IN the space of just six years, the $10m Golden Eagle has soared to one of the most prized events on the world racing stage.
Fierce international competition on the track.
Glitz and glamour off it.
But while the rich race for four-year-old’s has ascended to a centrepiece on the racing calendar, it’s also established itself as one of the most meaningful.
• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
As has been the case since the advent of the race, $1 million of Saturday’s monster $10 million prize pool will go directly to charity, with each horse aligned to an all important cause.
One of those beneficiaries is the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), tireless in its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support brain cancer research.
READ: J-Mac’s Golden girls: ‘We hold them in such high regard’
And if Evaporate can land Saturday’s Golden Eagle, the eye-watering $525,000 first place donation would see the Mark Hughes Foundation surpass $750,000 in contributions courtesy of its association with the marquee event.
“Racing continues to be a fantastic supporter of the Foundation and I can’t speak more highly of Racing NSW’s ongoing support,” Hughes said.
“We’ve got some close ties to racing through the Callander family and Kris Lees and what racing continues to do for the Foundation can’t be understated.
“Support in the community and through corporate is vital to us and being involved with such a great initiative like the Golden Eagle is something we’re very proud of.
“We’ll have some of our ambassadors trackside on Saturday to cheer Evaporate on proudly.”
It was in 2013 that Hughes, who played 161 games for the Newcastle Knights during his NRL playing career, was first diagnosed with brain cancer.
Just a year later the Mark Hughes Foundation had been established, with Hughes the flag-bearer for a cause raising millions upon millions directed towards brain cancer awareness, research, support and patient care.
READ: Gai aims to prove experts wrong with ‘Aussie’ Vauban
And while Hughes will be cheering for an Evaporate win in Saturday’s Golden Eagle, he says win, lose or draw he’ll take comfort in the fact that whatever the result, an important charity will reap a major windfall to aid in their critical field of work.
“I was so happy to see a great mate of mine in Ricky Stuart’s Foundation win last year,” Hughes said.
“That’s the thing with this concept, you’ve got such great causes across the board you’re happy regardless of who wins.
“And the fact Racing NSW ensures every charity walks away with something just adds to the whole concept.”
Saturday’s Golden Eagle will reach a major milestone with more than $6 million in donations having been directed across 45 charities, each playing its own key role, including the support of hospitals, cancer research, mental health awareness and family programs.
And no one is left behind, with donations provided from top to bottom, meaning every stride and finishing position counts.
2025 Golden Eagle field and charity partners
Evaporate (NZ) – The Mark Hughes Foundation
Feroce (NZ) – Redkite
Linebacker (NZ) – Dreams 2 Live 4
Sepals – Street Side Medics
Willydoit (NZ) – Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation
Fully Lit – Royce Simmons Foundation
Depth Of Character – Muscular Dystrophy NSW
Lord Penman (NZ) – The Sony Foundation
Mayfair – Down Syndrome NSW
Shangri La Spring – Camp Quality
Cristal Clear – Youngcare
Panja Tower (JPN) – Ronald McDonald House
Seagulls Eleven (IRE) – Ricky Stuart Foundation
Autumn Glow – Friends of the Mater Foundation
Perfumist (NZ) – Humpty Dumpty Foundation
Modella – The Fordham Foundation
Eclair Encore (JPN) – Rev. Bill Crews Foundation
