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Melbourne Cup history

‘Nowhere in the world have I encountered a festival of people that has such a magnificent appeal to the whole nation. The Cup astonishes me.’ - Mark Twain, 1897

‘Nowhere in the world have I encountered a festival of people that has such a magnificent appeal to the whole nation. The Cup astonishes me.’ - Mark Twain, 1897

The Melbourne Cup is a true Australian institution.

Race lovers the world over thrill to the excitement and pageantry on display, as they marvel at the extraordinary calibre of thoroughbred racing we collectively witness every November.

Read on to learn about the rich history of our famous, beloved Melbourne Cup.

The Champions

The Champions

Each year we crown a new champions - jockeys, trainers and those that make this place so unique.

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The Fashion

The Fashion

From Fashions on the Field to Fashions on your Front Lawn, Flemington has always been the home of style.

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Cup Week

Cup Week

No other event in Australia compares to the Carnival that is Cup week.

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The start: 180 years at Flemington

The start: 180 years at Flemington

Great names from Flemington’s history include Francis Vignoles, John Wood, Conrad and Mountain Maid – but have you ever heard of them? We take a journey back 180 years ago, when it all began at Flemington.

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Bart Cummings, AM (1927 -2015)

Bart Cummings, AM (1927 -2015)

James Bartholomew Cummings, AM, will be remembered as the greatest trainer Australia has ever seen. His 268 Group 1 wins included an unparalleled 12 Melbourne Cups, 13 Australian Cups, 11 Mackinnon Stakes, nine VRC Oaks, eight Newmarket Handicaps and five Victoria Derbies.

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