ROYAL RANDWICK will host a full eight-race programme on Friday, 26 December, with racing set to commence at 1.35 PM and run through to 6.00 PM. The Royal Randwick Race Cards 26 December outline a competitive schedule featuring events for three-year-olds and upwards, ranging from 1000 metres sprints to middle-distance contests, with prize money ranging from $65,000 to $250,000.
Race 1, the Drinkwise Plate at 1.35 PM, will cover 1600 metres for three-year-olds and older, carrying a prize purse of $100,000. Expected runners include Cathedral Cove, Man of Worth, Pour Benn, Barcelo, Konsa, and Menthon. The opening race will test stamina and positioning over a mile and promises a closely matched field.
The Jacquinot First Yearlings 2026 @ Widden Plate at 2.10 PM will follow over 1200 metres for three-year-olds, with prize money of $65,000. Key runners are Agraffe Rocket, Calypso Rocket, Capone, Embrace the Wind, Makhachev, and Portofino. Speed and early positioning are expected to be decisive in this sprint event.
At 2.45 PM, the TAB Handicap covers 1400 metres for three-year-olds with a $65,000 purse. Castagnola, Curado, Green Spring, Rolling Surf, Tacitly, and Cellarmaster are entered. This race will provide a test of both acceleration and tactical positioning.
Race 4, the Buy an Arrowfield Graduate Handicap at 3.20 PM, is a 1000-metre sprint for three- and four-year-olds with $65,000 on offer. The field includes Straand Beauty, Stormland, Apollo Ridge, Beside the Ocean, Da Snoop Dog, and Royal Air Force. A fast early pace is expected to shape the outcome.
The Star Turn @ Vinery Stud Handicap at 4.00 PM, also over 1000 metres for four-year-olds and upwards, carries $65,000 in prize money. Silentsar, Power of the Brave, Unique Ambition, Extravagant Lad, Action King, and Who But Roo will compete. Sprinting ability will be paramount in this open-age contest.
The 2026 Inglis Yearling Sale Series Handicap at 4.40 PM stretches 1300 metres for three-year-olds and older with a $65,000 purse. Entries include Super Bright, Aroha Stone, Motoscafo, Hurry Miss, Miss Busslinger, and Mother Goose. Speed combined with positional judgment will likely decide the finishing order.
Race 7, the Yulong Summer Cup at 5.20 PM, is a feature event over 2000 metres for three-year-olds and older, with a substantial $250,000 purse. Estadio Mestalla, Victoria Road, Major Beel, Unspoken, Tavi Time, and Touristic will compete over a middle-distance trip, testing endurance and tactical execution.
The day concludes with the Brave Smash @ Yarraman Park Handicap at 6.00 PM over 1300 metres for three-year-olds and upwards, carrying $65,000. Runners include Little Beginnings, True To Form, Engine Room, Silvanito, Last Command, and Dashing Rupert. A sharp sprint finish is anticipated as competitors vie for late honours.
Overall, the Royal Randwick Race Cards 26 December present a diverse programme combining sprints and middle-distance contests across all age categories. Key races such as the Yulong Summer Cup and Drinkwise Plate will attract considerable attention, providing a full day of competitive action.
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