The race that stops the nation, around this time every year, avid punter and horse racing enthusiasts congregate as they start the much anticipated countdown for the Melbourne Cup.
This year is no different.
As an iconic horse race that is marked on every Australian sporting calendar, you won’t want to miss out on the action this year.
The 2021 Melbourne Cup is happening on Tuesday 2 November with history dating back to 1861 where the first run took place and was won by Archer, who went on to win the first two Cups.
The event is an ultimate test of stamina, control and staying power. Pushing over a stretching distance of 3,200 metres, contestants are under high pressure and demand befitting the glory that dawns upon its winners.
Adding to the massive Australian audience that tunes into the event every year, the spirit of the Melbourne Cup has caught onto the hearts of countless international fans too. The event has become a truly global one, with a decent number of raiders that were trained outside of Australia. Australia lacks breeding genuine stayers which encourages more internationally bred and trained horses participating in the Melbourne Cup with international horses dominating the event in recent years.
The Melbourne Cup is also the world’s richest handicap for thoroughbred racehorses. It’s also the grand final for most horses given the competitive landscape and the high rewards that come with it.
The race lasts for approximately three and a half minutes with an all-time record set at 3:16:30 by a Bart Cummings-trained horse called Kingston Rule back in 1990. The real question here is whether the record will be broken in 2021.
The 2021 Melbourne Cup
Happening at Flemington Racecourse this 3pm (AEDT) on Tuesday 2 November, the Melbourne Cup offers a holy grail prize that goes down all the way to the 12th position. Despite of the financial impacts witnessed as a result of the global pandemic, Racing Victoria has confirmed that the prize money remains unchanged at a total sum of $7,750,000.
The last Melbourne Cup on 3 November 2020 was won by Twilight Payment, making punters at the edge of their seats wondering who will take home first place this year.
Beyond the racing, which of course is undeniably the highlight of the event, comes the excitement of social competitions such as Fashions on your Front Lawn which offers prizes for the best dressed man and woman. Keep an eye out for the VIPs in the Birdcage which includes celebrities, politicians, high flying figures, philanthropists, and more.
Plus, with the recently upgraded facility that cost $128 million dollars, attendees will be thrilled about the new dining facilities, bars and lounge areas.
Watching the 2021 Melbourne Cup in Bowen
Head to the Grand View Hotel in Bowen to experience the best of the Melbourne Cup in North Queensland.
Dress your best to impress, fascinators and bow ties, because the race that stops the nation will be played on the big screens at the Grand View Hotel on Tuesday 2 November.
From 11:30am to 3pm, the Melbourne Cup celebrations will be held upstairs in the exclusive 20°South. Indulge in exquisite canapés, try your luck at the sweepstake, place your bet using the TAB facilities, and catch a glimpse of a local fashion parade sponsored by MMOKA boutique.
The fun isn’t restricted to Flemington Racecourse, with prizes made available to the best dressed attendees at the Grand View Hotel.
Tickets are only $45 per person and can be purchased online via this link or by calling the venue on (07) 4786 4022 for more information.
Kindly note that the Melbourne Cup event is strictly 18+ only
Banner image credit: Getty Images
