Racing Victoria launches $925,000 Up & Coming Stars Series
The inaugural Sportsbet Up & Coming Stars Series, featuring the four richest maiden races in Victoria this season, will kick off this autumn and conclude with a $300,000 grand finale at Caulfield in April.
The series carries total prize money of $925,000, including a $25,000 Sportsbet Jockey Contest, and will begin with a $100,000 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m) at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday, March 4.
Six additional heats will be staged at Sportsbet-sponsored tracks across Victoria before the first winner of the Up & Coming Stars Final is crowned at Caulfield on Saturday, April 11.
“The inaugural Sportsbet Up & Coming Stars Series offers yet another opportunity for maiden horses to turbocharge their racing careers by landing a significant windfall for their connections,” Racing Victoria chief operating officer Vaughn Lynch said.
Riders competing in the series will also compete in the Sportsbet Jockey Contest, with $15,000 for the winner, $7500 for second place and $3500 for third, providing extra incentive.
“Sportsbet is proud to support the Sportsbet Up & Coming Stars Series, an initiative that strengthens our ongoing commitment and partnership with Racing Victoria,” Sportsbet chief commercial officer Nathan Arundell said.
