21 September

Continuing its time in the Goulburn Valley region, the Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour today visited Kings Park, Seymour and the Hidden Valley.
 
Starting at Kings Park, Mitchell Shire welcomed the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup with a morning tea and riding display by the Seymour Chapter of Riding for the Disabled. 
 
Showing the kids how it is done, Tour Ambassador and 1976 Melbourne Cup winning jockey (Van der Hum), Mr Bob Skelton, hopped on the back of a trusty Shetland pony, a definite Tour highlight.
 
The Tour party continued to the beautiful Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club and Equestrian Centre where the community gathered to welcome the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup. 
 
The festivities included rides and entertainment, market stalls with local produce, local young musicians and of course the opportunity for school children and residents to have their photo taken with the Cup.
 
Next was a visit to the Kilmore Hospital, where VRC Historian, Dr Andrew Lemon, and Tour Ambassador, Bob Skelton, entertained aged care residents with stories of the Melbourne Cup.  Guests were treated to a special appearance by a Shetland pony, a rare sight in a hospital.
 
The final event for the day was a Riding for the Disabled Charity Auction and Networking Evening at the Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club. 
 
The event MC was racing media personality Rob Gaylard, with special guests including 2001 Melbourne Cup winning trainer, Sheila Laxon (Ethereal), CEO of the Kilmore Racing Club, John Cameron and Goulburn Valley Tourism Chairman, Bernard Morris.