Melbourne Cup

Publication date: 19 August 2022

About the Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most important annual sporting events in Australia.

It is run by the Victoria Racing Club. The Melbourne Cup is known as The Race that Stops the Nation. It’s a day off only in the state of Victoria, but Australians still find the time and opportunity to watch the race.

The symbol of the Melbourne Cup is the cornflower.

Official Melbourne Cup website

2025 Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup 2025 is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, attracting thousands of spectators and racing enthusiasts every year.

When and Where

The Melbourne Cup 2025 will take place on the first Tuesday in November, traditionally at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. The exact date will be announced closer to the event. This year the event will take place on November 4th.

Participants

The competition will feature the best racehorses from around the world, including champions from Australia, Europe, Asia, and North America. Participants will include both seasoned horses and young talents.

Potential Favorites

• International Stars: Horses from Europe and Asia that have already proven themselves in global competitions.
• Australian Champions: Local horses familiar with the Flemington track.
• Season Surprises: Young horses that could deliver unexpected results.

Melbourne Cup history

The history of the Melbourne Cup dates back to 1861. At that time, settlers from England brought their favourite sport with them and organized a two-mile race with a prize money of £170 plus a gold watch. Seventeen jockeys took part in the first event.

Today the prize fund of the Melbourne Cup is A$5 million.

According to statistics, more than 700 million spectators from 120 countries watch the event.

Only one horse (Makybe Diva) managed to win the Melbourne Cup 3 times in a row.

In 1987, Mary Lyndon, the first female jockey, took part in the competition.

Michelle Payne is the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup, her horse’s name is Prince of Penzance. 

Interesting Facts About the Event

1. History: The Melbourne Cup has been held since 1861 and is one of the oldest horse racing events in the world.
2. Prize Money: The race is one of the richest, with a prize pool exceeding 8 million Australian dollars.
3. Traditions: Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in Australia, and spectators traditionally wear bright outfits and hats.
4. Global Audience: The race is broadcast in over 160 countries, attracting millions of viewers.

Previous Melbourne Cup results

2026 Melbourne Cup

Information on the dates of the next Melbourne Cup is not yet available.

Keep an eye on the dates of horse racing and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.