Melbourne Cup entry guaranteed with Prix Kergorlay success
A top-tier French stamina test is set to grant automatic qualification for Australia's legendary Melbourne Cup via a 'win and you're in' arrangement.
Now the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) stands with the US's Belmont Gold Cup and the Ebor Handicap among the races providing ballot exemptions for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) held at Flemington on November's first Tuesday.
Past performances in the Prix Kergorlay have proven to be solid indicators for the Melbourne Cup.
In 2010, Americain secured victories in both, and the subsequent year Dunaden raced in the Prix Kergorlay en route to Melbourne Cup glory.
German raider Protectionist repeated the double back in 2014.
Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Kylie Rogers noted that the collaboration with France Galop honours the ties between two global racing powerhouses.
"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."
Competition for a Melbourne Cup position kicks off at Flemington on Saturday courtesy of the Roy Higgins (2600m) winner receiving exemption.
Further 'win and you're in' races in Victoria consist of the Andrew Ramsden (2800m), the Bart Cummings (2500m) and Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington, in addition to the Caulfield Cup (2400m), Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Geelong Cup, and Cox Plate (2040m).
Racing fans can check online bookmakers for Prix Kergorlay betting options.
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