The Melbourne Cup is surely one of the most prestigious horse races, not only in Australia but the world as a whole. Taking places on November 3rd at Flemmington Park race course in Melbourne Victoria every year, and with prize money that is up there with any race across the globe, all eyes are on this Group One affair, and the cream of the racing crop from horses and jockeys to trainers and owners are all in attendance and looking to grab themselves a little piece of racing history. Being that the 2 mile race dates back an amazing 159 years it’s no wonder that those in the racing world want to stake a claim to a prize held in such high regard by those involved in the sport, as well as those watching on TV.
And what history this occasion has had over the years. There hasn’t been much that hasn’t happened in the Cup over this time, glass ceilings and records alike have come crashing down. In the early days of the race in 1876 we even saw a twelve year old child, riding on Australian thoroughbred Briseis, managing to achieve victory in the race. Equally noteworthy wins include Legend of the sport Phar Lap winning his first Melbourne Cup in 1930 (while at ‘odds on’, the shortest odds for a favourite in Melbourne Cup history). And last but not least one of the aforementioned ‘Glass Ceiling’ moments, namely in 2003 when the first Australian female jockey rode in the Melbourne Cup (Clare Lindop on Debben). Opportunity clearly breeds success, as it was a mere twelve years later when the first woman jockey won the Cup (Michelle Payne on Prince of Penzance ).
So with such expectation and the prospect of watching history in the making, what does the 2020 Melbourne Cup have in store for us and what questions are waiting to be answered from those in with a shot of victory? Does favourite Tiger Moth have what it takes to win the cup? (he made easy work of the Kilternan Stakes recently, beating Lloyd Williams’ Buckburst, who himself finished mid-field in the Caulfield Cup). Or perhaps Sir Dragonet, whose owner is no doubt relishing the prospect of winning the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup in the same year. (he’d be only the 8th horse to do so). When it comes to making the history books its all on the line in the Melbourne Cup and every horse, jockey and trainer will be going all out on the day. Don’t miss it.
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