A bumper crowd witnessed history today when Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott’s Autumn Ballet become the first debutant to win the Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (1200m).
The filly by first season Arrowfield sire The Autumn Sun was given a perfect steer by Tim Clark who has had a brilliant record in Canberra feature races in recent years. Clark will also pilot the TAB Canberra Cup favourite Sacramento on Monday, 13 March.
A massive crowd of 7,124 patrons, the biggest Black Opal Stakes crowd since the Canberra Racing Carnival's inception, enjoyed what was a terrific day of racing with local Trainers winning five of the nine contests.
Canberra Racing Club Chief Executive Darren Pearce said, "The atmosphere on-course today was befitting of the 50th Anniversary of Canberra's greatest race."
"To see so many people, many of them under 25, enjoying a day a great day of racing at Thoroughbred Park was incredibly pleasing."
"Our Club is focused on improving the customer experience at Thoroughbred Park at every opportunity and today I feel like we took a big step in the right direction."
"We go again tomorrow for a massive TAB Canberra Cup Race Day and I'm excited to welcome Hartley Hall Markets to Thoroughbred Park."
TAB Canberra Cup Race Day is highlighted by the Listed TAB Canberra Cup (2000m) and Listed Canberra Guineas (1400m).
A community focused race day, the meeting will feature markets, carnival rides, pony rides and premium local food vans to partner the high-quality racing.
Entry is free for under 18s and just $10 for adults with gates open from 11:30am.
