Canterbury Park will commence the 2026 Australian racing calendar with an eight-race twilight meeting on Thursday, 1 January. The Canterbury Park Race Cards 1 January feature a mix of juvenile contests, sprints, and middle-distance handicaps, showcasing both emerging talent and seasoned competitors at the Australia Turf Club. Racing will begin at 2:40 PM with the Jacquinot First Yearlings @ Widden Plate and conclude at 7:00 PM with the TAB Handicap.
The opening race, the Jacquinot First Yearlings 2026 @ Widden Plate, will cover 1200 metres with a prize of $65,000. Runners include Tendi, Zoysia, Copycat, Frosty Bangers, Master Zous, and Portofino, providing a first test for promising two-year-olds aiming to establish early form in the new season.
The Ranvet Plate at 3:20 PM over 1900 metres carries $100,000 in prize money and will feature Galway Flyer, My Cartouche, Barcelo, Menthon, Precise Star, and Salt Spray. This middle-distance contest is expected to test stamina and finishing speed across a competitive field.
At 4:00 PM, the Hyland Race Colours Plate will run over 1200 metres with a $65,000 purse. The line-up of Artgirl, Capdiva, Firepop, Kitesurfing, and Magic Flames sets up a competitive sprint for three-year-olds and older horses.
The Asahi Super Dry Handicap follows at 4:40 PM, covering 1100 metres with a prize of $65,000. Entries include Exit Fee, O’Invincible, Divo, Happy Bellie, Vanessi, and Manwari, offering a fast-paced contest for sprinters.
The Agency Real Estate Handicap at 5:20 PM will test horses over 1550 metres for a $65,000 prize. Justice Warrior, Botanist, Hereward, Golden Loom, Cantarito, and Valiant Bomb are scheduled to run, providing a mid-card highlight.
At 6:00 PM, the First Hitotsu Yearlings Handicap will stage a 1250-metre event worth $65,000. Hellfire Express, Sydney Bowler, Fine Vintage, Zulfiqar, Cassiel, and Oakfield Duke are set to compete, giving younger horses an opportunity to display early-season form.
The Kia Canterbury Sprint at 6:30 PM will cover 1200 metres with a $200,000 prize. Entrants The Instructor, Insurrection, Terra Mater, King of Roseau, Barber, and Disneck are expected to produce a high-quality finish to the evening’s sprint division.
The meeting concludes with the TAB Handicap at 7:00 PM over 1900 metres, offering $65,000. All Hunky Dory, Forbidden Riff, Liberty Park, Diamond Show, Kingdom of Logres, and Malbork Castle will close out the card, providing a final test of stamina and form.
The Canterbury Park Race Cards 1 January combine juvenile debuts, sprint handicaps, and middle-distance contests, marking a structured and competitive start to the 2026 racing season.
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