Golden Ticket to the Cup on offer on Andrew Ramsden Race Day

Headlining the nine-race program is the $300,000 Listed The Lexus Andrew Ramsden (2800m) – a crucial contest that offers the winner a coveted golden ticket into the $8.66 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m), to be run on Tuesday 4 November.

The feature race honours former VRC Chairman Andrew Ramsden, a passionate advocate for staying races and proud owner of Melbourne Cup champions Gurner’s Lane (1982) and Brew (2000).

Early favourite for this year’s Andrew Ramsden is the Ciaron Maher-trained Berkshire Breeze, who headlines a powerful stable entry of six horses, including recent Warrnambool Cup winner Smokin’ Romans and Hobart Cup winner Strawberry Rock.

Adding further excitement to the day, the race day marks the start of the Flemington Winter Race Series heats, with the opening legs of the VRC-CRV Winter Championship Series, Leilani Series, Silver Bowl Series, and Next Generation Sprinter Series. The card also includes the second heats of the Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series, Mahogany Challenge, and Creswick Sprint Series.

Another feature event on the day is the $175,000 Listed Hilton Nicholas Straight Six (1200m), a race previously won by sprinting superstar Miss Andretti.

In a fitting tribute to Cup excellence, the VRC has announced that past Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning trainers and jockeys will be awarded honorary VRC membership. The initiative recognises their enduring legacy, with recipients to be presented with their membership during the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival. This builds on the Honour Boards unveiled on Andrew Ramsden Race Day last year, which permanently showcase the names of Lexus Melbourne Cup winners.