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Queensland’s most prestigious sprint features have been recognised in the 2023 Longines World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races rankings.
Late last week, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities unveiled the EVA Air Kingsford Smith Cup (equal 55th), the Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 and The Star Stradbroke Handicap (both equal 63rd) as part of the annual list.
It marks the second time that three Queensland races have featured in the Top 100 rankings, and first since 2018.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said the latest rankings once again highlighted the strength and form lines that emerge out of one of the nation's premier carnivals year in, year out.
"The 2023 Queensland Racing Carnival was re-shaped to present a trilogy of million-dollar sprint races as the centrepiece of the program, and it is gratifying to see those same races now recognised on the international stage," Mr Scott said.
"The Carnival is the breeding ground of future champions, which has once again come to the fore with both Think About It and Giga Kick sharing the spoils in the trio of feature sprints.
"These rankings underline the strength of Sunshine State racing at present, and we are proud to see that reflected on the international stage with three Group 1s making the list for only the second time."
Brisbane Racing Club CEO Tony Partridge said having three Star Stradbroke Season Group 1s recognised is testament to how the quality and prestige of Brisbane racing has been elevated in recent years.
"The recognition for The Star Stradbroke, being included in the list for the first time, follows the support received from Racing Queensland to increase prize money to $3 million," Mr Partridge said.
Now The Star Stradbroke is not only a handicap race all Queensland trainers can aspire to win, it is acknowledged as one of the best races in the world.
"The rising prestige of our top races helps generate more interest in racing in Queensland. Everyone involved in in the industry should be pleased with this result."
Elsewhere, the Longines World's Best Racehorse rankings further highlighted the Queensland Racing Carnival's quality, with both Think About It and Giga Kick featuring prominently.
Reigning Stradbroke Handicap and Kingsford Smith Cup champion Think About It finished equal 19th while the Doomben 10,000 winner in Giga Kick came in at equal 37th.
Without A Fight, who took out both the Group 2 Sky Racing Q22 and the Group 3 Sky Racing Lord Mayor's Cup in the Carnival, was also ranked equal 24th.
Following his time in Queensland, the Irish-bred superstar went on to be the first horse since Ethereal in 2001 to claim the Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup double.
Finally, Hong Kong's superstar middle-distance galloper Golden Sixty, a winner of 26 races from 30 starts, finished equal sixth in the rankings, the highest of any Australian-bred thoroughbred.
The 10-time Group 1 champion, who is now the highest-earning racehorse in history, was bred in Queensland and sold through the Element Hill draft at the 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $120,000.
