Within Australia all of the premier thoroughbred races are categorised into Group status according to their prestige, prize money offered and level of competition they attract. The highest status a race can be awarded is Group 1 and following these are the Group 2 events. A race is approved as a Group race by the Australian Racing Board.
There are a plethora of Group 2 races held all throughout the year over the country’s best racecourses, usually held as part of one of the exciting racing carnivals the metropolitan race clubs host, such as the world renowned Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Many Group 2 events are as well known as their Group 1 counterparts drawing huge crowds, thousands of punters and elite fields of competing horses.
Group 2 races must offer at least $150,000 in prize money, although the majority offer far more lucrative stakes such as the $500,000 Makybe Diva Stakes held at Flemington in September and the $300 000 Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm in June.
There are over 80 Group 2 races run in Australia per season, and other well known Group 2 races include the $500 000 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley in September, the $300 000 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington in October and the $400 000 Sandown Classic at Sandown in November.
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