The Map wins golden ticket into 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup

Trained by Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillvray, The Map is the second horse to win a golden ticket into this year’s race that stops a nation™”, joining the Roger James and Robert Wellwood trained Mark Twain who won the Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington on TAB Australian Cup Day.

After winning on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day last year, The Map will return to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November in a bid to win Australia’s most iconic race. The South Australian galloper was given an almost perfect ride from jockey Damian Lane finishing in front of Mostly Cloudy and Excelleration.

The next race offering ballot exemption will be the Belmont Gold Cup to be run at Saratoga Racecourse in June, the first time a United States Race has offered golden ticket status.

Away from the quality racing action, Victoria Racing Club (VRC) Chairman Neil Wilson officially unveiled honour boards paying tribute to every winner of the ‘race that stops a nation’™ and former VRC Chairpersons, Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers. VIP Guests at the unveiling included the first and only female jockey to win the Lexus Melbourne Cup Michelle Payne, the first female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup Sheila Laxon, past VRC Chairman Rod Fitzroy and Michael Burn and former club secretary Rod Johnson. For more information on the honour boards click here.

Mr Wilson said it was an important day for the club both on and off the track.

“Today was a significant milestone on the road to the Lexus Melbourne Cup and the dream continues for the connections of The Map as they plan their path towards the first Tuesday in November,” Mr Wilson said.

“It was an equally important day for the VRC away from the track with honour boards officially unveiled in front of a host of special guests including past administrators and legends of the racing world.”

The undercard produced a number of other exciting performances including Who Dares winning the Listed Hilton Nicholas Straight Six for trainers Pat Carey and Harris Walker.

Flemington will host VRC Community Race Day next Saturday 8 June. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit vrc.com.au.