The company was also front and centre when Winx won her third Queen Elizabeth Stakes – and 33rd race in a row – in her final career start in 2019.

But the ATC has been told it will have a blank canvas to work with for the 2024 carnival as it tries to penetrate the difficult sporting sponsorship market.

Myer recently announced it had pulled out of being the Melbourne Cup’s fashion sponsor,and the continued financial backing from betting companies is firmly in the spotlight after a parliamentary inquiry in June flagged a blanket ban on television advertisements and sponsorship.

There is hope Longines could still return to the table in the future to back Sydney racing,but it won’t be an immediate commitment with the Golden Slipper and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

ATC acting chief executive Matt Galanos said:“ATC is extremely grateful for the support we have enjoyed with Longines over 10 years,including for the Golden Slipper and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“After two successive five-year deals with Longines,we look forward to new opportunities with our iconic races.”

Longines has been contacted for comment.

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