Victoria Racing chair in stinging criticism of A$7.5 million Golden Eagle

A stinging criticism of rival body Racing New South Wales over the creation of a series of contests – headlined by the A$7.5 million Golden Eagle – which will clash with key meetings during the Melbourne spring carnival has been launched by Victoria Racing Club chair Amanda Elliott.

The day after it was announced the Golden Eagle would be run on Victoria Derby Day in 2019, Elliott accused RNSW of acting in "an isolated parochial way", adding its conduct suggests it has no interest in "the bigger picture".

Underlining the importance of the spring carnival, of which the Melbourne Cup is the centrepiece, to Australian racing's reputation and economy, Elliott said: "The most important and celebrated week in Australian racing is the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington. By any measure it's regarded this way both nationally and internationally.

"The VRC has always taken its responsibility for Cup week very seriously, in part because of the benefits it brings to the national racing landscape.

"It not only sits comfortably among the top two or three racing events in the world, importantly it drives investment into our thoroughbred racing industry for all participants, whether they be owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, punters, or small country race clubs.

Racing New South Wales unveils new race $7.5m in bid to rival Melbourne carnival

"Significantly, it's the single biggest economic contributor to the national economy of any sporting event."

She added: "What I find baffling is the seeming lack of understanding of the importance of this as evidenced by recent decisions of RNSW. The lack of understanding of the importance of racing patterns and the rhythm of the calendar for all participants.

"Nothing about the conduct of those north of the border suggests that they have any interest whatsoever in the bigger picture.

"Throwing money at 'initiatives' in an isolated parochial way, with no sense of respect nor apparent interest in any impact to these crucial foundations and drivers of our industry, seems foreign to us at the VRC."

The Golden Eagle, the third most valuable turf race in the world, will be run over seven and a half furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on November 2 next year.

The A$1m Bondi Stakes will be run on Cox Plate day on October 26, while the A$1m Golden Gift will be run on November 9 and clash with the final day of the Flemington carnival. Both races will take place at Randwick.

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