Seppelt, a pioneer of sparkling wine production in Australia, has been a strong supporter of the thoroughbred industry for more than 150 years. Its title sponsorship of The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile expands the brand’s racing portfolio in Victoria.
The rich history between the VRC and Seppelt Wines dates back to 1978 when Flemington first hosted the Seppelt-sponsored Great Western Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day.
More recently, Seppelt has been associated with races such as the Turnbull Stakes and the Newmarket Handicap. Seppelt Wines was also the naming rights sponsor of Stakes Day from 2017 to 2020.
The announcement comes days out from the opening of voting for The 2022 Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile at Flemington on Saturday 19 March, with fans across Australia and New Zealand invited to cast their votes for the $5 million event from next Monday 24 January.
This year 78 gallopers have been nominated, including reigning Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant and last year’s Mackinnon Stakes winner Zaaki.
Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said it was a natural fit for Seppelt Wines to become the naming rights sponsor.
“Seppelt Wines has a long association with the Victoria Racing Club and we are thrilled to welcome them as naming rights partner for The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile,” Mr Rosich said.
“The VRC is looking forward to hosting the world’s richest mile race at Flemington on Saturday 19 March and will share more details on what will be an unmissable day at Headquarters soon.”
Seppelt Marketing Director Ben Culligan said they were delighted to strengthen their partnership with the VRC.
“Since first supporting the Great Western Races adjacent to the Seppelt winery in the Grampians in 1867, Seppelt has enjoyed a strong connection with thoroughbred racing in Australia and we are delighted to become the inaugural naming rights partner for The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile.
“Just like our portfolio of premium Victorian wines, this innovative and unique sporting event aims to unearth greatness and we look forward to another exceptional running of the race at Flemington in a few months’ time.”
Racing Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer Giles Thompson said Racing Victoria is thrilled to welcome Seppelt Wines on board as the naming rights sponsor of The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile.
"A prestigious and historic brand such as Seppelt Wines is the perfect pairing with the world’s richest mile race. We have enjoyed strong support from the public over the first three years of The All-Star Mile, with more than 420,000 validated votes received, and I have no doubt that engagement will continue to grow in the future with Seppelt as our premium partner.”
The Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile will be held at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday 19 March. For more information visit www.allstarmile.com.au.
