VRC announces new ballot exempt race for Melbourne Cup

The VRC this morning has announced that the Andrew Ramsden Stakes will now carry a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.

With the recent domination of overseas horses making up the Melbourne Cup Field there has been a backlash from participants that Australia needs more representation in the biggest race on the Australian calendar and the recent announcement shows the VRC are listening.

The Andrew Ramsden Stakes which is raced in May each year at Flemington will also have a prize money boost to $400,000 and will now be run over 2800m and be restricted to 3YO-5YO’s,  becoming the fifth ballot exempt race for the Melbourne Cup in Victoria along side The Bart Cummings, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and the Lexus Stakes.