Melbourne Cup Day

Melbourne Cup Day is an annual event held in Melbourne, Australia, at the Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday of November. It is the biggest horse race in Australia and is part of the week-long Melbourne Cup Carnival. Every year, around a hundred thousand people attend the 3200-meter race in person, while over 650 million people watch it on television around the world.

History

The first races in the area of the current Flemington Racecourse took place in 1840, during the gold rush. A hippodrome was organized on a flat area along the river, with spectators located on a hill as there were no stands at the time. These appeared eight years later, and the area was named after the landowner’s wife, Flemington. This makes it the oldest race track in Australia.

The Melbourne Cup was initially planned to be held in 1861, but due to a quarrel between two racing clubs, the event was canceled. A few years later, the Victoria Racing Club was established, and it has since managed the track. The first Melbourne Cup Day was held in 1875 when the authorities transferred the lands of the racing club to the Victoria Club.

Interesting facts

• Horse racing in Australia has become a popular event, with horses from New Zealand, Tasmania, and South Wales participating and the number of spectators reaching 40 thousand.
• Racers from Melbourne wanted to make the event even more prestigious, and the proceeds were intended to be invested in the development of the hippodrome.
• The first Melbourne Cup was planned to be held in 1861, but due to a quarrel between two racing clubs, the event was canceled. However, a few years later, the Victoria Racing Club was formed, and today it manages the hippodrome.
• In 1875, Melbourne Cup Day was held for the first time when the authorities transferred the lands of the racing club to the Victoria Club.

How to take part

On the eve of the race, there is a parade in Melbourne – join it to see all the jockeys who will start the next day. True racing fans wear big hats, drink champagne, and dress smartly – follow their example. It is customary to wear the best outfits and elegant shoes to the races. Be sure to place a bet and be part of Australian history. If you have no opportunity to go to Australia, watch the broadcast of the race on television or online.

When is Melbourne Cup Day in 2024?

Melbourne Cup Day is observed on the first Tuesday of November each year.

Observations