Wet weather prompted a late switch to the dirt course, with the race run over 2800m. Leading trainer Bill Mott, renowned for training champion Cigar, was thrilled with the victory and will now saddle 2025 Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty in tomorrow’s Grade 1 Belmont Stakes.
This is only the second time the American staying race has offered automatic entry into the race that stops a nation™, with the association between the Victoria Racing Club and New York Racing Association continuing to build.
The Belmont Gold Cup is the third race to offer ballot exemption into the Lexus Melbourne Cup, with Parchment Party joining gallopers Deakin and Basilinna as horses who have secured their spot in this year’s race.
VRC CEO Kylie Rogers said the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour’s visit to New York was a great opportunity for American racing fans to share in the excitement of Australia’s most iconic race.
“It was fantastic to have the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup trackside at Saratoga Racecourse with American racing fans able to get up close to the trophy and share in the excitement of Belmont Gold Cup Day,” Ms Rogers said.
“Congratulations to the connections of Parchment Party and connections on their win in the Belmont Gold Cup.”
The People's Cup will return home next week to visit Griffith in regional New South Wales before taking off to South Australia where it will visit the regional communities of Gawler and Strathalbyn.
For more information on the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, see here.
