VRC confident of star-studded All-Star Mile

The All-Star Mile is set for a bumper edition, according to the Victoria Racing Club, with a number of established Group 1 stars eyeing off the $2 million race.

The All-Star Mile has long been criticised for its previous prize money levels, poor marketing, small fields and entry complexities that saw horses voted into the race who had no intention of starting.

But according to its supporters, it is now set for a new lease on life with entry changes and a permanent home at Flemington.

The race made the Longines Top 100 races in the world last week and has continually rated at Group 1 level since its inception.

“I think the All-Star Mile has suffered not because of the race itself; it’s probably been the structure around it about how to get into the race,” the VRC’s executive general manager of racing Leigh Jordon told Betsy.

“The race itself is Group One rated and it’s proven that it’s in the top one hundred races in the world.”

Jordon said early indications is that the race will feature a number of Group 1 stars set to target the All-Star Mile as either their ‘grand final’ or as a key step towards an Australian Cup or key Sydney autumn races.

“I did speak to Jack Turnbull  [from the Ciaron Maher stable] on the weekend and Pride of Jenni’s aiming there,” he said.

“And I think Buckaroo will actually go there as well”

“I believe Matt Laurie mentioned Treasurethe Moment may look there and then the Hayes boys are looking at War Machine, that’s his aim as well.”

“I don’t know what Ceolwulf, I think he may aim for the Australia Cup or a Sydney race, he might run in the All-Star Mile on the way through.”

“And I think Pericles and Tom Kitten might be a chance as well, so it’s developing nicely”

A part of the changes announced for 2026 is a series of wildcards that the VRC and RV can hand promising runners outside Victoria.

Jordon said that they will also look outside Australia to attract the best possible runners.

“There is some good Group One racing coming up over the next couple of weeks in New Zealand,” he said.

“There is a horse I’ve heard that’s back in work aiming for a Group One called Savaglee that ran second in the Australian Guineas last year to Feroce. He might be a horse that we might obviously get on the list.”

Jordon said the inclusion of the All-Star Mile in the Longines top 100 races last week is proof the race is not only here to stay, but deserves its place amongst the best Australian races.

“It’s quite timely those ratings come out. The race stands on its own, stands on its own as a Group One race,” he said.

“There was calls … to get rid of the All Star Mile. Why? It’s a Group One mile race in the top one hundred in the world and it’s a race we can grow and people can target. I think it’s here to stay and I think it can only grow.”

“It’s a club aim to get that meeting back up to twenty or thirty thousand crowd, which is where it should be.”