The Melbourne Cup is known as “the race that stops a nation”.
In many ways, it is much more than that, as horse racing fans around the world tune in to watch, with some even making the long trip to Melbourne from abroad.
Here is a look at who is in contention to win the race this year and why the contest is so special.
Race Now Attracts International Horses
When the Melbourne Cup was inaugurated in 1861, and until the early 20th century, it was only contested by Australian-based horses. Today it is one of the biggest international races on the global calendar, attracting some of the best overseas horses.
The betting on horse racing online for this year’s race is headed by Irish-trained horse Crystal Black. He is the +800 favorite to give trainer Gerard Keane a first success in the 3,200m contest.
As the racing results show, Crystal Black has been in excellent form this year, with major victories in Ireland and the UK. He won the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot, while on his latest outing, he prevailed in the Group Three Ballyroan Stakes.
Huge for the Keane family! Crystal Black wins the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/lH3aJZBvCB
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 21, 2024
Crystal Black is likely to be joined in Melbourne by leading Irish Flat horses Tower of London and Vauban. The latter featured in 2023 in the 163rd running of the race, finishing 14th on his debut.
Very Difficult Race To win
The Melbourne Cup is the richest 3,200m handicap contest on turf worldwide. With the weights released to give each runner an equal chance of winning, it is a race that is very difficult to win for jockey, trainer, and horse.
In 1927, jockey Bobbie Lewis became the first rider to win the Melbourne Cup four times. His success came in 1902, 1915, 1919, and 1927. Three-year-old colt Trivalve gave him his fourth winner. Lewis’ record was matched in 1979 by Harry White. The local rider from Victoria partnered Hyperno to triumph in the 1979 race.
Bart Cummings is a trainer who will forever be synonymous with the Melbourne Cup. The legendary Australian horse racing trainer won the race 12 times. He was first successful in 1965, and his latest triumph came in 2008 with Viewed.
Today we wish #MelbourneCup pioneer Dermot Weld a very happy 70th birthday! 25 years ago Dermot, Mick Kinane, and Vintage Crop traveled more than 17,000 km to become the first international winners of Australia’s greatest race, the Melbourne Cup. pic.twitter.com/O53nf4Jp8n
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) July 30, 2018
Irish trainer Dermot Weld was the first overseas trainer to win the lucrative handicap race in 1993 with Vintage Crop. The horse only flew into Australia just weeks before the race. The Irishman has often had runners in the Melbourne Cup throughout his career, and he was rewarded with a second success in 2002 with Media Puzzle.
Fashion and Glamour
As well as quality racing across the Melbourne Spring Racing Festival, the event is also known for its fashion and glamour, just like Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville.
There are awards handed to the best-dressed men and women at the Melbourne Cup. The former tend to wear a suit, with the jacket being mandatory in certain areas of the racecourse, so if you are planning a trip this year or in the future, do check out the dress code.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup takes place on November 5. Over 100,000 spectators could attend Flemington Racecourse for the latest renewal of the race.
