The Melbourne Cup

What Is The Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup, simply known as “the race that stops a nation,” is Australia’s most iconic thoroughbred horse race.

When Was The Melbourne Cup First Run?

First run in 1861 at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, the race was established by the Victoria Turf Club to draw public interest and yes, it succeeded beyond expectations.

Inaugural Melbourne Cup Winner

That inaugural Cup was won by Archer, who famously walked over 800 kilometres from Nowra, New South Wales, to compete, and then returned to win again the following year.

When Is The Melbourne Cup?

Held on the first Tuesday of November each year, The Melbourne Cup has evolved into one of the richest and most prestigious staying races in the world, attracting elite competitors from across the globe desperate to win the race.

How Long Is The Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup is a 3,200-metre handicap race for horses aged three and over.

How Many Runners Are In The Melbourne Cup?

Hundreds of horses will nominate for The Melbourne Cup across the year, but the final field will contain just 24 horses.

Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup?

Make sure you check out our expert race preview closer to the race. We also offer free AI betting tips every day from 8:00am AEST.

Melbourne Cup Traditions

The Cup now has a deep connection to Australian culture and identity. It’s not just a sporting event it’s a social institution. The Cup travels across Australia allowing fans from all corners of the country to get up close with it and learn more about the great race.

Public Holiday

Fashion, tradition, and the thrill of a punt come together each spring, with a public holiday declared in Victoria for race day.

Melbourne Cup Legends

Over the years, legendary names such as Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, the only horse to win the Cup three times, and Bart Cummings, the “Cups King” with 12 training victories, have become etched into racing folklore.

Recent Melbourne Cup Winners

Over the past decade, the Melbourne Cup has continued to deliver thrilling finishes and memorable moments, showcasing the talent of both local and international contenders.

2024 Melbourne Cup Winner

In 2024, Knight’s Choice, a five-year-old gelding trained by John Symons and Sheila Laxon and ridden by Robbie Dolan, stormed home in a time of 3:19.53, delivering a win for owners C A Bain, Mrs K J Waldron and R A Waldron, paying a juicy $91.

Without A Fight

The year prior, Without A Fight claimed victory in 2023 under Mark Zahra, giving trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman another cracking triumph, with the seven-year-old gelding finishing in 3:18.37 for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum.

Gold Trip

Zahra also guided Gold Trip to win in 2022 for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, with Australian Bloodstock among the owners. The 2021 Cup belonged to Verry Elleegant, the champion mare ridden by James McDonald for trainer Chris Waller, clocking in at 3:17.43 in a dominant display.

Twilight Payment

International flavour was strong in 2020 as Twilight Payment, trained by Joseph O’Brien and owned by Lloyd Williams and partners, led all the way to win in 3:17.34.

Vow And Declare

The previous year, Vow And Declare, a local favourite trained by Danny O’Brien and ridden by Craig Williams, thrilled the Flemington crowd.

Other Melbourne Cup Winners

Other winners in the past decade include Cross Counter (2018), Rekindling (2017), Almandin (2016), and Prince of Penzance (2015), the latter famously ridden by Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Cup, making history in one of Australian sport’s most iconic moments, her runner caused a shock as he was 100-1!

So near yet so far… The Melbourne Cup Runner Up

The horse that has finished as runner-up in the Melbourne Cup the most times is Red Cadeaux. This British-trained gelding achieved his second position on three occasions: in 2011, 2013, and 2014.

His consistent performances in the race earned him a special place in the hearts of Australian racing fans despite being trained by an Englishman Ed Dunlop and owned by a group of British owners. Red Cadeaux was known for his steely determination over the long-distance race at Flemington.

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