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A Melbourne Cup start will beckon for the winner of the Ebor Handicap at York.
The winner of Britain's richest flat handicap will be given a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.
The Victoria Racing Club has announced the Ebor Handicap (2700m) at York on August 26 will become the seventh 'Golden Ticket' into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 7.
The Ebor joins The Roy Higgins, The Andrew Ramsden Stakes, The Bart Cummings, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and the Archer Stakes as 'win and you're in' races.
Already the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott -trained Goldman and the Grahame Begg-trained Lunar Flare have gained a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.
VRC Chief Executive Steve Rosich said the alignment with York Racecourse was a natural progression.
"The Ebor Handicap has been a proven pathway into the Melbourne Cup over the years and it is fantastic to be able to build on the association with Flemington and York Racecourse," Rosich said.
"The introduction of a seventh golden ticket is exciting for both clubs and the connections of all potential Ebor runners.
"It further cements the Melbourne Cup's international reach and appeal."
The Melbourne Cup trophy will be on display at The Ebor meeting as part of the Melbourne Cup Tour.
Chief Executive of York Racecourse William Derby said that visit will now take an extra special meaning.
"With the York winner having finished in the top 10 at Flemington in three of the four years preceding the pandemic, this great news will give confidence to winning connections that their start at Flemington is secure, further linking two great races," Derby said.
Nominations for the Melbourne Cup close on September 5.
In another slight change to qualifying conditions for the Melbourne Cup, any placegetter from a 'Golden Ticket' race or any Group 1 race held over 2000m or further will pass the first ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup.
