This year will be the 149th running of Australia’s favourite race, the $5.65million Emirates Melbourne Cup, and once again connections of the winning horse will be presented with the coveted “Loving Cup” trophy.

The prestige, design and value of the Melbourne Cup trophy has come a long way since the inaugural winner, Archer in 1861, won a hand beaten gold watch for his owner Ettienne de Mestre.

Today the trophy is a stunning 18-carat gold creation valued at over $125 000 with a French-polished black wattle base. Presented to the public on its annual tour in the months leading up to the Melbourne Cup, the trophy is one of the most recognised and loved sporting awards in the world.

There are also smaller trophies presented to the trainer, jockey, strapper and breeder of the Melbourne Cup winning horse, bringing the total value of all trophies to a very lucrative $150 000.

This year, Hardy Brothers Jewellers, created the Melbourne Cup trophy for the 30th consecutive year.

But of course the question on everybody’s lips is which horse will win this year’s Melbourne Cup and be awarded with the trophy?

Loving Cup Facts:

Weight: 1650g
Value: over $125 000
First Presented: 1919
2009 Creators: Hardy Brothers Jewellers