Today, the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour travelled to South Taranaki, an area intrinsically linked with the Melbourne Cup's 151-year history with 1983 Melbourne Cup winning horse, Kiwi bred, owned and trained in Waverley. The passionate community welcomed the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup at several events across the region, commencing with a visit to Waverley Primary School, where students were treated to a visit from not only the 2011 Cup, but also Kiwi’s 1983 Melbourne Cup. Ian Smith, brother-in-law of Kiwi's owner and trainer, Mr Snowy Lupton, joined Tour Ambassador, John Marshall who rode Rogan Josh to Melbourne Cup victory in 1999 to share tales of the illustrious race with students.

Ironically, when Kiwi won the 1983 Melbourne Cup, it was John Marshall who was riding the second-placed Mr Jazz.

A visit to the Hawera Town Square saw John relive his racing days as he participated in a novelty Hobby Horse Handicap race with South Taranaki Mayor, Mr Ross Dunlop.

South Taranaki fully embraced the Tour’s arrival in celebration, from hobby horse races to fine headwear, the Tour party visited Brydon Court Rest Home where residents were delighted to be involved in Melbourne Cup fever wearing their finest hats and millinery. It was then time to tee-off at the Te Ngutu Golf Course, where the Tour party was hosted as part of the Egmont Racing Club Golf Tournament, an annual event leading into to the Club’s largest raceday on Saturday 8 October.

In the evening, the Tour party was hosted at the Egmont Racing Club’s Calcutta Fundraiser at the South Taranaki Club, where Egmont Racing Club President, Mr Steven Quinell auctioned off horses for the following day’s racing calcutta style.

Completing its stopover in South Taranaki, the Tour joined the Egmont Racing Club for its Bubbly Breakfast before departing New Zealand in preparation for a visit to the communities of Charlton and Kerang, in regional Victoria.