Queensland’s lucrative trilogy of winter sprint features have once again been recognised in the 2024 Longines World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races rankings.
Earlier this week, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities unveiled the Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 (equal 22nd), Eva Air Kingsford-Smith Cup (equal 66th) and The Star Stradbroke Handicap (equal 98th) as part of the prestigious annual list.
It marks only the third time that three Queensland races have featured in the Top 100 rankings.
In addition, it is the second consecutive year that each of the three races have featured in the list, with the Doomben 10,000 having jumped more than 40 places from its equal 63rd ranking in 2023.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said Queensland’s continued presence on the international ratings list continues to strengthen the form lines that emerge out of the nation’s premier Winter Carnival on an annual basis.
“The Queensland Racing Carnival was re-shaped in 2023 to present a pathway for the nation’s best sprinters to compete for more than $5 million in prize money over three races,” Mr Scott said.
“For the second year running, those same three races have been recognised on the international stage, with the Doomben 10,000 in particular skyrocketing up the list to sit inside the top 25 rated races worldwide.
“These rankings are further justification the strength in Queensland racing at present, and we are proud to see that reflected on the international stage with three Group 1s making the list for a second consecutive year.”
Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo said the global recognition reflects the strategic planning and effort put into elevating The Star Stradbroke Season and the Queensland Racing Carnival.
“These rankings showcase the world-class racing that takes place at the Brisbane Racing Club through our carnival,” Mr deKroo said.
“For a decade now, our The Star Stradbroke Season has been a breeding ground of the equine elite, and to have three of our feature races recognised on the global stage not only highlights the calibre of horses competing, but also underscores the quality of events we and our partners deliver year after year.
“The rise of the Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 in the rankings is particularly pleasing. It is now one of the world’s elite sprint races and it provides a great opportunity for racing fans in Queensland and interstate to come and experience great weather, top class racing and everything our carnival has to offer.”
Elsewhere, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities also released its World's Best Racehorse rankings, which further solidified the Queensland Racing Carnival’s quality.
Antino stands alone as the only Queensland-trained galloper on the list, coming in at equal 71st after taking out the Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Kingsford Smith Cup champion I Wish I Win finished equal 24th, while Bella Nipotina came in 101st position after claiming both the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and Tattersall’s Tiara in the winter, before going on to win the $20 million The Everest.
Group 2 Q22 champion Fawkner Park (equal 115th) and Queensland Derby winner Warmonger (equal 189th) also feature on the list.
Click here to see the Longines rankings for both racehorses and Group 1 events.