Festival to continue at Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday
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Caulfield will host the richest Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday (VOBRD) in the meeting’s short history this Saturday, 15 March with more than $3.4 million in prizemoney, bonuses and vouchers on offer across the program.
A collaboration between Racing Victoria (RV), the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV), the 11th edition of VOBRD occupies a new place in the calendar having moved from its traditional late April date into the heart of the Festival of Racing.
The program showcases Victoria’s best young talent with the $1 million VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m) for two-year-olds and $500,000 IRT VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m) for three-year-olds both open exclusively to horses upgraded to the VOBIS Gold program and sired by VOBIS Sires stallions.
Emma-Lee and David Browne will chase the biggest win of their careers in the Showdown with dominant debut winner Mcgaw, their hopes boosted by leading hoop Damian Lane’s decision to turn down interstate opportunities to continue his association with the I Am Immortal gelding.
Godolphin, riding high from Tom Kitten’s All-Star Mile (1600m) success on the weekend, have entered a trio of two-year-old colts by their Victorian sire Frosted in Chergui, Cloisters and Cryoseisms, the latter a son of 2014 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Earthquake.
The Lindsay Park team, having tasted 2021 Showdown success with Finance Tycoon, boast a strong hand in this year’s edition with an incredible four runners in the $1 million feature including Stakes-winning filly Miss Celine (by Magnus).
Lindsay Park has the chance to claim both features with Bit Of Shoosh headlining the field for the IRT VOBIS Platinum Guineas. The Shamus Award gelding was last seen posting an arrogant 5.5 length debut win at Kyneton on 27 February and meets 11 rivals in Saturday’s $500,000 contest.
There are a further three VOBIS Gold Premier Races scheduled on the program while the $500,000 Group 2 Sportsbet Peter Young Stakes (1800m) welcomes the return of reigning Australian Racehorse of the Year, Pride Of Jenni, in a box-office clash with Godolphin star Zardozi.
Owners in attendance will be treated to an elevated experience. Those with a runner will enjoy an additional complimentary beverage, courtesy of RV, while all Owners Gold Card holders will be able to scan for complimentary access into the Racecourse, Members’ Reserve and Connections.
The VOBIS program offers over $30 million in prizemoney, bonuses and vouchers to eligible horses. The latest addition to the VOBIS stable, VOBIS Platinum aims to reward owners, breeders, trainers and syndicators and stimulate reinvestment in the Victorian industry.
Since its inception in 2022, the Platinum program has seen more than $4.8 million in VOBIS Platinum vouchers won by owners, with over $2.5 million in VOBIS Platinum vouchers redeemed so far across weanling and yearling sales, stud service fees and with approved syndicators.
Quotes attributable to Racing Victoria Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison
“Saturday’s raceday is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the vital contributions of Victorian owners, breeders and participants.
“Now in its eleventh year and with a new date in the middle of the Festival of Racing, we’re excited to see this fixture continue to grow given its significance to supporting the local industry and our participants.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Racing Club Chief Executive, Tom Reilly
"The Caulfield Victorian Owners and Breeders Race Day remains a standout event where we celebrate the invaluable role owners and breeders play in our racing industry.
“Our strong partnerships with Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria and Racing Victoria continue to enhance the day's prestige, and we are proud to showcase and support the Victorian racing community at Caulfield Racecourse."
Quotes attributable to TBV President, Peter Murray
“The Victorian breeding industry is stronger than ever. Over the long weekend alone Victorian stallions sired six Group winners.
“Looking ahead, three new stallions have already been announced to be standing in Victoria next season – and we’re only just getting started.
“This is terrific news for the industry and for the breeders in Victoria. We look forward to welcoming owners and breeders this Saturday to enjoy a day of top-quality racing.”