The Geelong Cup will now offer direct entry into the Melbourne Cup, in what’s been hailed as the most important development in the Geelong Racing Club’s 160-year history.
From this spring, both the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Cup winners will receive automatic Melbourne Cup qualification.
GRC chief executive Luke Rayner called it “an honour for the club and the city,” and said, “This is the most significant racing announcement in the 160-year history of the Geelong Racing Club.”
He praised the Victoria Racing Club for recognising the Geelong Cup as a genuine Melbourne Cup lead-up, noting its 138-year history and strong track record of producing Cup winners.
GRC president Peter Murrihy said the upgrade would boost the race’s status and bring wider economic benefits.
“This announcement will elevate the Geelong Cup to even greater importance on the racing calendar,” he said.
Winners like Media Puzzle, Americain and Dunaden have all used the Geelong Cup as a springboard to Melbourne Cup glory.
