MELBOURNE CUP 2106

Next Tuesday November 1, the Melbourne Cup will take place at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. This 3,200 meter race is one of Australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred horse races. It is the richest “two-mile” handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races. Conducted annually by the Victoria Racing Club, the event will start at 3pm.

The first race was held in 1861 over two miles (3.219 km), however the course was shortened to 3,200 meters (1.988 mi) in 1972 when Australia adopted the metric system, reducing  the distance by 18.688 meters (61.312 ft). The current record holder is Kingston Rule, who won 1990 race with a time of 3:16.3.

The Melbourne Cup is a “quality handicap” for horses 3 years old and over. In handicap contests, the weight of the jockey and riding gear is adjusted with ballast to meet a nominated figure. Older horses will carry more weight than younger ones, and weights are also adjusted according to the horse’s previous results. In the past, weights were calculated to give each horse an equal winning chance. However in recent years the rules have changed to a “quality handicap” formula, with superior horses given less severe weight penalties than under “pure handicap” rules.

The total prize money for last year’s race exceeded AUD$ 6,200,000, plus trophies valued at AUD$ 175,000. The first 10 past the post receive a share of the prize money, with the 2015 winner taking home a cool AUD$ 3.6 million.
 
The Race that Stops a Nation


The Melbourne Cup is known as “the race that stops a nation”, and with good reason as much of Australia grinds to a halt. At 3pm next Tuesday, there will be approximately two and a half million spectators watching on television. Race day is even designated as a public holiday for those working within metropolitan Melbourne and some parts of regional Victoria, illustrating the country’s ongoing fascination with the event. As with the Grand National in United Kingdom, it is the one time of year when even those with only a passing interest in horse racing will have a flutter.

The Melbourne Cup is also perhaps the biggest day on Australia’s social calendar. Flemington Racecourse is the place to be seen, and people love to dress up for the occasion. It was estimated that in the lead-up to last year’s race, Australians purchased around 75,000 hats and fascinators, 61,000 dresses, 59,000 pairs of shoes and 30,000 handbags. At the racetrack alone, spectators ate over 15,000 oysters, 75,000 pies and consumed over half a million drinks. There are a wide variety of luxurious food and beverage options for attendees to enjoy, as well as numerous fashion and entertainment events happening onsite throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

 

Flying into Melbourne

Planning to join the festivities at the Melbourne Cup? Arrive in style with Jetex!

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To book your trip, or to find out more about the service Jetex offers, please contact our team today on +971 4 2124000 or email info@jetex.com