As part of the new partnership, both clubs will have the opportunity to develop stronger links, foster greater co-operation and professional ideas and, introduce a staff exchange programme. Both Clubs will also be taking the opportunity to formalise reciprocal rights between the two organisations.

Details of the strategic alliance were unveiled on the same day the trophy, and Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon, arrived in Singapore as part of the 2005 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour.

The relationship with the Singapore Turf Club is the most recent for the Victoria Racing Club, which has already sealed similar partnerships with The Curragh (Ireland), Ascot (UK), Longchamps, Deauville, Chantilly (France) and Baden Baden (Germany).

Commented Yu Pang Fey, President and Chief Executive, Singapore Turf Club, "The Victoria Racing Club is an innovator in the racing industry and home to the prestigious Melbourne Cup. We are delighted to enter into this partnership with the Victoria Racing Club. Both Club’s are highly committed to excellence in racing and the synergies gained will augur well not only for our respective racing industries but also beyond. There is much we can learn from each other and we look forward to a long-standing and mutually rewarding relationship."

Rod Fitzroy, Chairman, Victoria Racing Club, believes the new partnership will foster even greater relations between Australia and Singapore. "Racing is a truly international sport and it is wonderful to develop a relationship with the key racing body in Singapore. We anticipate the benefits of this partnership will extend beyond racing and provide new commercial and tourism opportunities for both countries," said Mr Fitzroy.

Dedicated to fostering strong relations with key international partners the Victoria Racing Club will visit Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai during September to promote racing, tourism and trade between countries. In Singapore, an exclusive dinner event will be held on September 15 at the Raffles Hotel where the special racing guest will be Sheila Laxon – Australasia’s only female trainer to win a Melbourne Cup.