New dates for Adelaide Autumn Carnival
Racing South Australia has announced a consolidated autumn carnival for 2024 that will see Group 1 racing in Adelaide conducted over three weekends in late April and early May.
From 2024, the Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) and Robert Sangster Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) will feature on the same day – April 27 – with prize–money for the Sangster increasing to $600,000.
The South Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) will be held on May 4, while The Goodwood (Gr 1, 1200m) (also increased to $600,000), will close the carnival on May 11.
Other changes include the Mackay Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) on April 27 to be renamed the John Hawkes Stakes to recognise the achievements of the Hall of Fame trainer, who started his career in Adelaide.
The RA Lee Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) on May 11 has been renamed The Cummings and the prize-money for the Group 3 has been upped to $220,000.
Racing SA CEO Vaughn Lynch told Racing.com the changes would ensure Adelaide receives national attention during the three-week period.
“The three-week format gives racing in South Australia Group 1 exclusivity during the Adelaide Racing Carnival and is designed to ensure that our state is the epicentre of racing in Australia for those three weeks,” Lynch said.
“The change is designed to give us clear air between the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival and the start of Brisbane’s Group 1 Winter carnival. Ultimately this gives us the best chance of attracting the best quality field, and in turn to boost turnover.
“We are well aware that the first day of the Adelaide Racing Carnival falls on the same weekend as LIV Golf Adelaide, but after deep consideration getting the racing schedule right was our priority.
“Anzac Day falls on the Thursday before our carnival which has the potential to make the last weekend of April a super long weekend.
“Adelaide will be buzzing, and the chance to come along and enjoy two Group 1 races at Morphettville on the Saturday gives everyone another reason to visit South Australia that weekend.”