Positive signs for Guineas shift

The move was met with scepticism, but early metrics indicate the move of the Thousand Guineas has been successful and could see further “innovation” of the November racing calendar.

RV shifted the Group 1 from a Wednesday in October to a standalone Saturday in 2023 in a bid to boost turnover and crowds. The Group 1 Rupert Clarke was also moved to the new Thousand Guineas Day to boost the program.

Wagering was up around 15 per cent in 2023, compared with the corresponding Saturday in 2022 at Cranbourne, according to Racing Victoria.

The result was a relief for RV considering the softening of wagering in 2023 and a track that favoured on-pace runners on Saturday.

A crowd of 7,621 people were on course too, a figure RV were happy with despite public transport disruptions.

The Rupert Clarke, according to RV, rated its second highest in five years on Saturday. Early indications are that the Thousand Guineas will rate strongly too, with its true measure not known until the competing fillies continue their preparations.

The race move was heavily criticised by some in the breeding and training circles.

“There was scepticism about moving the Thousand Guineas, but we knew the race could thrive stepping into the spotlight on a Saturday in November compared to a Wednesday in October and it has done that,” RV’s general manager of racing Matthew Welsh told racing.com

“Saturday delivered a stellar contest. Joliestar looks destined for big things, Kimochi tied in the Group 1 Flight Stakes form, Skybird lost no admirers in suffering her first defeat, while Couer Volante proved she a top-line prospect in the Thousand Guineas Prelude. In 12 months’ time I am confident we will reflect on the race as a very strong edition.”

Welsh said the impact of moving the Thousand Guineas had no influence on other important Spring races, a concern of some when the announcement was made in early 2023. 

“Pleasingly, the move had a positive impact on the quality of other races throughout spring, like the Fillies Classic on Cox Plate Day and the Desirable Stakes during Cup Week. That’s another element we can build on with all Clubs,” he said.

“We know there was discussion about losing the link between the Thousand Guineas and VRC Oaks, but the reality was only four horses had contested both races in the past five years. The Oaks attracted the staying fillies and it was a terrific race in its own right.”

Clubs believe there could be further Spring changes in 2024, with RV to review this year’s Carnival once it’s complete on December 2.

“Innovation comes in different forms. Refining and evolving our schedule to appeal to the broadest audience possible is one way, much like other sports have done with their schedules to maximise engagement. We’ll continue to look at options and will review the Carnival in its totality once finished,” Welsh said.

Welsh said the other highlights from Saturday’s racing was the win of Magic Time in the Rupert Clarke, which provides the Grahame Begg mare a direct entry to the All-Star Mile, as well as Gemma Rielly winning the $500,000 Country Cup final with Claideamh Mor.

“The Country Cups Final gives a Grand Final and additional context to our 55 Country Cups run across the year, each of them important events in their own right. It was great to see Gemma Reilly take out the race with Claideamh Mor who was a regular on the Country Cups circuit, winning both the Coleraine and Geelong St Pats Cups as well as placing in the Moe Cup. In its inaugural running the Country Cups Series has built momentum and we’ll look that to continue into 2024,” he said.