Further Boost To The Championships In 2017

Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club today announced the boosting of prizemoney to key races during The Championships and the upgrade of the Percy Sykes Stakes to Group 2 level.

Prizemoney for both the Arrowfield 3yo Sprint and Percy Sykes Stakes run at Royal Randwick during The Championships in 2017 have been increased by $100,000 to $600,000.

In a further boost, the Australian Pattern Committee resolved to upgrade the Percy Sykes Stakes for two-year-old fillies to a Group 2 race. This is an elevation from its previous status as a Group 3 race.

These two races are among the 10 races that comprise The Championships, but the only two not enjoying Group 1 status. It is the ultimate aim of The Championships to have all 10 Championship races at Group 1 level offering a minimum of $1 million prizemoney each.
 
“Working with Racing NSW, the ATC wishes to further develop the recognition and standing of both these races,” said ATC Chairman, Mr Laurie Macri.

“We are confident that both races will continue to improve their rating and will benefit from the additional prizemoney,” Mr Macri added.

The Arrowfield 3yo Sprint proved to be one of the races of The Championships in 2016, with Japonisme prevailing over Counterattack and Takedown in a thrilling finish.

The upgrading of the Percy Sykes Stakes to Group 2 level is a further important step in the development of this race.

The boost to the Percy Sykes Stakes coincides with the dynamic win of Spright in Saturday’s Sir Brian Crowley Stakes at Royal Randwick. Spright has returned to racing in excellent form having rounded out her two-year-old campaign with a third placing in April’s Percy Sykes Stakes.