Arguably one of the most celebrated horse races in the world, the Melbourne Cup is a staple of the Australian sporting calendar. Held on the first Tuesday in November each year, it is dubbed “The Race that Stops a Nation.”
Each year, thousands of fans descend upon the iconic Flemington racecourse, hoping to walk away with more than winning bets. It’s a special race, indeed!
How to Pick a Winner at the Melbourne Cup
For starters, the Melbourne Cup is a true test of stamina. It’s contested over a punishing distance of 3,200 meters and is typically run in 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Usually, there’s a full field of 24 horse races that includes outstanding homegrown and overseas talent.
Picking a winner can be notoriously tricky, though. So here are tips to keep in mind and apply.
A good starting point is to check out the form. Assessing past winners of the Melbourne Cup can be a reliable indicator as to how a horse may perform as well as how horses have fared in run-up events. Horses that put in a strong finish and don’t tail off are usually best to follow.
Second, age and gender also play a crucial part. In recent years, four- and five-year-old horses have had the best success rate, whereas three-year-old entries rarely tackle it. Third, weight can be a determining factor. Those that have carried 55 kg or less on their backs have generally come up trumps, whereas those carrying higher weights have tended to struggle.
Fourth, always do research and look out for hot tips. Markets open quite early for the Melbourne Cup, and odds will shorten and drift quite quickly. Picking a Melbourne Cup trifecta can be a punter’s dream–if it comes off. However, don’t always lean towards the favourite. Look for tips on the most impressive horses. Spend time trying to eliminate what you consider the weakest contenders before predicting which cluster of horses will lead the field.
Why the Melbourne Cup is So Popular?
Celebrities attend the Melbourne Cup (photo, CNN International)
The Melbourne Cup has always held a special place in the hearts of the Australian public. Ever since it adopted a four-day format, the event has been transformed into a carnival at Flemington. The course has a capacity of 120,000, and it is well attended by celebrities.
The Melbourne Cup isn’t just about the horses. Indeed, it gives the attending public a chance to dress up, and fashion has helped elevate the prestige of the event. From Elizabeth Hurley to Paris Hilton, to Snoop Dogg, the Melbourne Cup has attracted high-profile celebrities.
The longevity of the Cup has also contributed to its popularity. Aside from people taking part in an office work sweep, it has become a fabric of society, including plenty of memorable novels that have been penned about the race.
Where the Best Places are to Watch the Melbourne Cup
The race is screened on many Melbourne-area bars and restaurants. For example, the bar at The Botanical has excellent vantage points to watch the race and enjoy a drink. After the race, entertainment is provided by a top-notch DJ. Alternatively, The Piccolo Grand is widely considered one of the most stylish places to kickstart the party.
Last year, the Melbourne Cup was broadcast on Channel 10, but this year Channel 7 will broadcast the event. And bookmakers also offer live streams for bettors.
Notable Winners of the Melbourne Cup
It takes a special horse to win the Melbourne Cup, and plenty of gallopers that have etched their name in the history books–each with a unique story. Three-peat winner (2003-2005, Makybe Diva, stands out, as do outstanding horses of yesteryear, including Carbine (1890), Phar Lap (1930), Peter Pan (1932 and 1934), and (more recently) Might and Power (1997).
There have also been many international winners, including Delta Blues, which is the only horse with a Japanese trainer. Overseas-bred horses now dominate the competition, posting quick times. In 2014, for example, Protectionist stormed to victory in a3 minutes 17.7 seconds.
History of the Melbourne Cup
Flemington in the early 1900s (photo, Pinterest)
The Melbourne Cup has a rich history, and 2020 will mark the 160th edition of this two-mile handicap. With strong roots, the event has transcended other sporting occasions in Australia. Now worth $8 million in prize money, the Cup is one of the most coveted events in the country.
The Cup is replete with tales of triumph and adversity. Perhaps the most endearing story came in 2002 when Damien Oliver won on Media Puzzle, having lost his brother weeks earlier from a riding incident.
The bottom line is that the Melbourne Cup is a prized possession of Australian sports. And with betting available all year round, it’s an Aussie tradition to have a flutter!
