One of France’s leading long-distance contests has become a ‘win and you’re in’ event for Australia’s famous Melbourne Cup, the Melbourne Cup.
The Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) is now alongside the Belmont Gold Cup in the US and the Ebor Handicap as races offering ballot exemptions into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.
The Prix Kergorlay has long served as a reliable pointer to Melbourne Cup success, the Melbourne Cup.
Americain claimed both victories in 2010, while Dunaden competed in the Prix Kergorlay the next year prior to taking the Melbourne Cup.
Then in 2014, Protectionist from Germany achieved the same feat.
Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Kylie Rogers described the alliance with France Galop as a tribute to two premier racing countries worldwide.
“France has a storied history and connection with the Melbourne Cup, and we are delighted to formalise our partnership with France Galop by introducing the Prix Kergorlay as a Golden Ticket race,” Rogers said in a statement.
“The Melbourne Cup attracts the best stayers from across the world, and this new partnership both incentivises and ensures that the strongest international contenders are competing on the first Tuesday in November.
“We look forward to building on this partnership and the long-shared bond between our two racing nations.”
The pathway to a Melbourne Cup slot begins at Flemington this Saturday, where the Roy Higgins (2600m) victor gains a ballot waiver.
Additional Victorian events holding ‘win and you’re in’ privileges include the Andrew Ramsden (2800m), Bart Cummings (2500m), and Archer Stakes (2500m), all at Flemington, plus the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Geelong Cup, and Cox Plate (2040m).
Explore the latest Australian betting sites for Melbourne Cup futures markets.