Major Spring Carnival races at Moonee Valley are undergoing significant shifts, with the Group 1 Manikato Stakes moving to AFL Grand Final Eve.
This change, along with others, aims to optimise the program for Australia’s top sprinters.
The Group 2 Feehan Stakes will also relocate to September 27, enhancing its status as a key lead-up to the Cox Plate.
The Manikato’s move anticipates a three-week interval between the Moir Stakes on September 7, the Manikato on September 27, The Everest on October 19, and the Champions Sprint on November 9.
MVRC CEO Michael Browell sees this adjustment as providing the best opportunity for sprinters to pursue Group 1 glory at The Valley.
“The move of our two feature sprint races, the Moir Stakes and Manikato Stakes, earlier in the spring, offers the optimal chance for Australia’s best sprinters to chase Group 1 success at The Valley,” Browell said.
The decision follows a successful 2023 Friday race night, prompting optimism for the AFL Grand Final Eve meeting.
2024 Spring Carnival changes:
Group 1 Manikato Stakes: Friday, September 27th, 2024
Group 2 Feehan Stakes: Friday, September 27th, 2024
Group 1 Moir Stakes: Saturday, September 7th, 2024
Group 2 McEwen Stakes: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Group 2 Stocks Stakes: Friday, September 27th, 2024 (Distance changed from 1600m to 1500m, and SWP from WFA conditions)
