Ascot Racecourse and the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) have signed a new strategic partnership this week, acknowledging the unique ties between the two “sister” tracks, it was announced on Tuesday. The signatories are Ascot chairman and His Majesty's representative, Sir Francis Brooke, and Neil Wilson, chairman of the Victoria Racing Club.
Both courses stage their nations' premier Flat meetings and they work together on various race planning initiatives, which have led to multiple runners in the Royal Ascot sprints from Australia and numerous runners in the Melbourne Cup and other feature events at Flemington from the UK.
The Melbourne Cup Tour in 2024 will come through Ascot for QIPCO King George Weekend (July 26-27) and the Qatar Goodwood Festival (July 30 to August 3) next month and racegoers will get the chance to be photographed with the famous three-handled cup.
“For many years we have worked with the VRC on membership reciprocals and race planning initiatives and this important alliance formalises the links between Flemington and Ascot,” said Brooke. “We will develop this strategic alliance further in coming years and are delighted to welcome the VRC chairman, Neil Wilson, and his wife, Stephanie, to Royal Ascot today.”
Wilson added, “At the start of one of the world's most prestigious racing events, we are pleased to continue the official partnership between the Victoria Racing Club and Ascot. First signed in 2006, our international alliance has contributed to the successful evolution of thoroughbred racing as a truly global sport.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
