Media Release: New ballot exemption initiative for Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup winner

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) is delighted to announce an exciting initiative in partnership with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC).  For the first time, the winner of the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup will be exempt from any ballot for both the Lexus Roy Higgins (late March) and Lexus Andrew Ramsden (mid-May).

The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup on display at Ellerslie. The time-honoured race will take place as part of Champions Day, 8 March 2025.

Both of these races offer ballot exemption into the coveted Lexus Melbourne Cup, providing a wonderful opportunity for the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup winner to compete on an international level.

In commenting on the initiative, Craig Baker, ATR’s Executive General Manager of Racing & Operations, highlighted that the new partnership is a testament to the Club’s ongoing commitment to elevate the profile of New Zealand racing on the global stage.

“This partnership with the Victoria Racing Club is a milestone for New Zealand racing. Offering the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup winner a pathway to the Lexus Melbourne Cup through the Lexus Roy Higgins and Lexus Andrew Ramsden races opens up a world of opportunities for our participants.

“It also strengthens the bond between our two racing nations and showcases the calibre of talent that New Zealand racing has to offer.”

Mahrajaan returning to scale after winning the 2024 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.

Leigh Jordon, VRC’s Executive General Manager Racing, also expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting the historical significance of New Zealand’s contribution to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, saying, “The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the race that stops two nations and New Zealand has a proud and rich history in Australia’s most iconic race.

“With 44 New Zealand-bred winners of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, we are pleased to formalise the link between the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup and feature staying races at Flemington.”

Last season, the Lexus Roy Higgins was won by the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Mark Twain, showcasing the high calibre of competition these races attract.

The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup will be held on the newly created Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, 8 March, marking a significant step in ATR’s efforts to raise the profile of the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup and New Zealand racing in Australia.