Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – Race Day Cruising Package »
Join in the fun and action of the Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival with a Melbourne river cruise to Flemington Racecourse. Enjoy all the excitement of The Derby, Oaks Day and the infamous Melbourne Cup, the race that stops a nation! More »
About the Melbourne Cup 2012
Melbourne Cup Day is Australia’s most celebrated horse racing event. It is an annual public holiday in the state of Victoria and the race itself is observed nationwide at around 3pm on the first Tuesday of November.
When the horses hit Flemington race track in the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November, Australia virtually comes to a standstill.
Billed as the richest handicap race in the world, the $5.65 million Emirates Melbourne Cup is the centrepiece of Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival.
Traditionally only observed as a public holiday within Melbourne, it is now a public holiday in the entire state of Victoria.
The race built on dreams, hard luck and triumph began in 1861 when 17 horses raced for 170 pounds cash and a hand-beaten gold watch.
Today, the Emirates Melbourne Cup is a national institution. The two mile handicap is arguably the most challenging race of its kind for 3 year old thoroughbreds.
Phar Lap, the most famous horse in the world in his day, won the race in 1930. The last decade has seen more foreign trained horses enter the race. The Irish trainer Dermot Weld was successful in 1993 and 2002 and in 2006 Japan’s renowned Yoshida racing and breeding family won . In the 1970s New Zealand bred horses won 5 out of 10 Melbourne Cup races. Beldale Ball won in 1980 and was owned by Robert Sangster. Kingston Rule was the 1990 winner with a time of 3:16.3. In 2007 Efficient was the 6th grey horse to win the race in its 147-year history.
Betting on the Melbourne Cup is an Australian tradition. Over 70 per cent of the population in Australia either place a bet through a sweepstake in their workplace or community or place a bet independently.
The Melbourne Cup trophy is an 18 carat loving cup design trophy initially valued at $125 which escalated to $80,000 in 2005.
The Melbourne Cup attracts the most glamorous and stylish best dressed women in Australia. The West Australian MEYER Fashions in the Field competion is Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event.
For travellers who want to indulge in the hight of luxury Melbourne Cup Cruises are a spectacular way to see the sights and take in the Melbourne Carnival at the same time.
Typical Melbourne Cup Packages include a choice of any of Melbourne’s luxury hotels coach transfers, entry to Carnival activities of your choice and entry to the races.
Contact
Victoria Racing Club Limited
448 Epsom Road
Flemington VIC 3031
1300 727 575
+61 3 8378 0747 (Overseas)
For all non race day event enquiries please contact Flemington – The Event Centre on 1300 783 872
Official website & 2011/2012 Melbourne Cup Dates
For 2011 Melbourne Cup tickets and comprehensive event information.
