Romantic Warrior narrowly defeating Mr Brightside in the 2023 Cox Plate (Image: Racing Photos)
Spring's $5 million Cox Plate will come firmly into view for the winner of next month's Saratoga Derby Invitational in the US, with confirmation the winner will again be invited to race in Moonee Valley's feature in October.
In announcing the extension of their partnership with the New York Racing Association, the Moonee Valley Racing Club on Tuesday said the winner of the August 4 race will be afforded an automatic berth in the 2024 race, with subsidies for transportation and accommodation also on offer for connections.
MVRC head of racing, Charlotte Mills, said the club is keen to grow the relationship with its New York counterpart, with international participation in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate a key driver for future success.
"When assessing the strength of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate in recent years, there is a very definitive correlation between international participation, strong race ratings and strong wagering numbers," Mills said.
NYRA racing operations manager Andrew Offerman said the club is thrilled to further the partnership with the MVRC.
"We are always looking for ways to connect our most-important races to other races of national and international significance and we appreciate the opportunity to work with the Moonee Valley Racing Club on this endeavour," he said.
In 2021, Joseph O'Brien became the first trainer to achieve the historic Saratoga Derby-Cox Plate double with globetrotting superstar State Of Rest.
Entries for the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby (1900m) will close on July 28.