The Prix Kergorlay is one of three international races that now offers the winner a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.
One of France’s premier staying races is now a ‘win and you’re in’ race for Australia’s iconic race, the Melbourne Cup.
The Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) joins the Belmont Gold Cup in the US and the Ebor Handicap as ballot exempt races for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.
The Prix Kergorlay has previously been a strong form reference for the Melbourne Cup.
In 2010, Americain took out the double while the following year Dunaden ran in the Prix Kergorlay before winning the Melbourne Cup.
In 2014, German-trained Protectionist completed the double.
Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Kylie Rogers said the partnership with France Galop was a celebration between two of the world’s great racing nations.
“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 race for a berth in the Melbourne Cup commences at Flemington on Saturday with the winner of the Roy Higgins (2600m) offered a ballot exemption.
Other races in Victoria with ‘win and you’re in’ status are the Andrew Ramsden (2800m), the Bart Cummings (2500m) and the Archer Stakes (2500m), all run at Flemington, along with the Caulfield Cup (2400m), the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, the Geelong Cup, and the Cox Plate (2040m).
