Melbourne Cup Dates

Melbourne Cup

The world’s richest two-mile handicap race and Australia’s utmost important and major horse race, the Melbourne cup has been successful in stealing the hearts and minds of audience watching the race live and also the millions of viewers watching the race via worldwide television coverage.

The Melbourne cup race is 3200 meters long and is generally contested by a maximum of 24 thoroughbred horses who have qualified to run in the event as per the conditions of the race. The race is held on the first Tuesday of November every year and the Flemington racecourse stands as the venue for the race held by the Victoria Racing club. The prizemoney on offer makes the Melbourne Cup one of the most sought after long distance races in the world. Millions of dollars are wagered on the event each year from astute to first time punters.

The first Melbourne cup race was held in 1861 and later in 1993 it has gained popularity transforming it into a global event where horses from different countries across the globe participate in the race to win the most valuable cup. 

As mentioned earlier the race receives numerous nominations, however the Melbourne cup field is restricted only to 24 horses. Anxiousness is the only feeling that punters have while waiting for the release of the final Melbourne cup field. Interestingly, people who have never liked betting try their luck on this day. If not betting, people at least make up sweep where a ticket holder is matched with a horse that is randomly drawn.

The Melbourne cup day is declared as a public holiday in Melbourne. It is the most awaited day in the lives of Aussies. This day is popularly tagged as “the race that stops the nation.” People simply leave everything aside to follow the news updates or watch it live on the course. This shows the craze that people have for this sporting event.

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Disclaimer - All public holidays are correct at the time of printing. Holiday dates are determined by each state authority and are subject to change. Please ensure you check relevant holiday dates for each state before making a holiday booking.