Record prize-money of A$100m up for grabs at Spring Carnival

Racing Victoria has announced a massive prize-money boost, confirming for the first time there will be more than A$100 million (£55.5m/€61.9m) in prize-money and bonuses on offer over the Victorian Spring Carnival.

It has been revealed a record 16 races will offer prize-money of A$1m (£555,00/€619,000) or more, with 21 Group 1 races to headline the carnival.

Racing Victoria, the Victorian Racing Club and the Victorian Government have combined to deliver a boost of more than A$13m (£7.2m/€8m) for this year's Spring Carnival, in a move aimed to further cement the state’s carnival on the world stage.

With significant prize-money increases also announced for country races, it brings the total uplift of prize-money and bonuses offered across the state this spring to more than A$18m (£10m/€11.1m).

Racing Victoria says the enhancements will see Victoria remain a destination for the world’s best horses, trainers and jockeys.

A focus will also remain on three-year-olds and stayers, while showcasing elite weight-for-age racing headlined by the Cox Plate.

"Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival is an internationally renowned racing event and we are committed to again showcasing the best horses, jockeys and trainers from Australia and abroad across the Carnival's most prestigious and coveted races," said Racing Victoria CEO Giles Thompson.

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