Geelong Cup winner to be awarded ‘golden ticket’ into the Melbourne Cup in historic first

Geelong Racing Club has received the “most significant announcement” in its history with the Geelong Cup winner set to receive direct entry into Australia’s biggest race.

Craig Williams after winning the 2024 Geelong Cup last October. Picture: Jay Town/Racing Photos via Getty Images.

The winner of the Geelong Cup in October will get a “golden ticket” into the Melbourne Cup in the “most significant” racing announcement in the Geelong Racing Club’s 160-year history.

Club chief executive officer Luke Rayner confirmed on Thursday the Geelong Cup was the latest race to carry a coveted golden ticket, offering the winner automatic entry into the race which stops a nation.

He said it cemented the Geelong Cup, which returns on October 22 this year, as one of the premier lead-up races to one of Australia’s most famous sporting events on November 4.

Rayner said the club was honoured to be recognised by the Victorian Racing Club and was excited by what it meant for local racing.

“This is the most significant racing announcement in the 160-year history of the Geelong Racing Club,” Rayner said.

“For our club to now hold a golden ticket into the most famous of races is just amazing and we are extremely appreciative of the Victoria Racing Club who have recognised the Geelong Cup as a legitimate lead-up and form race into the Melbourne Cup.

Craig Williams on Onesmoothoperator after winning the Geelong Cup on October 23. Picture: Jay Town/Racing Photos via Getty Images.

“The Geelong Cup has a proud history, this year being the 138th running, and having produced multiple Melbourne Cup winners over the past 25 years we see this as an amazing fit within the spring carnival.

“The Geelong Racing Club looks forward to being a significant part of the fever that grips the nation throughout the spring carnival and in the lead-up to the Tuesday that stops our nation.”

Historically, Geelong Cup winners have often backed up in the Melbourne Cup including 2024 champion Onesmoothoperator.

Geelong Racing Club President Peter Murrihy said it was a significant milestones after decades of hard work.

“I’m incredibly proud of what the Geelong Racing Club has achieved. It’s been quite a journey to reach this point, and it’s a testament to the hard work and vision of so many people over the years,” Murrihy said.

“This announcement will elevate the Geelong Cup to even greater importance on the racing calendar, and we look forward to seeing its impact for our club, the economic benefit to Geelong and the broader racing community.”

Media Puzzle in 2002, and American (2010) and Dunaden (2011) have all completed the Geelong and Melbourne double.

First run in 1872, and held annually in October, the Geelong Cup is one of Victoria’s most prestigious country cups, attracting top class stayers.

Originally published as Geelong Cup winner to be awarded ‘golden ticket’ into the Melbourne Cup in historic first