What began as a bold new initiative in August 2024 has reached a significant milestone, with the Inglis Xtra Bonus Series surpassing $4.5 million in total bonuses paid following Sunday’s racing at Moe. The landmark was achieved when the three-year-old colt Firerated delivered success for his connections in a strongly contested Maiden.
Trained by Alex Rae, Firerated, a son of Extreme Choice, secured victory to ensure that $4.5 million has now been won by eligible connections through the Inglis Xtra Bonus Series. The result underlined the growing impact of the series, which continues to reward owners and trainers across Australian racing.
The colt was purchased for $275,000 at the Inglis Classic sale by Matt Vella Bloodstock, having been offered by Kingstar Farm. In the Maiden at Moe, Firerated proved too strong for Inglis Easter graduate In’kantosstar, with the depth of the field reflecting the incentive on offer.
The Inglis Race Series continues to deliver substantial returns throughout the season, with 50 bonuses of $100,000 available to be won. The initiative rewards eligible Inglis graduates who are paid up for the series and successful in designated races, ensuring increased prizemoney opportunities for participants.
Since its inception, the Xtra Bonus races have been won by horses owned by more than 401 individual owners. The breadth of success has been a defining feature of the series, with bonuses claimed by a wide cross-section of the industry.
Inglis Xtra Bonus Series Continues to Reward Broad Participation
Sunday’s result at Moe added to a season that has seen strong engagement across all levels. In total, more than 2,500 owners have been represented with eligible runners, while over 100 individual trainers have had horses compete in Xtra Bonus races. More than 240 eligible horses have taken their chance for the lucrative bonuses on offer.
Part-owner Paul Lofitis, whose colours Firerated carries, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.“Alex has a good opinion of the colt and we targeted this race because of the bonus,” Lofitis said.
“Evidently a few others had the same plan as it ended up a very strong race in terms of the quality of horse represented and the stables with runners.
“The $100,000 bonus was a huge incentive and my partners and I are delighted to win it.
“I have had an excellent relationship with Inglis for a long time and results like this are very satisfying.”
Inglis chief executive Sebastian Hutch said the milestone reflected the company’s commitment to reinvesting in its participants.
“Surpassing $4.5 million in Inglis Xtra Bonus wins is a significant milestone for the Inglis Race Series,” Hutch said.
“The objective was to see more owners and trainers winning more Inglis prizemoney, more often and the results speak for themselves.
“We consistently get good feedback on the series and the response by the market to it since its inception has been overwhelmingly positive.”
With an Xtra Bonus race held almost weekly throughout the year, Hutch expects the initiative to continue generating significant returns for clients across Australian racing.
To be eligible, a horse must be an Inglis graduate from 2024 or beyond, aged three years or older, paid up for the Inglis Race Series, and victorious in a designated eligible race.
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