It is hoped that Winx will compete in the inaugural All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 16.GETTY IMAGES
Melbourne will host "one of the richest horse races in the world next year, cementing its status" as the center of racing in Australia, according to Scott Gullan of the HERALD SUN. The new A$5M ($3.65M) All-Star Mile will sit alongside the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate as "jewels in Victoria's racing crown." Racing fans will get "the opportunity to decide who contests the race" through a public ballot. The inaugural All-Star Mile will debut at Flemington on March 16, "with super mare Winx at the top of the wish list." Racing Victoria has been "desperate to hit back" at its Sydney counterpart after it launched the Everest concept, with world-record prize money, to "much fanfare" two years ago. A fan vote will determine 10 of the 14 runners in the weight-for-age event, with RV retaining four wild cards to complete the field. The fans will also get "a slice of the winnings," with each horse in the field having a voter attached, "who then becomes a nominal owner for the day." If their All-Star is successful, the lucky punter "could snare" A$250,000 ($182,700) (HERALD SUN, 11/18).
