The scene is now well and truly set for the inaugural running of next year’s $1 million 2YO VOBIS Sires (1200m) - The Showdown – following the success of the Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday at Caulfield on Saturday, 21 April.
Under a wash of clear bright sunshine, Caulfield racecourse was blessed with a beautiful day for racing that saw thousands flock to the track to see the very best Victorian-bred horses compete for more than $1.82 million in VOBIS Gold prizemoney and bonuses.
The April raceday, in its current form, was the last one on the Victorian racing calendar before we revamp it next year to celebrate the launch of the $1 million The Showdown. The day was also the last $310,000 3YO VOBIS Sires (1600) before it becomes a $500,000 race in 2019.
Both VOBIS Sires races attracted large fields of runners all vying for the lucrative VOBIS Prizemoney and Bonuses, made available to the connections of horses nominated to the VOBIS Gold scheme.
The win of Thrillster in the 2YO VOBIS Sires signalled big things ahead for the Troy Corstens-trained filly, who announced herself as one of the next banner horses VOBIS Gold having already won with a brilliant victory in the $280,000 VOBIS Gold Rush (1000m) at Bendigo earlier last month.
At only her second race start, the two-length procession took the juvenile's earnings past $340,000.
Leon Corstens said any doubts about the strength of Thrillster's form were put to bed in emphatic style at the top of the straight when the daughter of Starspagledbanner, a $60,000 purchase at the 2017 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, exploded away from her rivals under Noel Callow.
Troy Corstens prepared Starspangledbanner to win the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) during the 2009-10 racing season, which launched an international racing career and secured his future at stud.
In the $310,000 Spendthrift 3YO VOBIS Sires (1600m), The Nick Ryan-trained Mahamedeis ran down Temple of Bel in a thrilling finish, before crowd-favourite Rich Charm for Udyta Clarke made it back-to-back wins in the $250,000 Newmarket Grandwest VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m).
The cult sprinter overcame jockey Patrick Moloney dropping his whip in the straight to win – much to the delight of his adoring fans and the trainer herself.
We wish to extend a big thanks to all owners for their participation in the day and to congratulate those who were lucky enough to enjoy some success on the day with their runners.
We look forward to building on the achievements of this year’s event and making it an even bigger and better occasion in 2019 when we launch the $1 million Showdown and $500,000 3YO VOBIS Sires.