Another Golden Ticket Race?

The VRC in all its wisdom has decided to make the Belmont Gold Cup a Melbourne Cup Golden Ticket Race. That means the winner of the race held in the United States of America has automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup.

If you’re thinking, “Wow! Don’t the Americans race on dirt?” you’re forgiven. They do actually race on grass occasionally in the U.S. but they’re definitely not renowned for producing great staying horses that might be competitive in a Melbourne Cup. And as for the Belmont Gold Cup specifically, it’s a race with a history that dates back to 2014. Yep, 2014. Not very long, and the previous winners of the Belmont Gold Cup reads like a ‘who are you?’, of racing. The likes of Innovation Economy, Da Big Hoss and Baron Samedi are sprinkled through the ‘rich’ history of the race.

The bizarre circumstances in which the Belmont Gold Cup became a Golden Ticket Race are what really riles this writer. No more than 3 weeks before the Belmont Gold Cup was scheduled to take place, the VRC suddenly announced, “Hey folks, we’re making the Belmont Gold Cup a ballot exemption race for the Melbourne Cup.” Okay, plenty of time for the best horses and their trainers to prepare right. And the United States of America? Really?

The whole thing reeks. Here is the link to the VRC announcement regarding their shiny new Golden Ticket Race.