12 August 2011

After enjoying the scenic drive to Cootamundra, the Tour was enthusiastically welcomed by the Cootamundra Shire Council and Mayor Paul Braybrooks.

Visiting the Cootamundra High School and later, Cootamundra Sacred Heart Central for school assemblies, the sound of grumbling stomachs lead us to Cootamundra’s unique Captain’s Walk for a sausage sizzle in the sun.

The golden Cup glistened against the 42 bronze sculptures of Australia’s Test cricket captains located in Jubilee Park, whilst John Letts had a great time posing with the life-sized statue of Sir Donald Bradman, the prize of the sculpture collection!

Cootamundra’s connection to the Melbourne Cup, 1981 winner Just a Dash, was represented by special guest and the horse’s original trainer, Michael Donoghue, who along with the Cootamundra community, was thrilled to celebrate the town’s Cup link and have the Cup in their town.

Next, it was off to visit Cootamundra’s sprightly senior citizens who were honoured to take photos with the Cup, as well as share their own memories of the great race!

Following a delicious dinner at the White Ibis, where the Tour was joined by the Mayor, Councillors, Council Executives and representatives of the local racing industry, the Tour departed Cootamundra, hitting the road for Corowa.

To view further images of the EMCT and track the Tour’s progress, visit our Facebook page, Flemington: Home of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Photo: EMCT Ambassador John Letts with the prize of the Cootamundra Captain's Walk sculpture collection, a life-sized Sir Donald Bradman