LEXUS Australia has extended its sponsorship with the Victorian Racing Club to add three years to its commitment to the iconic Australian sporting and cultural event, the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Lexus’ partnership now continues to 2027 which will take its association with the VRC to 25 years, including 10 as principal partner with naming rights to the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

John Pappas, CEO Lexus Australia and Kylie Rogers, Victoria Racing Club

Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas said Lexus was privileged to be only the fourth sponsor in the race’s prestigious 164-year history.“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is more than a famous horse race, it is a celebration of Australian culture,” Mr Pappas said.

“It is an occasion for people and communities to come together and create their own amazing experiences, in the same way Lexus enjoys creating amazing experiences for customers.”

Mr Pappas said the VRC’s annual landmark community event, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, which last year took the cup trophy to 39 destinations in the lead-up, holds high importance for the brand and was pivotal to the partnership extension.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup is truly the people’s cup, and it’s important that everyone has the chance to experience its magic.”The new partnership extension also sees Lexus maintain naming rights to several golden ticket races which will provide the winner direct entry into the $8.5 million Lexus Melbourne Cup, the world’s richest handicap race.

Golden ticket races include the Lexus Roy Higgins on TAB Australian Cup Day at Flemington, the Lexus Andrew Ramsden on Andrew Ramsden Race Day, the Lexus Archer Stakes on Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day and the Lexus Bart Cummings on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day, where the winners go straight into the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The VRC chief executive officer Kylie Rogers said the extension was a strong endorsement of the enduring appeal of the Lexus Melbourne Cup and the relationship between the VRC and Lexus Australia.“The VRC is proud to extend our partnership with Lexus Australia to a new milestone of 25 years,” Ms Rogers said.

“We thank Lexus for their continued support. The relationship we have fostered over more than two decades has seen Lexus contribute to exceptional Melbourne Cup Carnival experiences since 2003 and support important fundraising initiatives such as our Pin & Win program, which raised a record amount in 2024.”