WINTER RACE SERIES
CRESWICK SPRINT SERIES Designed for three-year-old sprinters, the Creswick Sprint Series features heats over 1000m to 1200m at Flemington, Caulfield and Mornington. The series honours Sir Alexander (Alec) Reid Creswick (1912–83), a long-serving VRC Committee member (1959–83) and Chairman from 1969 to 1977. His family’s association with the Club dates back to 1864, when his great-great-grandfather Henry Creswick was a foundation committee member. Sir Alec was a passionate horseman. Master of the Melbourne Hunt Club, a leading polo player, and head of the Equestrian Federation of Australia, who strongly
supported Australia’s Olympic equestrian efforts. He also bred and raced top- class horses, including champion filly True Course. The series culminates in the $175,000 Listed A.R. Creswick Stakes (1200m) on Flemington Finals Race Day. SANTA ANA LANE SPRINT SERIES
Named in honour of five-time Group 1- winning sprinter, Santa Ana Lane, this open-age sprint series celebrates one of Australia’s most accomplished modern sprinters.
Trained by Anthony Freedman, Santa Ana Lane earned more than $8 million in prizemoney, with elite victories across four states, including the VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington. Santa Ana Lane now enjoys retirement at Living Legends in Oaklands Junction. The series attracts high-quality winter sprinters, with heats conducted up Flemington’s famous straight as well as at Caulfield, Sandown, Warrnambool and Swan Hill. It concludes with the $175,000 Listed Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series Final. TAJ ROSSI SERIES
Aimed at later-developing two-year-olds suited to the mile, the Taj Rossi Series is named after the outstanding Bart Cummings-trained colt. Purchased for $18,000 at the 1972 Adelaide Yearling Sales, Taj Rossi quickly rose to prominence, producing a remarkable three-year-old campaign. After showing promies with early wins in Adelaide and Melbourne, he went on a
stunning run, winning six of seven starts, including the Ascot Vale Stakes, Moonee Valley Stakes, Cox Plate, Victoria Derby, George Adams Handicap and Sandown Guineas. His performances earned him the 1973–74 Australian Racehorse of the Year title. Later retired to stud, Taj Rossi sired VRC Oaks winner Taj Eclipse. The series final is run over 1600 metres on Flemington Finals Race Day.
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