Major Purse Boosts For Cups

International participation in this year's G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup is sure to be even stronger with the news that a record A$7.3m in prize-money will be up for grabs at Flemington in November. This boost represents a rise of just under A$1-million and will see the winner take home A$4-million while those who finish between 6^th and 12^th will win A$150,000 each.

European runners occupied eight of the top ten placings last year, headed by the Joseph O'Brien trained Rekindling (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and 2018 represents the 25^th anniversary of the first overseas winner of the race, the Dermot Weld trained Vintage Crop (GB) (Rousillon), who landed the race under Mick Kinane in 1993. Commenting on the prizemoney boost VRC chairman Amanda Elliott said, “The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation. It is the world's richest staying handicap and is backed by 158 years of history and tradition. 2018 is a milestone year for the VRC. Anticipation builds for the opening of our new world-class Club Stand and we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first internationally trained winner of the Cup in Ireland's Vintage Crop. This year's Lexus Melbourne Cup will have more eyes on it than ever before with the recent launch of the global digital platform, World Horse Racing, as we continue to expand our reach internationally. We simply can't wait.”

Significant increases in prize-money were also announced on Friday for a range of races across Victoria including the G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate and the G1 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup, which have both received a 40% hike up to A$5-million. Australia's oldest classic, the G1 AAMI Victoria Derby is also a beneficiary and will be worth an extra A$500,000 this year when run for A$2-million. Racing Victoria's chief executive officer Giles Thompson commented, “The prize money increases announced today serve to reward our owners, trainers and jockeys while ensuring that Victoria remains a destination for the world's best as we celebrate 25 years of international competition. Our vision is 'Racing for All' and there is something for all owners, trainers and jockeys within these prize money increases which stretch from the Melbourne Cup to the Burrumbeet Cup.”