The Miracle Mile concept is based on speed and the TAB Carnival of Miracles 2026 will see the flying mile play an even greater role, with significant changes to the race distances recently approved by the Club Menangle board.
Leading the changes is the prestigious NSW Derby, which will see its distance reduced from 2400 meters 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 excitement of Mile racing at events in Menangle. The NSW Derby heats will also be held 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. Menangle is purpose-built to improve speed. Some of the iconic races here at Club Menangle have been run 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 most recently the 2025 Len Smith Mile was won in a thrilling 1.47.5 from Cya Art, with 6 meters separating the first 7 horses on the far side,” said General Manager of Racing David Wonson.
David Wonson further added: “To complement the move to the Mile for the NSW Derby, all races on Miracle Mile Night will be run over the mile. The race distance changes include the Lighthorse Free For All and the minor Free For All, both from 2300 meters to 1609 meters run on Garrards Miracle Mile Night. The NSW Oaks, to be run later in the season on Saturday 2 May 2026, will also be run over the Flying Mile, with heats the week before on Saturday April 25.”
To view the 2026 TAB Carnival of Miracles program, visit: https://www.clubmenangle.com.au/tab-carnival-of-miracles-2026-programme/
For further information, please contact David Wonson, Club Menangle Managing Director of Racing Operations, on (02) 4645 2200.
By Menangle Club
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