The Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse is a cultural phenomenon that brings Australia to a standstill. Filled with anticipation, adrenaline and a dash of high fashion, it is a day where sport, betting, tradition, fashion and celebrities converge.
Commonly known as the ‘race that stops the nation’, the Melbourne Cup has captivated Australians for over 150 years. It is a national celebration that transcends the racetrack, drawing in people from all walks of life.
The exclusive Birdcage serves as the event’s VIP hub, where the celebrities convene. Superstars such as Aussie footy star Tom Hawkins and his wife Emma, singer Erin Holland and Mia Fevola added their glamour to the mix in 2023.
The rise of social media influencers has brought a new wave of trendsetters to the Birdcage. Vibrant personalities such as Martha Kalifatidis, Hannah Dal Sasso, and Sam Guggenheimer have also graced the Birdcage, maintaining its status as a trending topic across platforms. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, creating a unique blend of tradition and modern buzz.
The Melbourne Cup Still Stops the Nation
The Melbourne Cup is a national treasure in Australia that boasts a legacy far exceeding a horse race. Vivienne McCredie’s 1986 poem, ‘The Race That Stops The Nation’, beautifully captures the event’s mesmerising effect on the nation.
The public holiday aspect of Cup Day is unique in sport. As early as 1865, public servants and banks took a half-day break to witness the spectacle until 1873 when the Victoria Government Gazette officially declared Cup Day a bank and civil service holiday. Today, the holiday stretches beyond metropolitan Melbourne, encompassing several other regional areas in Australia.
McCredie’s poem perfectly encapsulates the captivating allure of the Cup. It transcends geographical boundaries, with people across Australia watching or listening to the event.
Some Australians leverage the Cup for time off, with many advocating for a national holiday. This push stems from the claimed rise in sick leave and dip in productivity surrounding the event.
The Melbourne Cup is more than a national pastime and the cultural phenomenon even extends across the Tasman Sea, with many people in New Zealand also pausing to watch the race.
Bettors Clamour to Wager on the Cup
In addition to being Australia’s most iconic horse race, the Melbourne Cup is also a major draw for punters across the country, attracting a staggering $100 million in wagers across various betting platforms.
The Melbourne Cup is a punter’s paradise and the most wagered-on-horse-race in Australia. Its large field size occasionally delivers surprise winners, leading to exciting upsets but more importantly, big payouts. From simple win bets to complex exotics, the Cup offers a variety of betting options to satisfy every type of gambler.
The 2024 edition promises to be no different. Although the race takes place later this year, bettors are already chomping at the bit to place their wagers. Thankfully, some of the best betting apps in Australia offer ante-post odds, allowing punters to study the potential contenders and wager well in advance.
Fashion is a Major Draw for the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup fashion or ‘Fashions on the Field’ is an integral part of the event, with fierce competition for the best-dressed titles. The elegant hats, and the more contemporary fascinators, are a major draw, practically keeping Melbourne’s milliners in business year-round.
The Melbourne Cup’s fashion scene has garnered nearly as much global attention as the race itself. In 1965, model Jean Shrimpton’s white miniskirt on Derby Day sent shockwaves through the fashion world, cementing the race’s reputation for trendsetting style.
Roses another defining feature of the Melbourne Cup experience. Flemington boasts a staggering 12,000 roses, nurtured by a dedicated team of gardeners.
Each race day is adorned with a specific bloom – the Corn Flower for Derby Day, the Yellow Rose for the Melbourne Cup itself, the Pink Rose for Oaks Day and the Red Rose for Stakes Day.
The Melbourne Cup truly holds a special place in the hearts of Australians and race enthusiasts beyond, as it draws massive television audiences from New Zealand and further afield.
The Cup is an Increasingly International Affair
Traditionally dominated by Australian horses, the Melbourne Cup has benefited from a surge in international participation in recent years, transforming it into a truly global spectacle.
As one of the most prestigious horse racing events globally, the Melbourne Cup has attracted competitors from around the world eager to test their mettle against Australia’s finest.
This influx of international horses fosters a vibrant cultural exchange within racing. Trainers, jockeys and owners from across the globe come together, sharing their expertise and passion for the sport. This camaraderie transcends borders, enriching the experience for both participants and spectators.
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