A capacity field in the Listed $160,000 Lord Mayor’s Cup begins a series of winter season staying features in Sydney as metropolitan racing returns to Rosehill on Saturday.
A bumper total of 166 entries have been received for the 10-race card including a full field of 18 horses and three emergencies in the 2000m feature.
Race 7 on the card – the Vale Ian Finn Handicap – has been named in honour of the popular Warwick Farm trainer who passed away this week after a more than 30-year career.
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering James Ross said: “The 79th running of the Lord Mayor’s Cup is a significant milestone and a strong renewal.
“The race is a time-honoured event and we welcome the support of the City of Parramatta as part of the Australian Turf Club’s Western Sydney strategy.”
“We look forward to the start of features across the staying and sprint series in Winter along with key blacktype events in the middle distance series covering the Winter Stakes and Winter Challenge final.”
“The ATC, training colleagues and all involved in Sydney racing also send condolences to Ian Finn’s family and recognise and commemorate his training career and great passion for racing.”
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said: “Rosehill Gardens racecourse is a great source of local employment, a great destination within our City and a place where our community comes together. I look forward to the running of the Lord Mayor’s Cup on Saturday.”
The Lord Mayor’s Cup will be followed over the winter season by the Listed $160,000 Winter Cup at Rosehill on June 3 (2400m), Listed $160,000 W J McKell Cup at Rosehill on June 17 and $150,000 Stayers Cup at Royal Randwick over 2600m on June 24.
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