With the field now set for this Saturday’s Group 1 TAB Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, the connections of five runners have the chance for a major pay day with their horses eligible for a $1 million bonus if victorious.
In August, RV announced a series of enhancements to the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival to ensure that it remains the destination for Australasia’s best horses and a spring focal point for racing fans.
One of those enhancements was a $1 million bonus to be paid to the winner of the $1 million TAB Empire Rose Stakes, Victoria’s premier weight-for-age race for fillies and mares, if they had also won one of 12 races for fillies and mares earlier in 2021.
The five winners that have taken up the challenge and are thus staring at a $1.6 million cheque, as well as coveted Group 1 black type, if successful, are:
- Tofane (Mike Moroney, Victoria) – winner of the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm
- Still A Star (Bill Ryan, Tasmania) – winner of the Group 2 Furphy Rose of Kingston Stakes (1400m) at Flemington
- Sirileo Miss (Symon Wilde, Victoria) – winner of the Group 3 Catanach’s Jewellers Ladies Day Vase (1600m) at Caulfield
- Colette (James Cummings, New South Wales) – winner of the Group 2 Lexus Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield
- Flying Mascot (Tom Dabernig, Victoria) – winner of the Group 3 Powerflo Solutions Tesio Stakes (1600m) at The Valley
RV Executive General Manager - Racing, Greg Carpenter, said: “This year’s TAB Empire Rose Stakes is an outstanding renewal with an array of high-quality mares befitting the race’s standing as an elite Group 1 race on Derby Day.
“In addition to the five horses shooting for the $1 million bonus, we’re delighted to see Group 1 winners Sierra Sue from Victoria, Mystic Journey from Tasmania, Hungry Heart from New South Wales and Amarelinha from New Zealand also converge on Flemington.
“I want to thank all the stables and owners who have supported this time-honoured Group 1 race and wish the connections of the five horses eligible for the $1 million bonus the very best of luck come 3pm on Saturday.”
Victoria Racing Club Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon added to the comments.
“The TAB Empire Rose Stakes is a true Group 1 race. Every year it attracts the best mares from across the country and it’s great to see five horses and connections race for the bonus.”