The start mounts, the red light starts to flash, and in an instant the stalls fly open. Horses rush forward and the race has just begun. The commentator shouts “they’re off” and the excitement begins. Photographers grab Melbourne Cup pictures to capture that special moment. Even though it’s an annual event no two races are the same.
| The Melbourne Cup’s inaugural winner in 1861, Archer was a champion thoroughbred who went on to win the second running of what is now the world’s richest handicap race. Trained by the esteemed Etienne de Mestre, Archer was ridden by John Cutts in both of his Cup victories… |
| Grand Flaneur was a champion Australian racehorse who is most well-known for his impressive nine successive race victories in esteemed events including the AJC Derby, Victoria Derby and the 1880 Melbourne Cup. After this unbeaten nine wins from nine starts Grand Flaneur was retired… |
| Phar Lap was inarguably Australia’s most beloved, celebrated and iconic racehorse. With his skill and spirit he gave the nation hope throughout the early years of the Great Depression. The chestnut gelding, foaled in New Zealand but trained and raced in Australia… |
| This picture, taken on Victoria Derby Day 2007, shows one of the esteemed Flemington racecourse’s historical features, the Clerks of the Course. The predominantly grey and white horses who serve in this respected position are primarily former racehorses… |
| Thoroughbred racing just wouldn’t be possible without the accomplished and skilled jockeys who ride the horses down the track. This picture shows riders at work, doing what they love to do… |
| This engraving is of the 1881 Melbourne Cup at the finish line. It shows just how central and significant a sporting event the Melbourne Cup has been to Australia and the popularity of the race even then. The engraving depicts the huge number of spectators… |
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