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.
More Racing News
Change of plans sees Magnatear targeting Shannon Stakes
Richard and Will Freedman had initially anticipated that Magnatear would not feature in the Shannon Stakes this week. However, a recent change of heart means the consistent gelding is now expected to take his place.The original intention was to give Magnatear another run in the Alan Brown Stakes over 1400...
Colts' Gentlemanly Demeanour Key to Waller's Golden Rose Ambitions
One of the primary difficulties with colts is maintaining their racing focus, so Chris Waller's success in preparing five of them for the Group 1 Golden Rose is a significant achievement. The accomplished trainer is fielding Campione D'italia, Tron Bolt, St Gotthard, Stormy Marco, and Central Europe in Saturday's coveted...
Maher's dynamic duo set for Feehan Stakes challenge
Trainer Ciaron Maher is poised to field a formidable pair in the upcoming Group 2 Feehan Stakes, with the talented mare Pride Of Jenni and the consistent galloper Another Wil both entered.The prestigious Feehan Stakes, traditionally run at Moonee Valley over 1600 metres, will this year take place at Caulfield...
Geegees Mistruth targeting more Group 1 glory
Trainer Mark Walker views jockey Blake Shinn's commitment to ride Geegees Mistruth in an upcoming Group 1 race at Caulfield as a significant positive.Shinn was aboard Geegees Mistruth for the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on September 5 and has elected to continue with the mare for the...
Peter V'landys stepping down as Racing NSW CEO
The NSW racing fraternity is set for a significant leadership change, as Peter V'landys prepares to transition from his role as Racing NSW chief executive to take up the position of executive chairman at the Australian Rugby League Commission.This morning, V'landys announced his intention to vacate his CEO position at...
Better Late showing his age with continued improvement
The combination of pedigree and undeniable talent has been the catalyst for Better Late's evolution into a superior racehorse. His trainer is confident that the gelding is nearing another triumph at Rosehill, specifically in the Midway Handicap (1300m) scheduled for Saturday.After being gelded before his most recent preparation, the now...
Debutants deliver thrilling finish at Geelong
Avery Anna has signalled a promising future with a debut victory at Geelong.Wednesday's Ladbrokes Popular SRM Maiden Plate (1125) proved to be a nail-biting affair contested by three newcomers.The filly, trained under the joint care of Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin, was the least fancied of the debutants,...
Winx's third foal arrives at Coolmore Stud
The highly anticipated arrival of Winx's third foal has occurred at Coolmore Stud, with the mare delivering approximately three weeks after her due date, and thankfully, without any complications.Debbie Kepitis, one of Winx's part-owners, shared with Racing And Sports that the team had been patiently awaiting the birth, which finally...
Zambardo's Cox Plate pathway continues through Feehan Stakes
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable is targeting two significant 2000m Group 1 races at Flemington with their horse Zambardo.The Cox Plate, which is being held at a different venue this year due to renovations at Moonee Valley, on October 24, and the Champions Stakes, held a fortnight...
Jimmysstar to race in blinkers for the first time in Manikato Stakes
Trainer Ciaron Maher has been waiting for the opportune moment to equip Jimmysstar with blinkers.That time has now arrived, with Jimmysstar set to debut blinkers in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Sunday.Jimmysstar trialled successfully in the headgear on September 14 and was seen wearing blinkers during...