With the public choosing the horses that will line up in the forthcoming Seppelt Wines All Star Mile, the race is like no other in Australia. And with a prize pool of $5 million, it is officially the richest mile race in the world.
Taking a special interest in the race is Glencoe-based Barry Shepheard who is the head steward at the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club’s weekly Thursday and Sunday meetings at Tara Raceway.
Shepheard, along with another local in Phil Booth, is a part-owner in the four-year-old mare Flying Mascot who is trained at Warrnambool by Tom Dabernig. Last October she was successful at The Valley in the Group 3 Tesio Stakes (1600 metres).
Shepheard said when nominations closed for the All Star Mile earlier this month there were more than 70 horses in the mix – Flying Mascot being one of them.
“The top 15 rankings are updated regularly on-line as the votes continue to be posted. Currently, Flying Mascot is in the top 10 but that can change very quickly.
“If Flying Mascot does make the final 10 through the public vote, Flying Start Syndications will draw a random entry to determine a lucky owner for the All Star Mile day.
“The winner of the draw will receive a 2.5% owner’s share in the horse for the All Star Mile. This will include their share of the prizemoney won.”
Shepheard said the concept presented an ideal opportunity to share in the excitement of the rich All Star Mile race day which will be run at Flemington on Saturday, March 19.
“So let’s get voting and spread the word. Let’s get Flying Mascot into the All Star Mile.”
Full details are available on the Flying Start Syndications website.
The inaugural All Star Mile was held at Flemington in 2019 and won by the flying filly Mystic Journey who cost just $11,000. She sailed back to Tasmania after the race with a cheque for $2.25 million.