Horse Racing

The Australian Cup is a Group 1 open handicap race held in March during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival. This $1 million race is one of many races held on Flemington?s Super Saturday, which offers seven group stakes races including the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap and the Australian Guineas.

The weight-for-age race is a 2000m event ideal for strong staying horses. The most recent lead-up race to the Australian Cup is the Group 2 St George Stakes (1800m).

Australian Cup History:

First won by Barwon in 1861, the race was originally a 3600m test of endurance until 1943 when the distance was decreased to 3500m. Twenty years later the distance was further decreased to 3200m however the following year in 1964, the race became a 2000m event.

The race?s fastest finishing time is held by the legendary Makybe Diva. In 2005, the mare finished the race in 1 minute 58.7 seconds. In 2007 the Australian Cup changed locations by being temporarily raced at Caulfield Racecourse.

Last 10 Years of Australian Cup Winners: