The Australian Turf Club have reduced the minimum weight of The Star Doncaster to 50kg, giving a greater spread for the feature Group 1 contest.
In recent years the minimum weight for The Star Doncaster has been 52kg with a minimum topweight of 58kg.
It is hoped that the reduced minimum weight will make the race more competitive and increase betting turnover.
“The Doncaster over the famous Randwick mile is a race that has defined champions for over 150 years – particularly those who give away weight and still triumph,’’ said the ATC’s Matt Rudolph said.
“Among some of the most famous Doncasters in recent decades, highlighting different weights carried by champion horses, include the mighty Super Impose in 1990 and 1991, when he carried 57kgs and then 59.5kgs, Sunline (58kg in 2002) and More Joyous (57.5kgs in 2012). At the other end of the scale have been lightweight winners in Soho Square in 1992 with just 47.5kgs, Grand Armee (51.5kgs in 2003), and Racing To Win (2006) and Triple Honour (2008) who both had 51kgs.”
The Star Doncaster Mile has been upgraded to be worth $3 million in 2014 and will feature on day one of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
“It is now the richest race over a mile anywhere in the world,” said The Championships CEO Ian Mackay.
“It’s a race for the best horses and will be one of the highlights of The Championships – I think it can become a grand final handicap for the best milers in the world.”
Weights will be released for The Star Doncaster on Monday March 3.
– Australian Turf Club
