Victoria Racing Club secures major deals ahead of Melbourne Spring Carnival

Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has secured two eye-catching deals ahead of the start of the 2024 Melbourne Spring Carnival in September.

The VRC has acquired a new naming rights partner for two big races and a link-up with a technology specialist to deploy an equine welfare software platform for three other events.

VRC agrees deal with Crown Melbourne

The VRC has confirmed Crown Melbourne as the new naming rights partner for two of the biggest events in Australian horse racing – Makybe Diva Stakes Day and Oaks Day.

The Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes is one of the early highlights of the Melbourne Spring Carnival as it always attracts a ton of interest in the betting industry.

Named in honour of the three time Melbourne Cup winner, the Makybe Diva Stakes was won in impressive fashion by race favourite Mr Brightside last year.

Punters will be clamouring to find reliable Makybe Diva Stakes 2024 tips for a race which looks like it will have a hugely competitive line-up this season.

Via Sistina is currently the bookies’ favourite for the prestigious race, while Mr Brightside and Pride of Jenni are also among the top-class entries.

Crown’s involvement with the race has undoubtedly added to its allure given their status as one of Australia’s largest integrated resort and entertainment groups.

They have already established strong links with the VRC by supporting the Melbourne Cup Carnival and this latest deal will enhance the relationship.

VRC chairman Neil Wilson said: “We are very pleased to welcome Crown as the naming rights partner of Oaks Day and Makybe Diva Stakes Day.”

“This partnership embodies the shared commitment of both organisations to deliver unparalleled experiences to patrons while showcasing the very best of Australian racing, entertainment and hospitality.

“The support of Crown enhances the VRC’s current partnership portfolio which allows the club to consistently improve and innovate our Melbourne Cup Carnival offerings, affording our record 34,000-plus members and the public the best possible race day experience.”

The new partnership will also benefit The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, with Oaks Day set to double up as a fundraising event for the charity.

Headline races will use innovative software platform

The VRC recently announced it will use a new equine welfare software platform for horses running in the three headline races of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

The Equine MediRecord platform will be used to ensure trainers can adhere to the strict veterinary protocols for the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup in 2024.

It allows for the full veterinary history of each horse to be recorded securely, and guarantees compliance for all horses before they race.

The system will be an invaluable tool for the three big races, which have attracted an increasing number of international participants in recent years.

With veterinary procedures differing in other racing jurisdictions, the Equine MediRecord platform will ensure the VRC implements the best possible horse welfare protocols.

The software has been successfully been used at other major racing events worldwide including the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and the Pegasus World Cup.

With the sport needing to ensure it maintains its integrity due to the amount of money wagered on big races, the VRC’s decision to use the software makes perfect sense.

Chief Executive Officer of Equine MediRecord, Pierce Dargan, said: “We are thrilled about our partnership with Racing Victoria and doing all we can to help again ensure that the best horse welfare and transparency protocols are followed.”

“We are excited to deploy a new version of our Equine MediRecord system with the support of Racing Victoria which will combine pre-travel and pre-race equine welfare protocols into the one system.”

“We hope this partnership with Racing Victoria will drive adoption of our system by more equine events across Australia who want to ensure the best equine welfare and anti-doping protocols are being followed at their events.”