The Galaxy is a Gr 1 Australian open handicap thoroughbred
horse race held in April each year over a distance of 1100m at
Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, New South Wales. At its current
distance, The Galaxy is considered a sprint and thus attracts quick
runners.? In 2009, the purse of the race was AUD$350,000.
Although an exciting race, it is often dwarfed by the more popular
AJC Australian Derby (Gr 1), which is run on the same day at
Randwick. Inaugurated in 1972, over the years The Galaxy has yielded
its fair share of deserving winners, including Bletchingly in 1975,
Schillaci in 1992, and more recently Typhoon Ted in 2008.
Bletchingly, by Biscay out of Coogee, peaked as a four-year-old that
year, showcasing his undeniable talent as a sprinter when he romped
home victorious in The Galaxy. While he won few races after that, he
went on to become one of Australia's most successful sires,
reportedly siring 61 individual Group winners.
The winner of the 1992 Galaxy, Schillaci, also went on to bigger and
better things. Trained by trainer Len Freedman, Schillaci chalked up
many victories including the VRC Lightning Stakes (Gr 1) and the
VATC Futurity Stakes (Gr 1) in 1993. During his career, he won 16
races from 36 starts and earned over $2,3 million.
Many Australian trainers keen to enter their quickest charges in The
Galaxy, make use of the 1000m Challenge Stakes (Gr 2) and the 1100m
Star Kingdom Stakes (Gr 2) as suitable prep races. |
