Departing Sydney for Rosehill as the sun was rising, the Tour arrived at the Australian Turf Club almost in time for morning trackwork!

Visiting the Grand Pavilion at Rosehill Gardens, the Australian Turf Club (ATC) hosted a fabulous breakfast in the EMCT’s honour, with 150 members in attendance, the passionate racing fans were eager to wear a white glove on the ready to handle the Cup.

Welcomed by ATC CEO, Mr Darren Pearce, the Tour entourage was treated to a delicious breakfast before listening to the stories of Wendy Green, who had the room in the palm of her hand as she relived her life-changing journey of winning the 1999 Melbourne Cup.

Fittingly, Mr Ray Selkrig, who rode Rim Fire to win the 1961 Melbourne Cup winning, was amongst the crowd and he joined Wendy in telling Melbourne Cup tales.

From land to water, the Tour departed Rosehill and arrived at Sydney’s landmark Circular Quay, in time for a fun photo opportunity aboard a historical green and gold wharf ferry bound for Manly.

The 2011 Cup, all 18 carats of it, sparkled in the Sydney Harbour and the trophy stopped traffic – literally – as ferry travellers were keen to get shots with the coveted trophy.

The Cup was then Flemington bound, ready prepare for Melbourne Cup Preview Day with the anticipated Group 1, Turnbull Stakes, and its New Zealand journey just around the corner.

To view further images of the EMCT and track the Tour’s progress, visit Flemington on Facebook.