Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous and prestigious horse race, an annual event that attracts tens of thousands of spectators. It’s also big news in the rest of the world: The BBC does a half-hour special on it every year, and this year’s running even drew attention from CNN. So if you’re looking for an excuse to brush up on your Australian racing history or just want to know how it all got started (and why), read on!
Traditionally held on the first Tuesday in November, Melbourne Cup Day is one of Australia’s most popular sporting events
The Melbourne Cup is a horse race held on the first Tuesday in November in Melbourne. It is one of Australia’s most popular sporting events. In addition to being televised live on Channel 7, it has also been broadcast overseas since 1990 via satellite feed through Sky Racing World.
The event attracts thousands of spectators who come to watch the race itself and also enjoy other attractions such as fashion shows and concerts held throughout the day.
Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee Bart Cummings won the Melbourne Cup 12 times
Bart Cummings is a legendary Australian horse trainer who won 12 Melbourne Cups. The only trainer to have won the Melbourne Cup 12 times, Cummings’ last win came in 1986 with What A Nuisance. In addition to being inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame (which he was awarded when he retired), Cummings has also been inducted into both of Australia’s major horse racing awards—the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (1994) and Racing Victoria Hall of Fame (2007).
The Cup
The Cup itself is an urn, which was originally a gift from the Victorian Turf Club to Thomas McCrae and his wife Louisa Jane McCrae who were responsible for supervising the initial organisation of the race, then known as The Metropolitan Steeplechase or Victoria Championship Stakes.
It is traditionally held by a member of Royalty to present it to the winning horse’s owner or trainer before being returned to its place on display in the Members Room at Flemington Racecourse.
The Melbourne Cup is part of the fabric of life in Australia
The Melbourne Cup is such a big deal that it’s almost like a national holiday in Australia. It’s been compared to the Super Bowl, except that it lasts for four days and you’re allowed to drink alcohol on the streets when you’re watching it.
You can’t help but be swept up in the excitement of this race, particularly if you live near one of the many pubs that show it live on TV. Even if you don’t go down to your local pub or club, there will probably be plenty of people around who’ll want to talk about how their horse did or how they think yours will do.
Conclusion
The Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious races in Australia. It’s a day of celebration and every Australian should know about their history, traditions and culture! We hope you have enjoyed learning more about it and if you ever get the chance, don’t miss this spectacular event!