Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has partnered with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) to establish a new path towards the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) for the winner of the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m).

The victor of New Zealand’s most coveted staying race will now be exempt from any ballot for both the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) and Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m), with the Flemington features offering ballot exemption into the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) for the winner.

“This partnership with the Victoria Racing Club is a milestone for New Zealand racing,” ATR’s Executive General Manager of Racing & Operations Craig Baker said.

“Offering the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup winner a pathway to the Lexus Melbourne Cup through the Lexus Roy Higgins and Lexus Andrew Ramsden races opens up a world of opportunities for our participants.

“It also strengthens the bond between our two racing nations and showcases the calibre of talent that New Zealand racing has to offer.”

Leigh Jordon, VRC’s Executive General Manager Racing, also expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting the historical significance of New Zealand’s contribution to the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the race that stops two nations and New Zealand has a proud and rich history in Australia’s most iconic race,” he said. “With 44 New Zealand-bred winners of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, we are pleased to formalise the link between the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup and feature staying races at Flemington.”

The Auckland Cup will be held on the newly created Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, March 8.