The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has wrapped its international visits to York in the United Kingdom and Deauville in France, with two golden tickets secured as the road to Flemington continues.
Daiquiri Bay and Defiantly delivered standout staying performances in Europe, winning the Ebor Handicap at York Racecourse and the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay at Deauville Racecourse, respectively.
At York, Daiquiri Bay secured its spot in the race that stops a nation® for trainer Alan King and ridden to victory by Rossa Ryan. Although unlikely to make the trip to Melbourne, the win was a big thrill for jockey Rossa Ryan who spent time in Australia early in his career riding for Lindsay Park.
“My uncle Tommy Ryan a jumps jockey is down there in Melbourne. I’ve been down to Melbourne before but I haven’t ridden at Flemington. I wouldn’t mind if we could go down there and win a bit of prizemoney,” Rossa said.
Despite narrowly missing out in the Ebor, second place-getter Hopewell Rock emerged as a strong Lexus Melbourne Cup prospect for Wathnan Racing and trainer George Boughey with Australia’s most iconic race firmly on the agenda.
Twenty-four hours later at Deauville, the Joseph O’Brien trained Defiantly stamped his ticket into the Lexus Melbourne Cup in emphatic fashion, running away to a dominant victory in the Group 2 Sumbe Prix Kergorlay under a brilliant ride from Dylan Brown McMonagle.
Owned by Australian Bloodstock, the victory hopes to emulate the path of 2014 Australian Bloodstock horse Protectionist, who also won the Kergorlay before going on to claim Flemington’s greatest prize.
Joseph O’Brien who is hoping to win his third Lexus Melbourne Cup was thrilled after the win.
“He stays forever, so today was another step up because he came down in distance and up in class but he’s a nice horse.” O’Brien said.
“The Kergorlay is a good trial for the Melbourne Cup so I think that might be a legitimate possibility. I am grateful that some of the owners made the trip up for today so I am sure that they will enjoy a couple of days in Deauville and celebrate a winner.”
Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle said that Defiantly was a strong Lexus Melbourne Cup chance.
“He’s a lovely horse, I asked him to come forward a long way out but I knew that he was going to get the trip well and he kept finding for me and he was a good winner.”
“He is a horse that keeps on improving and the sky is the limit for these kind of trips.”
“They will definitely have their eye on one race coming at the end of the year, so I am sure that’s the plan with him now to go there, he’s a good fun horse and I’m sure they will have plenty more fun days ahead with him.”
When asked whether he would suit a Melbourne Cup, Browne McMonagle was confident.
“No doubt. He handles quick ground and he gets the trip well. He is very laid back, I don’t think the occasion would get to him which is key down there because a lot of horses can get a little over the top a bit in the paddock. He’s a laid back customer and I think he shows all the right signs.”
This year marks the first time the Prix Kergorlay is an automatic qualifier for the Lexus Melbourne Cup with both races sharing a distinguished connection. Americain completed the double in 2010, Dunaden contested the French staying feature before winning at Flemington in 2011, and Protectionist won both races in 2014.
The two races are key staying contests on the international road to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, alongside the Belmont Gold Cup in the United States, which was won by American stayer Tawny Port.
VRC Chief Racing Officer Leigh Jordon congratulated the connections of both winners following an important weekend for international staying racing.
“The Ebor Handicap and Prix Kergorlay are recognised around the world as outstanding tests for elite stayers, and we congratulate the connections of Daiquiri Bay and Defiantly on their victories,” Mr Jordon said.
“Both performances showcased the quality and resilience required of a Lexus Melbourne Cup contender, and this international pathway continues to strengthen the global standing of the race that stops a nation™.
“We look forward to welcoming connections to Flemington for the Lexus Melbourne Cup.”
The Group 1 AUD$10 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) will be run at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November.