Royal Ascot, conducted over five fabulous days of high-class racing at the Ascot Racecourse. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

The power of international partnerships

29 March 2025 • Written by VRC

Horse racing has long been a sport that transcends borders, bringing together cultures, traditions, and passionate communities across the world. In recognition of this shared love for racing, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has forged partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious racing institutions, strengthening global ties and celebrating the sport at an international level.

At the heart of this commitment is the VRC’s role as a founding member of World Horse Racing, an alliance established in May 2018. This collaboration unites five of the world’s most iconic racing clubs and festivals:

Ascot Racecourse (United Kingdom)
Breeders’ Cup (USA)
Goodwood Racecourse (United Kingdom)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (Hong Kong)
Victoria Racing Club (Australia)

This alliance aims to introduce a new generation to the excitement, glamour, and deep cultural heritage of horse racing. Through exclusive behind-the-scenes content, World Horse Racing offers insights into the sport’s greatest trainers, jockeys, horses, and rising stars, highlighting the dedication and skill that make racing a global spectacle.

Beyond the World Horse Racing alliance, the VRC has strengthened its ties with individual racing bodies to deepen international collaboration. Recent agreements with Ascot Racecourse and York Racecourse formalise the long-standing bond between these iconic venues and Flemington. These partnerships offer a platform for knowledge-sharing, enhanced race programming, and unique opportunities for members and racing enthusiasts.

The iconic Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong, home of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. (Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)

The VRC and Ascot Racecourse have enjoyed a formal partnership since 2006, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between these two iconic tracks. This collaboration has fostered successful race-planning initiatives, leading to Australian participation in Royal Ascot sprints and UK contenders in the Lexus Melbourne Cup and other major Flemington races. The alliance also provides reciprocal privileges for members, with over 300 VRC members attending the 2024 Royal Meeting to experience the finest in racing, fashion, food, and entertainment.

As part of the enduring partnership, the Lexus Melbourne Cup regularly appears in the UK as part of its Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour (LMCT). Last year, it visited Ascot during the QIPCO King George Weekend and the Qatar Goodwood Festival, offering racegoers the unique opportunity to be photographed with the renowned three-handled cup. In addition to the UK, the LMCT also made stops in Tokyo, New York, New Zealand and Ireland before embarking on its journey across Australia. By visiting so many parts of the world, the Tour further strengthens the global reach of this iconic trophy and enhances recognition of our club.

The Qatar Goodwood Festival will be held at Glorious Goodwood from 29 July-2 August. (Julian Herbert/Getty Images)

Why celebrate these partnerships?

For the VRC, these international alliances are more than just ceremonial gestures – they reflect the club’s ambition to elevate the prestige of thoroughbred racing and create unique experiences for members. Racing is a sport steeped in tradition, yet one that constantly evolves. By working closely with globally recognised racing institutions, the VRC ensures that the spirit of competition, the artistry of training, and the thrill of world-class events continue to captivate audiences.

Experience racing around the world

One of the great joys of being a racing enthusiast is the opportunity to witness the sport’s finest moments in different settings. For VRC members, these partnerships open doors to explore the world through racing. Whether it’s standing along the historic rails at Royal Ascot, experiencing the electric atmosphere of the Breeders’ Cup, or soaking in the vibrant culture of Hong Kong racing, these collaborations offer members a chance to engage with the sport on a global stage. Many of these partnerships include reciprocal privileges, giving VRC members special access to international events, race days, and hospitality experiences.

The Breeders’ Cup, conducted over two days, and since 2008 has been shared between California racecourses (Del Mar & Santa Anita) and Kentucky racecourses (Keeneland & Churchill Downs). (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

TAB Australian Cup Day: A tribute to global racing excellence

The VRC’s commitment to celebrating these partnerships will be showcased on TAB Australian Cup Day on March 29, 2025. On this day, the VRC acknowledges its international allies by naming five races in acknowledgement of our global connections: York VOBIS Gold Ingot, Royal Ascot VOBIS Gold Reef, HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic, Goodwood Handicap, and the Curragh Handicap. The VRC is also delighted to host representatives from Ed Arkell (Goodwood), Nick Smith (Ascot), and William Derby (York). By fostering these relationships, the VRC strengthens its position as a leader in international racing, ensuring that Australian racing remains firmly on the world stage.