Jockey Club and Melbourne Racing Club Expand Member Benefits
Starting from August 1, 2025, all Annual Members of The Jockey Club’s 15 racecourses in the UK will enjoy complimentary admission to every race fixture held by the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC). In return, MRC Annual Members will be granted free access to UK meetings, including major events like The Cheltenham Festival, the Randox Grand National Festival, and four of the five Betfred British Classics.
The MRC operates three of Victoria’s premier race venues—Caulfield, Mornington, and Sandown—and hosts 80 race days annually, with 13 Group One contests held at Caulfield alone. This collaboration opens up new avenues for international racing fans to experience elite events across hemispheres.
Reciprocal Membership Access Builds on Existing Ties
This new agreement builds on a strong relationship already in place between the two organisations. Winners of the Group Two Betfred Jockey Club Stakes and the Group Two Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket currently receive ballot exemption for the Group One Caulfield Cup, a major highlight of Australia’s spring racing calendar.
On the flip side, the winner of the Group One Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield in February is rewarded with an invitation, free entry, and travel incentives to compete in the prestigious Group One July Cup during Newmarket’s Debenhams July Festival.
Global Racing Fans to Benefit from Complimentary Access
Matthew Woolston, Assistant Racing and International Director at The Jockey Club, described the agreement as a pivotal step in international fan engagement.
“This exciting new association will see anyone who is an Annual Member at any of our 15 racecourses gain complimentary admission to any MRC fixture,” said Woolston. “It offers the chance to watch and be at the heart of some of the very best racing in the world, including the Group One Caulfield Cup.”
He added, “MRC Annual Members will also gain access to any of The Jockey Club’s 320 annual fixtures, handing Australian fans the perfect opportunity to sample some of the UK’s very best racing throughout the year.”
How Members Can Use Their Reciprocal Access
The reciprocal access program will run until December 31, 2026. Members interested in using their benefits can simply present their membership card at participating racecourses. UK-based members seeking additional information are encouraged to email internationalmembership@thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Strengthening Global Ties Through Horse Racing
This partnership underscores a growing trend of global collaboration in horse racing. By enhancing membership privileges across continents, The Jockey Club and Melbourne Racing Club are offering fans more than just racing—they’re offering a passport to premium racing experiences around the world.
More than Just Perks: A Gateway to Elite Racing Culture
Beyond the complimentary entry, this partnership represents a cultural exchange between two of the most respected names in global horse racing. From the style and prestige of British race days at Newmarket and Cheltenham, to the electric atmosphere at Caulfield’s Group One meetings, members will be able to immerse themselves in a variety of race day traditions. It also serves as a unique opportunity for racegoers to experience the training styles, facilities, and fan cultures of two leading racing jurisdictions. With both organisations focused on delivering high-quality hospitality and access, the agreement strengthens the global sense of community that binds passionate racing fans together.
For more international racing updates, visit the International section of RaceBuzz.
To learn more about Melbourne Racing Club events, visit the official MRC website.
