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Melbourne Cup 150th

1930

Phar Lap being led by police escort to his float at St Albans Stud near Geelong, to be taken to Flemington for the 1930 Melbourne Cup

1930 - Pharlap

1890

Carbine wins the 1890 Melbourne Cup in record time (3.28.25), carrying a record weight 10 stone five pounds (65.5 kg) in the biggest field ever assembled (39)

1890 - Carbine

2005

Makybe Diva wins her third Melbourne Cup with jockey Glen Boss. She is the only racehorse to have won the Melbourne Cup in three successive years

2005 - Carbine

2009

2009 Corey Brown rides Shocking to win the 2009 Emirates Melbourne Cup

2009 - Shocking

About the 150th Melbourne Cup

Since its humble beginnings in 1861, the Melbourne Cup has remained a constant in an ever-changing world. Through tears and triumphs, ‘the race that stops a nation™’ has cemented its position as a revered sporting, social and cultural event, that continues to play a significant role in defining Australia’s national identity.

To commemorate the 150-year milestone of the ‘People’s Cup’, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is staging a year long celebration, which will include an eight-month international tour with the iconic Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy to more than 40 destinations across Australia and around the world.

A diverse calendar of local events is also being run in partnership with State and Local government, tourism and trade agencies, businesses, sponsors, industry participants and national and international communities - guaranteeing non-stop fun and celebration in the lead up to the running of the iconic race on Tuesday 2nd November, 2010.

New initiatives include the development of a state-of-the-art Visitor’s Information Centre and Walk of Fame at Flemington, along with the launch of a cultural heritage program, including 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 recognition of the milestone, an Australia Post commemorative stamp, an Australian Mint commemorative coin, and a special commemorative book and DVD, entitled The Story of the Melbourne Cup – Australia’s Greatest Race will also be produced.

Peeling back the many layers of the Melbourne Cup’s remarkable 150-year history, the celebrations will focus on the national heritage of the Cup, and recognise the great heroes, influential figures, racing clubs, communities and visionary strategies that have helped this race become an international phenomenon.

Visit our schedule of events to find out more.

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Melbourne Cup Carnival

Melbourne, Victoria Australia

The Flemington, Melbourne Cup, Melbourne Cup Carnival, 150th Melbourne Cup and VRC logos, "Melbourne Cup", "The Race That Stops a Nation" and "The Celebration That Stops a Nation" are trade marks of Victoria Racing Club Limited. Copyright in the logos and other content on this website is owned by Victoria Racing Club Limited or used under licence from third parties. All rights are reserved.