Naas Racecourse Welcomes the Melbourne Cup on Its Global Tour on Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes Day

Naas Racecourse is thrilled to announce the arrival of the iconic Lexus Melbourne Cup as part of its global tour at the Richest Raceday at Naas Racecourse, The Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes Day on Bank Holiday Monday, 5^th August. The arrival of the Melbourne Cup to Naas has also offered the track the opportunity to celebrate both the illustrious history of the Melbourne Cup, and the legacy of Robert Cooper Bagot, a Kildare man whose contributions helped shape one of the world’s greatest races, and the experience of the Melbourne Cup.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup, known as "The Race that Stops a Nation" is celebrated for its rich history and prestige. This year marks the 164th running of this renowned race, featuring a prize purse of $AUD8.4 million and a trophy valued at $AUD750,000. The trophy travels 110,000 kilometres, visiting 39 destinations globally before returning to Melbourne for the race on 5 November. Racegoers at Naas on the August Bank Holiday will have the unique opportunity to see the Cup in person.

Born in 1827 in Fontstown, Co. Kildare, Robert Cooper Bagot’s legacy is deeply connected to the Melbourne Cup. After emigrating to Australia in 1849, he became the first Secretary of the Victoria Racing Club in 1864. His innovative redesign of the Flemington racecourse and successful lobbying for a Melbourne Cup Day half-holiday expanded the race’s appeal. Naas Racecourse is proud to name a race in his honour on this special day.

The day also features a Treo Eile ex-racehorse parade including Max Dynamite who finished placed twice in the Melbourne Cup.  The first race on the day is due off at 2:20pm with the feature €300,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes going to post at 4:50pm. For more information about the event and schedule, please visit naasracecourse.com.