The Victoria Racing Club says will look at all options to save the Victoria Derby’s Group 1 status as debate continues about what changes – if any – should be made to the historic race.
The VRC’s chief racing officer, Leigh Jordon, told Betsy “nothing is off the table” whether the club was open to exploring changes to ensure the race, first run in 1855, retains its elite status in the sport.
Debate – as seems to happen in every recent spring carnival – has again been ignited over whether the Derby’s distance should be shortened in a bid to attract a better field.
The race is currently on a warning list from the Asian Pattern Committee after the race rated below the benchmark for four consecutive years.
Speculation throughout the industry is that there is a push to not only reduce its distance but drastically increase its prize money to as much as $6 million. An additional million dollars was added to this year’s race, with a prize pool now worth $3 million.
Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse is the most public advocate for keeping the Derby under its current conditions and distance, saying it provides a unique opportunity for stayers in Australia.
She also points to the race’s long history.
Jordon said the VRC’s main aim is to ensure the historic race retains its Group 1 status.
“I think our aim is to keep it as a Group One. We can’t have the Derby as a Group Two. So whatever we need to do to keep it a Group One, we’ll do,” he said on Tuesday.
“So we need to work with the trainers and the owners and make sure we keep it at that level. That’s our aim.”
Jordon wouldn’t be drawn on whether the club supports any distance change or prize money investment, but said all options would be considered after the Cup Carnival.
“I think nothing’s off the table. As I said before, we’re going to have to keep it Group One status. We can’t come to the Derby Day and have Derby being Group Two,” he said.
“So that’s our main thing. So obviously we’ll run the race this year, we’ll sit down and review it, but we’re on the warning list from the Asian Patent Committee, so we haven’t hit the benchmark for four years in a row. So we really have to consider what we have to do.”
Asked whether the 2026 Derby would meet the benchmark, Jordon said it was too early to tell.
“It’s a bit uncertain. I know Tony and Calvin McEvoy are looking at putting their filly in as well,” he said.
“We just have to wait and see where it’s run, what the margins and performances are and talk to the handicapper afterwards.”
Jordon pointed out, however, that when it comes to those outside the racing community, the Derby on Saturday will reign supreme, despite other star-studded races like the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
“I think everyone still knows the Derby Day, black and white, that’s the traditional day, and our sales for Derby Day are really going well,” he said.
“So I know probably the purists think Coolmore is the headline act, but I think your rank and file racing supporters still love the Derby.”
