A second Group 1 race for mares will be added to the Victorian trots racing calendar for 2017.
The Ladyship Cup will be elevated to Group 1 status and carry a $100,000 purse during the rich Summer of Glory carnival. The Ladyship Cup winning horse will also receive an invitation to the New South Wales’ Group 1 Ladyship Mile.
“The decision to elevate the Ladyship Cup is in line with HRV’s ongoing emphasis on ensuring mares receive racing opportunities so they remain in our racing population for longer,” HRV Chairman Dale Monteith said.
“Keeping our top mares racing will ultimately stimulate the depth of Victoria's broodmare ranks when those horses retire to the breeding barn.
"The HRV Board intends to review opportunities for fillies and mares in general, including providing additional races set aside for them. Such a strategy will complement our move to provide additional group races for fillies and mares."
The Ladyship Cup joins the Queen of the Pacific (2760 metres) in May as Victoria’s mares-only Group 1 races.
“The Group 1 prizemoney and the fact the winning horse receives an invitation to the $200,000 Ladyship Mile at Menangle should see plenty of good mares up and going for the Summer of Glory,” Mr Monteith said.
Cody Winnell (HRV Media/Communications Manager)