Melbourne Cup Day

Melbourne Cup Day is an annual event held in Melbourne, Australia, at the Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday of November. It is the most prestigious horse race in Australia and the highlight of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Every year, around a hundred thousand people attend the 3200-meter race in person, while more than 650 million viewers tune in to watch the event on television worldwide.

History

The first races in the area of the present Flemington Racecourse took place in 1840, during the gold rush. The track was set up on flat land along the river, with spectators gathering on a hill, as there were no stands at the time. Stands were built eight years later, and the area was named Flemington after the landowner’s wife, making it the oldest racecourse in Australia.

The Melbourne Cup was originally planned for 1861 but was canceled due to a dispute between racing clubs. A few years later, the Victoria Racing Club was established, which continues to manage the track today. The first official Melbourne Cup Day was held in 1875, after the racing club’s lands were transferred to the Victoria Club.

Interesting facts

• Horse racing in Australia quickly became a major event, with horses from New Zealand, Tasmania, and New South Wales joining and spectator numbers reaching 40,000 early on.
• Racing organizers in Melbourne worked to elevate the event’s prestige, investing proceeds into the development of the racecourse.
• The first Melbourne Cup was delayed due to rivalry between racing clubs, but after the formation of the Victoria Racing Club, the event became an annual tradition.
• In 1875, Melbourne Cup Day became an official public holiday when authorities granted the racing club special status.

How to take part

Before the race, a parade is held in Melbourne—join in to see the jockeys who will be competing. True fans wear extravagant hats, drink champagne, and dress elegantly—follow their lead! Place a bet to feel part of the excitement and Australian history. If you can’t attend in person, watch the race broadcast on TV or online and celebrate wherever you are.

When is Melbourne Cup Day in 2025?

Melbourne Cup Day is observed on the first Tuesday of November each year.

Observations