The Apollo Stakes has been elevated to Group 1 status as part of the latest round of Australian Black Type changes approved by the Asian Racing Federation.
The Asian Pattern Committee’s decision takes the 1400m weight-for-age feature from Group 2 to Group 1 for the 2026-27 season, giving Australia 77 Group 1 races.
The upgrade comes after an earlier Racing NSW application to elevate the Sydney autumn feature was rejected.
The Apollo Stakes becomes one of six Australian Group 1 weight-for-age races over 1400m, with three of those staged at Randwick.
The Sydney Cup and Queensland Derby have retained their Group 1 status after facing potential downgrades.
Western Australia’s The Quokka has also received Black Type status for the first time, with the 1200m slot race elevated to Group 2 level.
Ten existing Black Type races were upgraded in the latest announcement, while five were downgraded.
The Blue Diamond Prelude for colts and geldings and the Fred Best Classic have both been promoted to Group 2 status.
The Desirable Stakes, Talindert Stakes, Darby Munro Stakes, Moomba Plate, Fernhill Handicap, Gold Coast Bracelet and Juanmo Stakes have been upgraded to Group 3.
Several races have also received Black Type recognition for the first time. The Buffering has been granted Group 3 status, while the Pierata Plate, Sunlight 3YO Plate, Marjorie Charleson Classic and The Joey have been awarded Listed status.
The Rock Magic Stakes and Magic Millions National Classic have also become Listed races, although both received a lower classification than had been requested.
Four staying races have been downgraded from Group 2 to Group 3 — the Adelaide Cup, ATC Chairman’s Handicap, WATC Derby and Brisbane Cup.
