3 minute read

Spring racing in the Nation’s Capital will again be highlighted by the $200,000 Canberra Community Chest (1400m), which holds an additional $50,000 purse for 12 charity and community partners.

The 1400m Quality Handicap won in 2023 by the Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones' trained Super Helpful, will be run on Sunday, 24 November 2024 and is joined by a boosted second running of the Single Gaze (1200m) with the Fillies & Mares Benchmark 75 Handicap worth $50,000.

The program will be complimented by the TAB Federal Tony Campbell Memorial Cup (1300m) & Sky Racing Race Callers Cup (1600m) with multiple race callers in attendance throughout the day that hosts the New Zealand Bloodstock Canberra Premiership Awards Luncheon.

Earlier in the Canberra Spring program, a new feature has been designed to give $2m The Kosciuszko-hopefuls an opportunity to push their case for a berth in the richest country race in the world.

The 'TAB Federal Black Mountain' is a 1000m Quality Open that will carry a $100,000 bonus on top of the $50,000 prizemoney. The country-restricted race has been added to the program on Friday, 20 September, four weeks prior to The Kosciuszko, and offers an additional $100,000 for any speedster which can break the track record of 0-55.84.

This new Quality Open race provides an opportunity for locals and country-trained gallopers to showcase their credentials with a hope of taking part in Country racing's greatest contest, The Kosciuszko on Saturday, 19 October at Royal Randwick.

The race pays homage to Thoroughbred Park's close neighbour, Black Mountain; home to Telstra Tower which is an iconic sight when looking down the home straight.

Racing will return to the Course Proper on Friday, 6 September after what will have been an almost five-month break for the surface.

The course proper has taken to the break well with a winter renovation and will be in top condition for the return to racing.