As the richest and most prestigious thoroughbred race in Australia, the Melbourne Cup attracts the finest gallopers from across the globe and the winner’s list features all of the turf greats. The racing world is now ready to add another name to the greats with 2010 Melbourne Cup winner decided on Tuesday November 2.

The Melbourne Cup History is long and rich with the horses that have secured the Loving Trophy by being the first over the line in the testing 3,200m handicap also securing a place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts and punters the world over.

The first Melbourne Cup winner was the great Archer who won back-to-back Cups in 1861 and 1862 for trainer Etienne de Mestre.

De Mestre would go on to prepare another three Melbourne Cup winners with Tim Whiffler (1867), Chester (1877) and Calamia (1878) to become the leading Melbourne Cup winning trainer before the legendary Bart Cummings came into the picture.

Cummings has won 12 Melbourne Cups over the year and will attempt his record 13^th win in the 150^th edition of the Melbourne Cup at this year’s Cup Carnival.

Horses leading the contingent for Cummings include Queensland Derby winner Dariana, Cox Plate champion So You Think, star mare Faint Perfume and Precedence.

Can one of these stayers become the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner and put Cummings in the history books again?

Another early favourite in the Melbourne Cup Odds to win the $6 million Flemington feature is the 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking.

There have been just five Melbourne Cup winners to claim back-to-back success in the world’s richest handicap with Makybe Diva (2003, 2004, 2005), Think Big (1974, 1975), Rain Lover (1968, 1969), Peter Pan (1932, 1934) and of course Archer (1861, 1862).

Other famous Melbourne Cup winners include Cabine (1890), the mighty Phar Lap (1930), Comic Court (1951), Rising Fast (1954), Galilee (1966), Vintage Crop (1993) and Saintly (1996).

All Melbourne Cup winners share some similar traits including the ability to stay the distance, a determination to win and a talented trainer.

When getting in on the Melbourne Cup Betting markets for this year’s race make sure you look out for these winning traits.

The other tip is to place your bets at an online bookmaker such as [sportsbet] instead of wasting your wagers at the TAB who offer inferior odds compared to those you can get at [sportsbet]!

Below is a list of the most recent Melbourne Cup winners and placegetters.

Today at midday the Melbourne Cup first declarations are out narrowing down the list of hopeful horses that could feature in the Melbourne Cup Field this year and go on to become the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner!

Recent Melbourne Cup Winners & Placegetters

Year	Winner	Runner-Up	Third
2009	Shocking	Crime Scene	Mourilyan
2008	Viewed	Bauer	C’est La Guerre
2007	Efficient	Purple Moon	Mahler
2006	Delta Blues	Pop Rock	Maybe Better
2005	Makybe Diva	On A Jeune	Xcellent
2004	Makybe Diva	Vinnie Roe	Zazzman
2003	Makybe Diva	She’s Archie	Jardine’s Lookout
2002	Media Puzzle	Mr Prudent	Beekeeper
2001	Ethereal	Give The Slip	Persian Punch
2000	Brew	Yippyio	Second Coming