2010 Black Opal Stakes Day in Canberra

The Listed $250,000 Black Opal Stakes is the most prestigious two-year-old race in the Australian Capital Territory and in 2010 it will be run at Thoroughbred Park Racecourse on Sunday 7 March.

Eight Race Program for 2010 Black Opal Stakes Day

A total of 181 nominations have been received for the 8 races on Black Opal Stakes Day. Supporting races for the Kamberra Wine Company Black Opal Stakes include the $100,000 The Tradies National Sprint and the $100,000 Affinity Construction Management Canberra Guineas both over 1400 metres.

Nominations for 2010 Black Opal Stakes

There are 23 nominations for the Kamberra Wine Company Black Opal Stakes over 1200 metres, while the field limit is 14 plus 4 emergencies. Several Sydney horses have been nominated from the stables of Peter Snowden, Clarry Conners, Tim Martin Gerald Ryan, Rick Worthington, John Thompson and Gary Portelli. Local horses are also in contention.

The Black Opal was first run in 1973 and has been won by a mix of Sydney and local horses. In 1999 the winner Catbird was trained locally by Frank Cleary and went on to also win the Golden Slipper.

Footballer Players to Race on Black Opal Stakes Day

There will be a 100 metre sprint race on foot for Canberra footballers from the Raiders, the Brumbies and Canberra’s AFL Premiership team the Belconnen Magpies. It will be run at 3pm and called by the racecaller.