The Melbourne Cup is the biggest race in Australia and is the richest handicap race in the world. Attracting over 100,000 people to Flemington each year, the Cup is worth an impressive $5.5 million in prize money. Run over the extended length of 3200m, the Melbourne Cup is an open handicap held on the first Tuesday of November. Due to the handicap conditions, the top weight cannot by less than 57kg. Because of its challenging length, the race has become an international sensation with plenty of countries stopping to watch the race at 3pm.

The best lead-up races to the event include the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) and the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m). Although there are some horses which do compete in several major races during the carnival, many horses will also rest up before the Cup day and consequently spectators cannot use the lead-up races as a guide to each horse’s performance.

Melbourne Cup History:

The Melbourne Cup was first raced in 1861 and was won by the historic Archer. With over 140 years of history, Melbourne Cup spectators have witnessed some of the greatest races in Australia as well as meeting legendary trainers such as Bart Cummings and John deMestre. The Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup double is a huge event and is regarded as one of the toughest challenges to beat. The following horses have managed this great feat: Poseidon in 1906, The Trump in 1937, Rivette in 1939, Rising Fast in 1954, Even Stevens 1962, Galilee in 1966, Gurner’s Lane in 1982, Let’s Elope in 1991, Doriemus in 1995, Might and Power in 1997 and Ethereal in 2001.

Recent Melbourne Cup Winners: