The Asian Racing Federation has announced its final decisions regarding the black type status of races run in Australia for the 2026-27 racing season.
In Western Australia, the WATC Derby (2400m) has been downgraded to a Group 3. It was a Group 1 until Peters Investments filly Dreamaway (More Than Ready) won the classic in 2011. Sentimental Legend (Brutal) won the 15th edition as a Group 2 earlier this year prior to its latest demotion.
Interstate events to drop a grade include the Adelaide Cup (3200m) and Brisbane Cup (3200m) down from Group 2 to Group 3. The Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) was also considered for downgrade but will remain at its current status in 2026-27.
Sentimental Legend wins the 2026 WATC Derby Photo / Western Racepix
Western Australian events to have been granted black type include the G2 Quokka (1200m), LR The Joey (1200m), LR Marjorie Charleson Classic (1200m) and LR Rock Magic Stakes (1000m).
Sydney raider Overpass (Vancouver) won the first two editions of The Quokka (1200m) in 2023 and 2024 when it was worth $4 million and $5 million respectively without any black-type. He was followed by local star Jokers Grin (Maschino) in 2025 and Victorian speed-machine Jigsaw (Manhattan Rain) this year.
The Joey (1200m) was also initiated in 2023 when Baby Paris (Playing God) banked the winner’s share of the $200,000 purse. Cessation (Sessions) won it this year for part-owner and trainer Tiarnna Noske.
The Asian Pattern Committee took control of Australia’s Group and Listed races in December 2025 after it decided the governing bodies had failed to effectively oversee the process since 2017-18. The Black Type Advisory Group was then created by Racing Australia in March 2026 to advise on any upgrades, downgrades, or new black-type additions.
