20 October

Today the Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour travelled to two of Victoria’s most celebrated horse breeding regions, Euroa and Nagambie.
 
Melbourne Cup winners from the area include Malvolio (1891), The Parisian (1911) and of course, Americain (2010) owned by entrepreneur and now Nagambie local, Gerry Ryan.

As the birth place of rising superstar mare, Black Caviar, the community was in full celebration for the Cup’s arrival, claiming a connection to the world’s best sprinter. 
 
The Tour commenced at Lindsay Park in Euroa, the property of Australian Hall of Fame Racehorse Trainer and 1994 Melbourne Cup winner (Jeune), Mr David Hayes. 

Sky divers welcomed the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup to Euroa with a special performance and local primary school children and residents had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Cup.
 
The 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup along with Tour Ambassador and 1976 Melbourne Cup winning jockey, Bob Skelton (Van der Hum) were flown via helicopter to Mitchelton Winery in Nagambie where the local community welcomed the coveted trophy with open arms.
 
Local children and residents enjoyed a community festival attended by 1992 Melbourne Cup winning horse, Subzero and the day’s activities included hobby horse racing, a Melbourne Cup colouring competition, nine Melbourne Cups on display as part of the Heroes and High Drama exhibition, a Nagambie Lions Club & Nagambie Breast Cancer Support group sausage sizzle and entertainment by local musicians.
 
In the afternoon, the Tour made a special visit to Chatsworth Park, the family home of VRC Vice Chairman, Mrs Amanda Elliott, where 1891 Melbourne Cup winning horse, Malvolio, is buried. 

The group then travelled to Nagambie Lakeview Lodge Hostel where patrons had the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Cup.
 
The fantastic day of activities concluded with a Gala Cocktail Party at Mitchelton Winery, featuring a who’s who of the racing industry. 

Hosted by racing personality and ex-cricketer, Simon O’Donnell, the evening included Mitchelton Winery and Americain owner, Gerry Ryan; racing personality, Channel 7 identity and Bauer’s strapper, Francesca Cumani; 2001 Melbourne Cup winning trainer, Sheila Laxon (Ethereal); and Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor, Mick Williams.