New Zealand take victory in Group 1 Australian Guineas at Flemington

The Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600) was won by New Zealand visitor Legarto, trained by husband and wife duo Ken and Bev Kelso. Ridden by New Zealand-born jockey Michael Dee, the filly defeated Attrition and Japanese Emperor.

Following the incident in the Australian Guineas, jockey Ethan Brown received immediate medical attention and was taken to hospital with suspected abdominal injuries and is in a stable condition. Our thoughts are with him and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Jockey Mark Zahra walked off the track and was cleared by the Racing Victoria doctor. He went on to fulfill his riding engagements for the day. Both horses involved in the incident, Maximillius and Holymanz,  returned to the care of their stables and have been assessed by the on-course vets, with some minor abrasions but no serious injuries.

The undercard featured the $300,000 Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) won by Grahame Begg’s consistent performer Nonconformist while the $750,000 Inglis Sprint (1200m) for three-year-olds saw Benedetta make it four wins from five starts.

Flemington Racing Spectacular ambassadors Ricky Ponting AO and his wife Rianna made the most of the family friendly activities on track at the Flemington Fareground, with the Pontings and their children joining the large number of racegoers enjoying the carnival atmosphere.

Popular within the Flemington Fareground was the Wild Action Zoo and Paw Patrol live stage for children, food by 400 Gradi and the Country Women’s Association among others, the Tasting Room by Penfolds and a unique activation from the VRC’s Australian Guineas Day charity partner the Child and Racehorse Movement (CARM).

CARM ambassador and Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne OAM was a special guest at the CARM Place with racegoers at Flemington raising approximately $8000 for CARM.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said Australian Guineas Day saw people flock to Flemington.

“The VRC was pleased to welcome 10,000 people to Flemington, the highest crowd on Australian Guineas Day since 2016 that witnessed quality racing and enjoyed the sunshine and all that Flemington has to offer,” Mr Rosich said.

“Our thoughts go out to jockey Ethan Brown following his fall in race 7 and we wish him a speedy recovery.

“We look forward to two more Group 1 race days in March at Flemington with Super Saturday on 11 March and TAB Australian Cup Day on 25 March.”

The Flemington Racing Spectacular continues throughout March with two more fantastic race days including Super Saturday on Saturday 11 March and TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 25 March.