The Galaxy Handicap

The Galaxy Handicap

Held annually towards the end of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, The Galaxy Handicap 2016 is a high quality Group 1 event for sprinters.

The 2016 Galaxy Handicap was taken out by Sweet Idea ahead of Kuro and Miracles Of Life.The Galaxy Handicap

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Taking place at the prestigious Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, The Galaxy sees some of the best sprinters in the country line up over 1100 metres to compete for a share of $400,000 in prize money.

The Galaxy Handicap 2016 will be run on Rosehill Guineas Day, March 19.

Given its Group 1 status, The Galaxy attracts classy horses and the best trainers in the business often have entrants including Gai Waterhouse, John O’Shea and Peter Moody.

The Galaxy Handicap History

First run in 1972, The Galaxy was initially held over six furlongs (1200m) before changing to its current distance of 1100 metres the following year.

In 1980 The Galaxy the event was upgraded to a Group 2 event before gaining status as an elite level Group 1 sprint in 1984.

The most successful performer in The Galaxy is Grey Receiver who won the event back-to-back in 1981-82.

Recent winners of The Galaxy include Temple Of Boom (2012), Atomic Force (2011), Shellscrape (2010), Nicconi (2009), Typhoon Zed (2008) and Magnus (2007).

The Galaxy Handicap Controversy

The 2010 Galaxy was clouded with controversy after well-known sprinter Ortensia was eventually disqualified after crossing the line in front. Following a four month inquiry, Ortensia was stripped of the win for failing a drug test leaving The Galaxy title to be awarded to Shellscrape.

The Galaxy Handicap Field

The Galaxy field is generally not as strong as that which contests the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes later in the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, but always features a number of leading sprinters. Because it is run under handicap conditions, The Galaxy gives sprinters who are not quiet good enough to compete at weight-for-age level the opportunity to score a win at the highest level of racing. The Galaxy field generally features between 12 and 15 runners and is always a competitive betting event.

The Galaxy Handicap Betting

The Galaxy Handicap is generally a tough race for punters and no favourite has won the race since Spark Of Life claimed victory in the 2004 edition of the race. There have been plenty of blowouts in past editions of The Galaxy; with Manuan (1985), Magic Of Money (1995), Masked Party (1999), Padstow (2001), Proprietor (2006) and Shellscrape (2010) all winning the race at lucrative odds.

The Galaxy Winners