In a sensational race-week twist, the Golden Eagle will have an extra two runners after the field size was increased in a move that could have ramifications for whether Frankie Dettori’s mount will qualify for the race.
Connections were notified on Monday that Saturday’s $10 million race will be expanded from 18 to 20 runners.
That could open the door for Dettori, the world’s most popular jockey, who has been booked to ride import Welwal, which had been straddling a fine line, alongside a number of other borderline Golden Eagle hopefuls, to be included in the original field of 18 runners.
The last two editions of the Golden Eagle – won by Colette and I’m Thunderstruck – have been run with fields of 18 with the rail in the true position, which will be the same placement for the meeting at Rosehill.
Safety protocols determine a field of 20 can be run from the 1500-metre start with the rail true, and officials took advantage with a dramatic decision five days out from the race.
The Racing NSW prizemoney breakdown was still only listed to 18th on their website on Monday night.
Frankie Dettori is hoping to ride in the Golden Eagle.Credit:Getty
Racing NSW declined to comment on the change in field size, but it’s understood the decision to grant an extra two runners was only made on Monday morning.
The news will be greeted with relief from two sets of connections with the scramble to be included in the Golden Eagle intensifying this year after the stakes were lifted to $10 million, surpassing the Melbourne Cup as the second most lucrative race in Australia behind The Everest.
The winner’s connections will pocket $5.25m, while $1m will be donated to various charities according to the finishing positions of runners.
The race is poised to have its biggest coup yet with Dettori expected to learn on Tuesday whether his visa to travel to Australia will be approved with his star power potentially being added to the mega money race.
I’m Thunderstruck (right) wins last year’s Golden Eagle.Credit:Getty
Dettori has been in a race against time to have his paperwork approved for a lightning visit to Sydney to ride Chris Waller’s Welwal, a French group 3-winning stallion.
Australian Turf Club officials have helped Dettori lodge a short-stay visa with the Australian consulate in London, which is aware of the urgency of the application.
Such is the fine line connections are treading, Dettori might not even know if he’s allowed to fly when the final field and barrier draw is conducted on Tuesday.
He will join British-based Jamie Spencer as overseas riders in the Golden Eagle. Spencer has been booked to ride favourite Light Infantry.
“To have a rider of Frankie Dettori’s quality in Sydney is a fantastic boost for the race and with both Frankie Dettori and Jamie Spencer here, it’s showing the prominence the race is growing to in a very short space of time,” Australian Turf Club’s general manager of racing James Ross said.
The connections of Military Expert and Lady Of Honour have indicated their four-year-olds will take their positions in the Golden Eagle, which will be run in conjunction with Flemington’s Derby Day program.
The $3 million Nature Strip Stakes will be run as the main support act with the $6 million Sydney sprint series bonus to be distributed after the race.
The Everest flop Eduardo will pocket the $2.5m if he can avenge his poor last-start effort and win the race named in honour of his great rival.
“He seems great,” trainer Joe Pride said. “I’m still scratching my head. It’s very unusual for him to put in a run like that and I’ve got to say it’s got me a little bit worried. I’ve checked everything and I can’t fault the horse.
“I want to run the horse and it’s his last run of the prep, it was always going to be regardless. It’s not beyond him to turn it around because he’s such a good horse and he does love Rosehill.”
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