Melbourne Cup visit shortens for King Charles III after Royal Ascot woo by VRC chairman Neil Wilson
An invitation to this year’s Melbourne Cup was a major talking point between VRC chairman Neil Wilson and King Charles III at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, it is understood.
Melbourne Cup organisers used an audience with King Charles III and Queen Camilla to boost a Victoria Racing Club bid to host the Monarch at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.
VRC chairman Neil Wilson and wife Stephanie spent time with the King and Queen on Tuesday for the Royal Meeting and to renew an international alliance with Ascot Racecourse.
Racenet understands an invitation to the Melbourne Cup was a major talking point.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are slated for an Australian tour this year after the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa on October 21-25.
* Racing NSW announce $5m race named in honour of King Charles III
The Melbourne Cup, on November 2, could tie into the Royal itinerary expected to take in a number of Australian states and territories.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla lead the Royal procession on day one at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/6cUf1RlTmX
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2024
Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys has previously invited the King and Queen to Sydney for The Everest and King Charles III Stakes on October 19 at Royal Randwick.
* ‘I was nervous, I must admit’: V’landys’ lunch with the Queen
Flemington’s campaign could be further enhanced on Saturday with the Royal couple-owned stayer Desert Hero an $11 chance in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Desert Hero was touted as a possible Melbourne Cup runner last year, after he won the George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, before a change of direction.
His Majesty The King delights at an Australian horse Asfoora winning The King Charles III Stakes during day one of Royal Ascot 2024 at Ascot Racecourse today.
— 🌻Sarahsecret (@sarahdiaryz) June 18, 2024
📸 Alan Crowhurst pic.twitter.com/sqhAz9guHd
Trainer William Haggas bypassed a Sydney autumn raid to target the Hardwicke before an Australian spring campaign could again be considered.
* King Charles III set to choose Sydney racing over Melbourne
Ascot chairman and His Majesty’s Representative Sir Francis Brooke and Wilson signed the “sister” track agreement on Tuesday.
The Melbourne Cup Tour in 2024 will stop at Ascot for QIPCO King George Weekend (July 26-27) and the Qatar Goodwood Festival (July 30-August 3).
“We are pleased to continue the official partnership between the Victoria Racing Club and Ascot,” Wilson said.
“First signed in 2006, our international alliance has contributed to the successful evolution of thoroughbred racing as a truly global sport.“
The alliance includes reciprocal privileges for respective members to enjoy.
Originally published as Melbourne Cup visit shortens for King Charles III after Royal Ascot woo by VRC chairman Neil Wilson
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