The Sydney Autumn Carnival has undergone a radical revamp for 2014, with a massive $18.2 million dollars in prizemoney up for grabs over back-to-back Saturdays in April.

The new format has been labeled ‘The Championships’, and will feature eight Group 1 races run on April 12 and April 19 at Randwick.

The jewel in the crown will be Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) which is now worth $4 million, up from $550,000 this year.

The Queen Elizabeth is now the second richest race in Australia, behind the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup.

Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club hope the format will attract the cream of international and local horses.

Other races to receive substantial prizemoney increases include:

• The Doncaster Mile – $3 million, up from $2 million

• The TJ Smith Stakes – $2.5 million up from $1 million

• The ATC Derby – $2 million, up from $1.5 million

• The Sydney Cup – $1 million, up from $500,000

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS – Race Program

Day 1 – BMW Derby Day, Saturday April 12, 2014

The Star Doncaster Mile (GR1) $3,000,000 1600m

Darley TJ Smith Stakes (GR1) $2,500,000 1200m

BMW Australian Derby (GR1) $2,000,000 2400m

Sires’ Produce Stakes (GR1) $1,000,000 1400m

Schweppes chairman’s Quality (GR2) $300,000 2600m

TAB Adrian Knox Stakes (GR3) $200,000 2000m

Ticketek Kindergarten stakes (GR3) $200,000 1100m

PJ Bell Stakes (GR3) $200,000 1200m

Bacardi Together Carbine Club Stakes (GR3) $200,000 1600m

TOTAL PRIZEMONEY – $9,600,000

Day 2 – Schweppes Sydney Cup Day, Saturday April 19, 2014

Queen Elizabeth Stakes (GR1) $4,000,000 2000m

Schweppes Sydney Cup (GR1) $1,000,000 3200m

Australian Oaks (GR1) $1,000,000 2400m

Queen of the Turf Stakes (GR1) $1,000,000 1600m

Royal Sovereign Stakes (GR2) $500,000 1200m

Princess Stakes (GR3) $500,000 1200m

Drummond Golf Sapphire Stakes (GR2) $300,000 1200m

South Pacific Classic (LR) $150,000 1400m

Toga Fernhill Handicap (LR) $150,000 1600m

TOTAL PRIZEMONEY – $8,600,000

TOTAL OVERALL PRIZEMONEY – $18,200,000