Darley extends Princess Series partnership
Darley and the Australian Turf Club have extended their partnership for one of Australia’s most prestigious racing series for three-year-old fillies.
The Princess Series consists of four Group races at Royal Randwick in the spring, culminating with the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) on October 1.
Darley has also introduced an incentive for breeders, with the winning breeder of each leg of the series rewarded with a nomination to one of four Darley stallions – Ghaiyyath, Victor Ludorum, Earthlight and Palace Pier.
“A vibrant and prosperous breeding industry is vital to Australian racing and that’s why Darley has confirmed its commitment to Australia’s best race series for three-year-old fillies at Royal Randwick,” Darley said.
“The prestigious four-leg Darley Princess Series, which started in 1985, covers four pedigree-building Group races at the beginning of spring, specifically targeted by trainers and owners chasing Group glory.
“The additional incentive, Darley will reward the winning breeder of each leg of the series with a nomination to one of the world-class Darley stallions. Ultimately enticing breeders, owners and trainers to target the series.”
The 2022 Princess Series kicks off on August 20 with the running of the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m), followed by the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) on September 3 and the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) on September 17, with the Group 1 race a fortnight after that.
In 2021, four individual fillies won each leg of the series – Swift Witness, Jamaea, Four Moves Ahead and Never Been Kissed – and the 2022 series is shaping up to be competitive once again.
Currently topping the Flight Stakes market with Ladbrokes is Champagne Stakes-winning filly She’s Extreme ($4.50), just slightly ahead of Golden Slipper and ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Fireburn ($5).
Also in single figures for the race are Percy Sykes Stakes winner Paris Dior ($6), debut winner Koshu ($7), J.J. Atkins winner Sheeza Belter ($7) and the unbeaten In Secret ($9).