The New York Racing Association and Moonee Valley Racing Club have extended their partnership by announcing that the winner of the Grade 1, $600,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Saratoga will receive an invitation to the US$3.39 million Cox Plate (G1).
The winning connections of the Saratoga Derby, established in 2019 and contested over 1 3/16 miles, will automatically earn a spot in the 2024 Cox Plate, with subsidies for transportation and accommodation included.
In 2021, Joseph O’Brien made history by training Irish-bred superstar State of Rest, who won the Saratoga Derby and then went on to win the Cox Plate in Melbourne, narrowly defeating Anamoe. State of Rest continued his success by winning the Prix Ganay (G1) in France and the Prince of Wales’s (G1) at Royal Ascot before retiring to stud at Newgate Farm.
Charlotte Mills, head of racing at MVRC, expressed excitement about growing the partnership with NYRA and increasing international participation in the Cox Plate.
NYRA senior vice president of racing and operations Andrew Offerman shared his pleasure in connecting the Saratoga Derby to such a prestigious race as the Cox Plate, emphasising the importance of linking important races on the national and international stage.
Entries for the 2024 Saratoga Derby will be open on Sunday, July 28.