Cup could be named after Bart

FORMER Victoria Racing Club boss Dale Monteith has said consideration should be given to naming the Melbourne Cup this year after master trainer Bart Cummings.

Mr Monteith, who as the race club CEO for 12 years worked closely with Cummings (pictured), said his achievement of winning 12 Melbourne Cups was truly unique.

“This idea is well worth considering,’’ he said. “We’ve only got one chance to celebrate the life of a legend.”

He said the support of the Cup naming rights sponsor Emirates would be needed to name the 2015 race the Emirates Bart Cummings Melbourne Cup.

“The relationship between the VRC and Bart was pretty special,’’ Mr Monteith said.

For the first time this year, the winner of The Bart Cummings race in October will automatically qualify for the Melbourne Cup.

The VRC said yesterday a public memorial service would be held for the Cups king on Saturday week at Flemington.