ravelling to Australia in search of top equine talent is nothing new for Nick Smith, but in 2025, Ascot’s Director of Racing and Public Affairs is adjusting his approach.
Next month, Smith will visit Melbourne and Sydney to introduce fresh incentives aimed at a broader range of Australian racehorses. Historically focused on recruiting open-age sprinters, he will now highlight opportunities for middle-distance and miler types through the British Mid-Summer Bonus.
Smith’s trip coincides with Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill and Australian Cup Day at Flemington, where he will promote lucrative bonuses tied to two of the UK’s marquee races—the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2406m) at Ascot and the Group 1 Sussex Stakes (1609m) at Goodwood.
The incentive structure is designed to attract non-European horses:
A £1 million bonus for owners or trainers who win both the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Sussex Stakes.
A £250,000 bonus for horses who place in both races.
An additional £250,000 appearance fee for non-European-trained horses that win either race and then contest the Juddmonte International at York.
A £150,000 appearance fee for placed horses in either race that proceed to York.
Smith sees this initiative as an opportunity for Racing Victoria and the VRC to bolster the status of their premier middle-distance autumn races.
“We’re being realistic—we know the level of competition in Europe,” Smith said. “But a few years ago, Australian sprinters heading to Royal Ascot was a novelty. Now, it’s almost routine. Middle-distance runners could be next.”
Another key focus for Smith is highlighting Australian two-year-old opportunities at Royal Ascot, particularly in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (1207m).
“The horses running in the Golden Slipper are effectively three-year-olds in Europe and get a 10-pound weight break in the Commonwealth Cup,” Smith explained. “They arrive fit, healthy, and in peak condition, whereas our three-year-olds are still maturing. It’s something that can work.”
Following his Australian tour, Smith will continue his global recruitment push, heading to Japan before attending the Dubai World Cup meeting on April 5.