Cummings’ Departure Lingers Over Spring Racing’s Return

By Marcus Braid on September 27, 2015 in News

Bart Cummings and Royal Randwick enjoyed a long and decorated history together, and his passing promises to linger over this year’s Spring Carnival.

Mr Cummings first came to Royal Randwick in 1975 after basing himself in Adelaide while his horse-training career boomed in the 1960s.

“Bart’s affinity with Randwick was huge, because this was really his home track for the best part of 40 years,” a spokesperson for the Australian Turf Club (ATC) said.

“His stable has been on course here for 40 years, and in recent times with his grandson James. His son Anthony also has a stable here at Royal Randwick.

“We had a massive day out here as a day of tribute for Bart. It was really sad to lose Bart, but at the same time I think people wanted to recognise and celebrate his wonderful career, and the great man that he was.”

Sydneysiders are set to welcome a new and improved Sydney Spring Carnival format in 2015, including increased prize money and new on-course action.

With more than $10 million in prize money now on offer, a new format will see an extra $2 million fed through major races including five Group 1 and six Group 2 races.

The premier race day for the Sydney Spring Carnival, The Star Epsom Day at Royal Randwick on October 3, will see prize money for the feature race, The Star Epsom Handicap, double to $1 million, while the pot for the McGrath Estate Agents Metropolitan will rise to $750,000, a $350,000 increase.

“It’s a massive sporting weekend for Australia and Sydney, with the rugby league grand final on the next day,” a spokesperson for the ATC said. “It’s the long weekend too, so people can really kick back and have the best of both worlds.”

Grand final ticket holders will receive free admission, and the day will also welcome The Bucket List Beach Club Marquee to Royal Randwick in celebration of the first day of the new ‘Premium Economy’ hospitality precinct.

“The Saturday of the long weekend is the big day with the Star Epsom Handicap and the McGrath Estate Metropolitan, but the week after, for Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, it’s really building into a real event out here for the local community,” a spokesperson for the ATC said.

Australian Turf Club Chief Operating Officer Tony Partridge said there will be more entertainment and options off the track this year.

“Working with The Bucket List is an exciting venture for us as we bring the iconic Bondi bar to the track for an exclusive ticket-only event for punters to enjoy over five bumper weeks of Royal Randwick racing,” he said.

Among other changes to this year’s Sydney Spring Carnival, the iconic Men of League Cox Plate Day will move to Royal Randwick on October 24.
For more information about this year’s Spring Racing Carnival, go to www.ausrtalianturfclub.com.au/springracing.