Racing Queensland credits joint work behind black-type gains

Racing Queensland has credited years of joint work with clubs and industry partners with the state’s gains in Australia’s latest black-type review.

Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said the 2026/27 decisions recognised the racing operations team’s collaboration with Magic Millions, Brisbane Racing Club and Gold Coast Turf Club in building high-rating feature fields over several years.

“These announcements validate the hard work done by our racing operations team, in collaboration with our clubs and partners such as Magic Millions, the Brisbane Racing Club and Gold Coast Turf Club, in delivering high-rating fields in feature races over a number of years,” Murray said.

The Fred Best Classic will rise from Group 3 to Group 2, while the Gold Coast Bracelet moves from Listed grade to Group 3. The Juanmo Stakes has also been upgraded to Group 3.

Four Magic Millions races have gained black type. The Buffering becomes a Group 3, while the Pierata Plate, TAB Magic Millions Sunlight 3YO Plate and National Classic receive Listed status.

However, the Brisbane Cup has been reduced from Group 2 to Group 3. The Queensland Derby kept its Group 1 status after being reviewed.

The Queensland changes formed part of a national review covering 35 races run between January and July. The Asian Pattern Committee considered Racing Australia’s application on September 3. Racing Australia accepted the provisional decisions on September 17 before the Asian Racing Federation Executive Council approved them.

Murray said the coming Queensland Summer Carnival would combine the new black-type opportunities with more than $28 million in prize money.