The popular Inglis Xtra Bonus Series reached another significant milestone today with $6m in bonuses now having been paid out to connections.
Taige Weir became the 45th individual trainer to train a winner of an Xtra Bonus race when her 3YO Royal Meeting (IRE) gelding Kings Reflection won his maiden at Warrnambool on Day 2 of the carnival this afternoon.
The Xtra Bonus Series was implemented 21 months ago and has been won by the connections of 62 individual horses.
A total of 50 maidens Australia-wide – effectively one each week – carry the bonus per season, which sees a $100,000 bonus paid to eligible winners.
To win the bonus, a horse simply needs to be an Inglis graduate from 2024 or beyond, be aged three or older, paid up for the Inglis Race Series and win the eligible race.
The series has had an extraordinary reach in its relatively short history – almost 550 owners have now been the beneficiary of the bonus.
Weir struggled to contain her emotions after winning today’s $100,000 bonus.
“That is just amazing. This horse is so special, I just love him so much,’’ the trainer said.
“He’s got so much ability this horse but he’s still very green, he’s still very much learning his craft but this is just amazing. I didn’t think he was going to get out at the top of the straight but he did and it’s unbelievable.
“The support we’ve got so early in my career is amazing, I’m so grateful, it’s the best.’’
Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager Brett Gilding added: “The Xtra Bonus Series has rapidly become one of the most popular – if not the most popular – element of our $12m Inglis Race Series and when you see scenes like Taige and the connections of Kings Reflection at Warrnambool today, it’s easy to understand why.
“We introduced this initiative because we ultimately wanted to see more of our clients win more prizemoney, more often and there’s no doubt that has proved to be the case.
“It’s a huge incentive, $100,000 to win your maiden and when you throw in BOBS or VOBIS or other State bonuses a horse may be eligible for, winning an Inglis Xtra Bonus maiden is worth more money for connections than winning a lot of Stakes races.
“If buyers haven’t already, they should be signing up to the $12m Inglis Race Series so they are eligible for the Xtra Bonus Series moving forward.’’
The next Inglis Xtra Bonus maiden will be held at Parkes next Sunday, May 17.
For the most up to date schedule of the Inglis Xtra Bonus races CLICK HERE.
