Flemington witnessed an electrifying race as Feroce, ridden by jockey Billy Egan, triumphed in the $1 million Group 1 Howden Australian Guineas (1600m). This victory marked a career-defining moment for trainer Dom Sutton, who secured his maiden Group 1 win. The three-year-old gelding surged past fierce competition, including New Zealand contender Savaglee and South Australian runner Goldrush Guru, earning a coveted spot in next week’s Group 1 The All-Star Mile at Flemington.
Racing Glory for Feroce’s Owners
Feroce’s ownership group boasts some notable names from the sports world, including Collingwood Coach Craig McRae, former Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch, and ex-Western Bulldogs player Tory Dickson. Their horse’s commanding performance solidified its standing as a formidable contender in the Australian racing circuit.
Jockeys competing in the race wore black armbands in honor of esteemed trainer Mike Moroney, paying tribute to his contributions to the sport.
Marble Arch Secures The All-Star Mile Berth
Earlier in the day, Marble Arch clinched her place in the prestigious $2.5 million The All-Star Mile by winning the $300,000 Group 2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m). The victory adds to the Hayes stable’s impressive lineup, with trainers Ben, JD, and Will Hayes now fielding three contenders in The All-Star Mile, alongside Rise at Dawn and Mr. Brightside.
Notable Wins on a Day of High Stakes Racing
The $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m) saw Queensland raider El Morzillo claim the top prize, while Scillato extended his unbeaten streak to three wins with a commanding performance in the Good Friday Appeal Plate (1100m).
Charity and Community Engagement
Racing fans came together to support the Good Friday Appeal, raising over $15,000 for the cause. Additional donation opportunities will be available on Super Saturday and TAB Australian Cup Day, emphasizing the racing community’s commitment to charitable endeavors.
A Feast for Racegoers at Flemington
Beyond the thrilling races, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s “Feast” event provided racegoers with a gourmet experience. Attendees indulged in culinary delights from renowned restaurants like San Telmo and Lee Ho Fook, with Tipo 00 and MoVida set to join the festivities on Super Saturday.
Five Lucky Fans Become Owner Ambassadors
Excitement reached new heights as five lucky attendees were named owner ambassadors for The All-Star Mile, giving them a shot at winning $100,000 if their assigned horse triumphs in the race. The selected ambassadors included Stephen Moss, Anthony Jordan, Caroline Downy, Terry Evans, and Andrew Williams.
VRC Celebrates a Spectacular Racing Event
VRC Chief Executive Kylie Rogers hailed the Howden Australian Guineas Day as a resounding success, commending both the quality of racing and the vibrant atmosphere at Flemington.
“Flemington turned it on for Howden Australian Guineas Day with strong racing, an electric atmosphere, and a day young trainer Dom Sutton will never forget,” Rogers said.
“The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival partnership was popular with many of the 8,464 racegoers and adds another dimension to autumn racing at Headquarters. Today sets the scene for two massive race days at Flemington to come, with Super Saturday on March 8 and an epic finale on TAB Australian Cup Day on March 29.”
Upcoming Racing Highlights at Flemington
The 2025 Flemington Racing Spectacular continues with Super Saturday on March 8, featuring the highly anticipated Yulong Newmarket Handicap. The season will conclude with TAB Australian Cup Day on March 29, promising another thrilling day of elite horse racing.
For more racing updates and news, visit News Xpress Online.
