The Loving Cup Trophy

The Emirates Melbourne Cup Trophy is a stunning 18 carat gold trophy valued at $125,000. Noted for its "Loving Cup" design, the trophy is one of the most identifiable sporting trophies anywhere in the world. It is a national icon embedded in Australia's cultural fabric and strikes many emotions with all ages around the country.

The Cup, as we know it today, was first designed by Mr James Steeth in readiness for the 1919 Melbourne Cup won by Artilleryman. He was commissioned by the VRC to design the trophy which would be in keeping with the prestige of the race. Little did the committee, or Steeth for that matter, realise that they would develop the icon we know today.

The Cup was manufactured by Drummonds Jewellers and hand made by James W. Steeth and Son. Maurice Steeth took over manufacturing the Cup from his father yet following Maurice's premature death, it was left to his able assistant "Lucky" Rocca to continue the tradition. In 1980, the making of the Cup was then entrusted to Hardy Brothers Jewellers and the same processes commenced in 1919 are still adopted today. Mr Stuart Bishop, Chief Executive of Hardy Brothers Jewellers is entrusted with this responsibility today. It is made of 34 pieces of gold metal hand beaten over 200 hours.

The evolution of the Cup from the inception of the Melbourne Cup race in 1861 is quite fascinating and reflective of a people determined to develop a symbol reflective of a developing nation. The following timeline charts the Cup history:

1861 - Archer

The trophy took the form of a "hand beaten" gold watch

1865 - Toryboy

First year the trophy was awarded. Manufactured in England, the trophy was an elaborate silver bowl on a stand

1867 - Tim Whiffler

Silver trophy from England shows 'Alexander Taming the Horse', the engraved name of the winning horse and the figure of a winged female

1868 - 1875

No mention of trophy presented

1876 - Briseis

The first gold cup trophy manufactured in Victoria. An Etruscan shape with two handles. One side depicted a picture of a horse race with the grandstand and hill of Flemington in the background. The opposite side, inscribed on a crimson enamelled garter, the words "Melbourne Cup, 1876" & the name of the winning horse

1877 - 1886

No trophy presented

1887 - Dunlop

A golden horse-shoe mounted on a plush stand and valued at 100 sovereigns

1888 - Mentor

Known as the "Centenary Cup" appeared three horses on a silver plated base

1890 - Carbine

This magnificent trophy refected the opulence of the time. A silver ewer, salver and tazzas are representative of this magnificent trophy. The trophy was purchased by the VRC in 2000 and is on permanent display at the Australian Racing Museum, Federation Square, Melbourne

1891 - Malvolio

A trophy measuring two feet in length and fifteen inches high of a draped figure of Victory, standing on a pedestal, holding out an olive wreath to a jockey upon his horse

1893 - Tarcoola

Multi-piece trophy of silver tankard, punch bowl and beakers

1894 - 1898

Trophies were not presented as the economic depression engulfed the nation.

1900

A tea and coffee service was presented

1908

Three feet long plaque of an embossed silver galloping horse, that some people thought resembled a greyhound. A much ridiculed design for trophy

1909 - 1911

Two handled silver cups

1913

Silver epergne

1914

This was the last year the Melbourne Cup Trophy was made in England. It had a long base with a horse on each end facing out and a chalice cup in the centre

1915

A large rose bowl that was made in Australia

1916

The first gold cup is presented

1918

Two handled gold cup trophy

1919

James Steeth's three handled "loving cup" first introduced

1973

Smaller Melbourne Cup miniatures are presented to the winning trainer and jockey

2001

The Cup moves from 9ct to 18ct gold. Valued at $80,000. A 2/3 height miniature of the Cup is presented to the trainer and jockey

2005

The breeder of the Cup winner will be presented with a Melbourne Cup ½ sized Cup

2008

The value of the Cup trophy is increased to $125,000 reflecting the rising price of gold. Trainer, jockey, strapper and breeder trophies are also increased bringing total value of all trophies to $150,000