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Newbury Racecourse has unveiled a lucrative £50,000 bonus aimed at rewarding juvenile talent, with the incentive on offer to any two-year-old that wins at the track during the season before going on to land the Group Two Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes on September 20.
The bonus will see £40,000 go to the winning owner, with a further £10,000 directed towards stable staff, reinforcing Newbury’s commitment to those working tirelessly behind the scenes. In addition, both the Mill Reef and the Group Two Hungerford Stakes will receive a £25,000 prize-money boost, taking their total purses to £125,000 and £150,000, respectively.
Array battles it out under @oismurphy to win the historic £90,000 Group 2 @DDFRacing Mill Reef Stakes @NewburyRacing for @AndrewBalding2 and @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/0zY7eFdOcq https://t.co/dLx2dKuYok via @RacingBetter
— RacingBetter (@RacingBetter) September 24, 2023
Andrew Balding, who saddled 2023 Mill Reef winner Array and whose father Ian trained the great Mill Reef himself, welcomed the initiative: “It’s really positive news to see additional prize-money on offer for Newbury’s Group Two races this season.
“The new Mill Reef bonus will definitely be a factor in decision-making for owners with a promising two-year-old, and it’s fantastic to see stable staff also benefit. Our family owes a great deal to Mill Reef, so it’s fitting to see the race named in his honour receive this level of support.”
Richard Hannon, a frequent visitor to Newbury’s winner’s enclosure, was equally enthusiastic about the Hungerford Stakes boost: “The Hungerford has always been one of my go-to races—we always have plenty of milers, and some are better suited to seven furlongs. It falls at a great time of year, and the increased prize-money is a big plus.
“Newbury is clearly doing everything it can to prevent races being downgraded by boosting prize-money, and that’s what you want. It will attract better horses, and that’s good for everyone.”
Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2)
£125,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 6f 8y, Class 1
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