Australian Heritage Cup added to Lexus Melbourne Cup Day

The Australian Heritage Cup is restricted to Australian and New Zealand trained stayers and has seen a prizemoney increase to $250,000, replacing the traditional 2800m Benchmark 96 race on the same program.

A series of qualifying races will be held in each state in Australia, giving connections the opportunity to have a runner on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day (see table below).

The concept is supported by West Australian businessman and Executive Chair of the Australian Heritage Group, Tony Barton. Mr Barton was excited about the inclusion of the race in the Cup Week program.

“Horse racing is a huge part of the Australian psyche and story, and the Australian Heritage Cup is a race designed to celebrate that legacy and support Australian and New Zealand stayers into the future.” 

“I am proud to support the inaugural running of the race and looking forward to seeing what type of field assembles on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day,” Mr Barton said.

VRC Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon echoed Mr Barton’s comments.

“To have a runner on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day is a huge honour and the Australian Heritage Cup will give Australian and New Zealand based trainers the opportunity to be at Flemington on the biggest day of the year,” Mr Jordon said.

“The race has always been a platform for young, progressive stayers to test their credentials at Flemington with previous winners including The Map and White Marlin and we expect another strong field this year.”

Last year the 2800m Benchmark 96 was won by South Australian stayer The Map, who secured her spot in this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup with a strong performance in the Listed Lexus Andrew Ramsden (2800m) earlier this year.

The 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 2 November, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 5 November, VRC Oaks Day on Thursday 7 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 9 November.