A number of important prep races are coming up in Europe, with former Cup favourite Vauban heading to the Curragh Cup this weekend in Ireland. That country’s association with the Melbourne Cup also sees the trophy itself heading there for a visit.
Irish Oaks Weekend Task for Vauban
Last year’s hot Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban is taking his latest step towards the 2024 Melbourne Cup this weekend. The popular stayer and occasional jumper head to the Curragh Cup (Group 2) on Irish Oaks Day.
Willie Mullins’ gelding is among 12 declared for the Curragh’s 2800-metre race. Former winners include some great gallopers such as Red Cadeaux, Vintage Crop and Twilight Payment.
As well as Mullins’ horse and an Aidan O’Brien contender, Melbourne Cup winner Dermot Weld will also be represented by Shamida, a daughter of Australia.
So far this season, Vauban has been in form without winning. Second to the talented Giavellotto at York, he followed up with a strong run at Royal Ascot. There, he was fourth behind Kyprios but he’s ready to step things up now.
Before we get to see Vauban in the Melbourne Cup live on November 5, the Cup itself can be seen in Ireland. After touring the UK, it is heading off to Naas Racecourse in County Kildare.
Cup on Show at Naas’ Richest Raceday
The iconic Melbourne Cup will arrive in Ireland over the northern hemisphere summer. Naas Racecourse’s richest raceday will now feature the trophy.
Ballyhane Stakes Day takes place on Monday, August 5. It’s a local bank holiday and a huge crowd is expected at the course, just 37km from Dublin.
The Cup’s arrival coincides with Naas presenting a celebration of the Flemington race’s rich history. That includes the legacy of Robert Cooper Bagot, himself a Kildare resident. His contributions helped to form what is now one of the world’s most famous races.
Cup History Celebrated in Ireland as Tour Continues
This year’s edition of the Melbourne Cup will be the 164th. Not only is the history strong, but with a prize fund of nearly $8.5 million it also stands among the world’s richest racing events. The trophy itself is valued at around $750,000.
Before coming home in time for the Spring Carnival, the Melbourne Cup travels around 110,000km. No fewer than 39 destinations are visited around the world. Many heading to Naas for the bank holiday races are already looking forward to seeing it up close.
Kildare’s Robert Cooper Bagot emigrated to Australia back in 1849. He became the very first Victoria Racing Club Secretary in 1864.
He was responsible for a crucial redesign of the racecourse at Flemington and also for the successful lobbying of Melbourne Cup Day becoming a half-day holiday to celebrate the whole occasion.
Also parading on Naas’ big day will be Max Dynamite, twice a placed horse in the Melbourne Cup. Ireland’s mark on the Cup, and vice-versa, is clear to be seen over the next month or so.
