Melbourne Cup procedures to remain unchanged

The Victoria Racing Club announced that despite the relocation of the Archer Stakes, the final acceptance and barrier draw procedures for the Melbourne Cup will remain unchanged.

The Archer Stakes, a key race in determining the Melbourne Cup field, will now be held on September 14 as part of the Makybe Diva Stakes program.

However, final acceptances and the barrier draw for the Melbourne Cup will continue to take place on the evening of Victoria Derby Day.

This decision maintains the traditional link between Derby Day and Melbourne Cup Day, allowing owners and trainers to participate in the barrier draw amidst the excitement of the event.

While the absence of the Archer Stakes on Derby Day may have raised questions about potential changes, the VRC has opted to preserve the historic scheduling of Cup-related activities.