Cylinder surges to victory in world's top sprint race

Trained for Godolphin by James Cummings, Cylinder joins an honour roll of some of the greatest sprint champions to win the world’s highest rated sprint race after beating star sprinters Imperatriz and The Astrologist in a thrilling finish.

Jamie Kah gave Cylinder a perfect ride to win the race and in doing so, became the first winner of the Dean Holland Trophy, a special trophy created in memory of the late Dean Holland who won last year's Yulong Newmarket Handicap aboard In Secret.

Other feature races included the $300,000 Group 2 TAB Kewney Stakes (1600m) won by Autumn Angel for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, ridden by Mark Zahra, while the $300,000 Group 2 MSS Security Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) was won by Traffic Warden trained by James Cummings and ridden by Jamie Kah, one of her three wins on the day.

More than $14,000 was raised for the Good Friday Appeal (GFA) on the second race day of the partnership with Victoria Racing Club (VRC) across Flemington Racing Spectacular, with the lucky winners from today’s raffle taking home a Melbourne Cup Carnival Hospitality Experience on TAB Champions Stakes Day valued at $5,260 and a Sofitel Girls’ Day Out Hospitality Experience valued at $2,650.

Three-time premiership player with the Hawthorn Football Club and keen racehorse owner Jack Gunston was on-course to witness all the action ahead of his AFL season start as well as daughter of late Australian cricket legend Shane Warne and friend of the VRC Brooke Warne.

The Flemington Fareground, continued to be a great place for a day of fun for all ages to enjoy. Based in the leafy elms area and free for all racegoers, the resort-style activation included carnival-themed rides, roller skating, face painting, lawn games and live music. The Fareground also proved to be a foodie paradise with endless options including complimentary wine-tasting experiences and delicious delights from Melbourne pizza royalty Johnny Di Francesco’s Gradi and from the likes of Twistto and Wunderbar.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said Super Saturday showcased exceptional racing and entertainment for all.

“It was really pleasing to see 8216 people attend Super Saturday despite the extreme heat and early start to the program to witness some of Australasia’s best thoroughbreds compete at Flemington in the world’s top sprint race, the Yulong Newmarket Handicap,” Mr Rosich said.

“It was particularly meaningful to have the late Dean Holland’s family here to watch Jamie Kah win the inaugural Dean Holland Trophy as the winning jockey in the feature Group 1 Yulong Newmarket Handicap.

“The VRC looks forward to the final Group 1 race day of Flemington Racing Spectacular with TAB Australian Cup Day featuring the first golden ticket race into the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup with the Lexus Roy Higgins. The day will also include plenty of free family activities for all ages to enjoy and celebrate Easter.”

The 2024 Flemington Racing Spectacular concludes with TAB Australian Cup Day on Saturday 30 March. The final day of the Flemington Racing Spectacular will feature a special Easter flavour with the Fareground playing home to an Easter Fare. Many family activities will be offered including a chocolate egg hunt, petting zoo, Easter themed arts and crafts and a special visit from the Easter Bunny.

For more information on the Flemington Racing Spectacular or to purchase tickets visit vrc.com.au.