The Melbourne cup Horse Racing
Since 1861, the Melbourne Cup has over decades evolved into Australia’s premier ‘thoroughbred horse race’. The cup is also known as ‘the race that stops a nation’. One reasons that makes the ‘thoroughbred horses’ different from other races is that the Melbourne Cup covers a moderate distance at rapid pace. Horses which are aged above three years can participate in this race. The total area that an average Melbourne Cup race covers is 3,200 meters. The Melbourne Cup is one of the finest races of all times as it is the richest ‘two mile’ handicap in the world. It is held every year in November on the first Tuesday with a 3 p.m. starting time. There will be ten races during the day starting from 10 a.m. and finishing up at around 5 p.m.
Victoria Racing Club is the host of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Flemington is the best-known racecourse in Australia. It is the oldest racecourse and the most significant heritage site in the country. In the year 2006, the Australian government nominated the Melbourne Cup as a ‘national heritage’ site. The Melbourne Cup has remained the same in this ever-changing world, since 1861. No matter what the conditions are, this race has cemented its position as a social and cultural event. And it continues to play a significant role in defining Australia’s national identity.
The first Melbourne Cup winner was a horse by the name of ‘Archer’. It won the first race back then in 1861 and it marked the start of many famous horse races. Then, in 1876, the three-year-old ‘Filly Briseis’ created a record which is un-broken till today. It was ridden by a 12-year-old, Peter Saint Albans. On the other hand, Bart Cummings is a master training for horses at the Melbourne Cup. Bart has trained 12 winning horses and is chasing his 13th horse to win for this year. A majority of Australia’s horse trainers dream of winning this precious event. Millions of dollars are up for grabs at the Melbourne Cup apart from the pride and glory.
The citizens of Melbourne mark the day with a city-wide holiday to attend this wonderful racing event. If you only had one bet a year, then this is the sporting event worth the money. People all over the world place millions on this race alone. There are enthusiastic spectators glued to television sets all around the globe to partake in the excitement and fun. The crowd cheers throughout the race, wishing their favourite horse to win. When it comes down to the final stage and horses are neck and neck, the crowd flares up and the hearts of everyone are just beating that much faster like if there is something very serious going to happen.
New initiatives for Melbourne Cup Horse Racing include the development of a state-of-the-art visitor’s information centre and walk of fame at Flemington. It also includes the launch of a cultural heritage program, a series of gallery exhibitions, symposiums, and the development of a national school education program. There will also be specific VRC Members’ events to celebrate this occasion.
In the 150th edition of the Melbourne Cup, the organising committee is coming up with some new ideas regarding this race. One is a DVD and the other is a book. Both have the same title ‘The story of the Melbourne Cup - Australia's Greatest Race.’ Through these events and publications, one can learn about the history of the Melbourne Cup. More information helps the future generations of Australia regarding the Melbourne Cup’s importance in their culture. It features interviews with all the prominent players in Melbourne Cup history including the great Bart Cummings, Lee Freedman, Damien Oliver, Dermot Weld, Roy Higgins and Michael Rodd.
The Melbourne Cup’s great 150-year history will always be remembered. And the great heroes, significant figures, racing clubs and communities that have helped this race become an International phenomenon will be the pioneers of this race.
Tags: