The TAB Doomben 10,000 is poised to become Queensland’s newest million-dollar black-type race after receiving a $200,000 stakes increase.
As Queensland’s highest rated race – currently adjudged number 26 in the world by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities – the Doomben 10,000 joins the TAB Stradbroke Handicap ($1.5 million), EVA Air Q22 ($1.5 million), BRC JJ Atkins ($1 million) and the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes ($1 million) as million-dollar features to be run throughout winter.
With an honour roll boasting legends such as Bernborough and Manikato, other notable winners include Chief De Beers, Falvelon, Bel Esprit, Takeover Target and Apache Cat.
More recently, however, the Doomben 10,000 has served as the perfect preparation for Redzel’s back-to-back wins in The Everest, with the Peter Snowden-trained gelding conquering Randwick following his Queensland campaigns.
“As Queensland’s highest rated race, the Doomben 10,000 truly deserves a $1 million prize purse,” Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“Having elevated the JJ Atkins and the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes as part of our Future Champions Series – along with the recent announcement of the $1.5 million EVA Air Q22 to be run on Stradbroke Day – it was only fitting we do likewise for one of the nation’s most coveted sprints.
“Over the years, some of the nation’s – and the world’s – best sprinters have claimed the Doomben 10,000 and it remains the perfect launching pad for those targeting the spring features.”
Earlier this year, The Bostonian etched his name onto the winners’ list with a narrow victory over Osborne Bulls before adding a second Group 1 triumph in the TAB Kingsford-Smith.
BRC Chairman Neville Bell thanked Racing Queensland for the initiative.
“Reaching the $1 million milestone for the Doomben 10,000 is great recognition for a race that has established itself as one of the nation’s highest-rated races,” Mr Bell said.
“The 2020 Brisbane Racing Carnival will now feature five $1 million races, elevating the carnival to the level that matches its reputation as the nursery for Australia’s champion racehorses.
“Racing Queensland should be commended for their foresight and the prize money injection which makes for an exciting carnival in 2020.”