Tabcorp extends Melbourne Cup, VRC deals

Australian gaming and gambling group Tabcorp has extended its sponsorship agreements with the Melbourne Cup and Victoria Racing Club, which organises the showpiece horse racing event.

Tabcorp has agreed eight-year extensions of its partnerships with the event and the VRC. The new deals, financial terms of which were not disclosed, take effect from August 1 and run until 2024.

Under the agreement, Tabcorp will continue to serve as the official wagering partner of the VRC and the Melbourne Cup. The company will extend its backing to the Melbourne Cup Tour, which sees the trophy travel across Australia and New Zealand in the lead-up to the event.

Tabcorp will also take on naming rights to the Group 1 Australian Cup event as part of its enhanced deal with the VRC.

Tabcorp’s association with the VRC first began in 1961. The 2016 Melbourne Cup takes place on November 1 at Flemington Racecourse.