denied Group 1 status during Thursday evening’s APC meeting (AEST). Delegates reportedly took a dim view of the request, ruling against the upgrades.
Alongside those two feature events, Racing NSW also lobbied for the Group 2 Premiere Stakes, the final Sydney lead-up to The Everest, and the Group 2 Apollo Stakes to be upgraded to Group 1 level. However, the APC delegates rejected both applications, meaning the quartet of Sydney races remain without the coveted Group 1 status.
The setback represents a blow to Racing NSW’s efforts to boost Sydney’s profile on the global stage, particularly in positioning new or existing features alongside Australia’s most established Group 1 contests.
For punters, attention will still be fixed on the Golden Eagle, Premiere Stakes, and Apollo Stakes as key races on the Sydney calendar. To bet on these major races or The Everest, you can find the best markets at Australia’s top betting sites here.
