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The $1 million Inglis Sires’ – one of the feature races of the 2017 The Championships – has recorded a massive 37% rise in the number of first acceptances following the closing deadline.

The second leg of the two-year-old grand slam, the Group 1 Inglis Sires’ (1400m) attracted 107 first acceptances and is well up from 78 last year.

The $1 million Group 1 James Boag’s Premium Australian Oaks (2400m) also rose from 56 in 2016 to 69 this year, a 24% increase. Collectively the 10 The Championships Group races attracted an increase of around 9% to a total of 660 first acceptances.

“The Championships are now entering their fourth year and have firmly established themselves as the Grand Finals of Australian racing. The concept presents two of the best days of racing witnessed anywhere in the world carrying over $20 million in prizemoney,” said Mr Peter V’landys AM, Racing NSW’s Chief Executive.

“The quality of horses this year will be outstanding including Sydney’s own superstar Winx as well as English trainer Charles Appleby’s Godolphin horses.”

The $3 million Group 1 The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) attracted 81 first acceptances (up from 75) with some outstanding performers likely to target the historic event including Chautauqua [pictured left].

The $4 million Group 1 Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) has 61 first acceptances and is led by champion Winx, along with Black Heart Bart, Hartnell and Le Romain.

Australian Turf Club’s CEO, Darren Pearce, said: “This nine-per cent rise in first acceptances underlines the great strength of Sydney racing and the stature The Championships already holds. We are looking forward to showcasing so many world-class horses, jockeys and trainers at Royal Randwick.”

Other The Championships Group races are the $2.5m Darley TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), $2m BMW Australian Derby (2400m), $2m Schweppes Sydney Cup (3200m), $1m Coolmore Legacy Stakes (1600m), $600,000 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) and the $600,000 IG Share Trading Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m).

Click on the following links to view first acceptances:

The Championships (Day 1)

The Championships (Day 2)