The Andrew Ramsden run over 2800m at Flemington originates from a race that had its inaugural running back in 1964. Originally known as the Duke of Norfolk Stakes, and run over two miles (3218m), the race was long considered the premier long-distance race of the Autumn program. Back then it was named following a visit to Flemington by the 16th Duke of Norfolk, Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, a keen racing enthusiast.
In 2005, the race took on a new name, this time the VRC did so to honour former VRC Chairman and Racing industry stalwart, Andrew Ramsden.
Ramsden was a Victoria Racing Club committee and board member for twenty years and Chairman from 1998 to 2003. He made an enormous contribution at Flemington, as well as the broader racing industry and as an administrator was pivotal to the structural change in Victoria, which led to the formation of Racing Victoria Limited (RVL). Following retirement from the VRC board in 2004, he took up the reins as Chairman of the Australian Racing Board.
Andrew Ramsden was known as a man with an absolute passion for thoroughbred racing, particularly staying races. As an owner he had great success with shares in numerous stars of the turf including Melbourne Cup winners Gurner’s Lane (1982) and Brew (2000).
Melbourne Cups aside, perhaps the ultimate thrill is winning a time-honoured distance race renamed in your honour? Andrew Ramsden won the race, his race, the Andrew Ramsden Stakes in 2011 with Niwot.
Andrew Ramsden is remembered as a man of great integrity who had an unwavering commitment to the betterment of racing.
Did you know?
In 2019 the Andrew Ramsden Stakes was shortened to a distance of 2800 metres, and, in an exciting development, the VRC announced that the winner would be granted ballot exemption for entry in the Lexus Melbourne Cup – the Golden Ticket.
Andrew’s son Michael Ramsden was elected to the VRC Board in 2012 and is currently the VRC Vice Chairman.
The road to the Lexus Melbourne Cup continues on Saturday 13 May when The Listed Lexus Andrew Ramsden provides another opportunity to win a Golden Ticket into Australia's most famous thoroughbred race. Tickets selling fast, don't miss out!
