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The Victoria Racing Club has signed a landmark agreement with the Japan Racing Association to broadcast the Emirates Melbourne Cup into Japan.

The deal will see the race that stops a nation broadcast live on JRA’s Green Channel, which will come to Melbourne to host its coverage from Flemington Racecourse.

The agreement will also allow wagering on the Emirates Melbourne Cup in Japan.

The formal agreement was recently signed by VRC Chief Executive Simon Love and JRA President and CEO Masayuki Goto at a ceremony in Tokyo.

Mr Love said it is hoped that stronger relations between the two clubs grow after the VRC’s trip to Japan.

“This agreement will see the Emirates Melbourne Cup beamed live into Japan for the very first time, allowing us to grow our exposure to a new audience.”

Mr Love said the Emirates Melbourne Cup joins the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as one the most important international races in Japan.

“This agreement between the VRC and JRA is significant because until recently Japanese have only been able to bet on Japanese races.”

It is understood the JRA will only allow betting on 25 races around the world, including the Emirates Melbourne Cup, if the individual race involves Japanese participation.

“Japan Racing Association is excited to bring prominent thoroughbred racing events around the world to Japanese racing fans, not only for viewing purposes but to participate in wagering on the race.

“We hope this new initiative of simulcasting overseas races will build interest among existing fans and attract a new fan base to thoroughbred racing as true international sports entertainment,” said Mr Goto.

Japan has a strong recent history of involvement in the Emirates Melbourne Cup, with the Asian nation claiming the quinella in the race in 2006, with Delta Blues winning from Pop Rock.