Significant race distance changes approved

THE Miracle Mile concept is based on speed and the 2026 TAB Carnival of Miracles will see the flying mile play an even bigger role, with significant race distance changes recently approved by the Club Menangle Board.

Leading the changes is the prestigious New South Wales Derby, which will see its distance reduced from 2400 metres to the iconic Miracle Mile distance of 1609 metres, scheduled for Saturday, March 14.

This shift is an exciting opportunity to attract a new generation of racing fans and showcase the thrill of Mile racing in feature events at Menangle.

The NSW Derby heats will also be contested over the Flying Mile on Saturday, March 7, alongside the Livamol Chariots of Fire and Miracle Mile Qualifiers.

“Today’s breed is bred for speed and race times play an important role in the future value of our Stallions and Mares,” said General Manager of Racing David Wonson.

“Menangle was built specifically to enhance speed. Some of the iconic races here at Club Menangle have been conducted over the Flying Mile, including the first sub 1.50 race time in the southern hemisphere by Smoken Up in 1.48.5, the 1.46.9 by My Field Marshall in the 2018 Miracle Mile, and more recently the Len Smith Mile in 2025 won in a blistering 1.47.5 by Cya Art, with six metres separating the first seven horses across the line.”

“To complement the move to the Mile for the NSW Derby, all races on Miracle Mile night will be conducted over the mile.

”The race distance changes will include the Lighthorse Free For All and the minor Free For All, both moving from 2300 metres to 1609 metres conducted on Garrards Miracle Mile Night.

”The NSW Oaks, to be conducted later in the season on Saturday 2 May 2026, will also be conducted over the Flying Mile, with heats the week before on Saturday 25 April.”

To view the 2026 TAB Carnival of Miracles Programme, please visit: https://www.clubmenangle.com.au/tab-carnival-of-miracles-2026-programme/