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Ad Damian Lane returns to the mounting yard on The Map after winning the Lexus Andrew Ramsden at Flemingto on May 18, 2024. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

The Map is ready to run the Lexus Melbourne Cup

23 October 2024 Written by VRC

Six-year-old mare The Map secured her place in the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup by winning the Lexus Andrew Ramsden Stakes in May, earning a coveted golden ticket into the iconic race. Born and bred in Tasmania, The Map brings the hopes of a fairytale Melbourne Cup victory for her connections.

Trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray are thrilled by the opportunity but remain focused on keeping The Map fit, happy, and sound as they prepare her for the ultimate challenge in November. The Map thrives on a faster race tempo, and they believe the mare will rise to the occasion in the competitive spring races in Melbourne. 

For Clarken, the Melbourne Cup journey has a personal meaning. Hailing from a family with a history steeped in thoroughbred racing, his late father would have been ‘over the moon’ to see The Map in contention. Although he isn’t here to witness it, Clarken is determined to live out the dream for him. 

As Cup Day approaches, both trainers hold onto their aspirations of seeing The Map race with the best, potentially delivering an unforgettable triumph for this Aussie-bred mare.