Melbourne Cup History

The Melbourne Cup is to Australia what the Grand National is to the English as both races have one thing in common, they both stop a nation. When these great races are in running there are tens of millions of people in the respective countries tuned in and wiling on the horse they have a backed. Millions are bet on the Melbourne Cup which takes place on the first Tuesday of each November.

The Melbourne Cup began from an initiative by the Victoria Turf Club, who wanted a race that would become a top quality handicap and they certainly succeeded as it is now the best 2 mile flat race in the World. The very first running of the Melbourne Cup took place in 1861 and was won by a horse called Archer.

Melbourne Cup has its home track at Flemington. The Melbourne Cup quickly became part of the Australian Racing Calendar which brought with it a carnival type atmosphere which has developed over the years. The Melbourne Cup is now an established part of the Australian cultural and sporting calendars which helps continue its high profile status. In some ways it is similar to both the Grand National meeting and Royal AScot in the UK. The Melbourne Cup soon emerged as the place to be seen for the social set, politicians and Australia's rich and famous alike are always prominent at the meeting. One of the most amazing things about the Melbourne Cup is the crowds that turn up on the day. Melbourne Cup race day is a complete sell out, so unless you have a ticket make sure you do not arrive hoping to get into Flemington Racecourse.

A couple of names that have become synonymous with the Melbourne Cup over the years, include Carbine and Phar Lap and in more recent times Makybe Diva. All these horse had one thing in common, they never let their racing fans down.