Melbourne Cup 2024: Gearing Up for the Year’s Ultimate Racing Finale
The Race That Stops the Nation
A 163-year-old manifestation, the Melbourne Cup has grown to be one of the most significant events in Australia. The first edition of this thoroughbred horse race was organised in 1861. It was just 15 years later that it became a public holiday for Victorians, today also referred to as “the race that stops the nation”. While over 300 horses are nominated each year, only 24 make it to the final race.
The Melbourne Cup is an annual racing event held on the first Tuesday of November, starting at 3:00pm. Before Australia switched to the metric system, the race’s length was over 2 miles (3.219km). In 1972, the race was shortened to 3,200 metres and still takes place at the Flemington Racecourse. Until today, it carries the reputation of the world’s richest handicap race and one of the richest turf races.
In a handicap race, horses carry different weights, so everyone has an equal chance of winning. There’s a predetermined weight a horse must carry during the race, and if the jockey and their gear don’t match the set weight, the horse’s weight is adjusted with ballast.
How much weight a horse must carry depends on various factors. For instance, older, stronger, and more experienced horses must carry more weight. However, in the past couple of years, a traditional formula for calculating weight has been replaced with a “quality handicap,” where top-performing horses still must carry extra weight but don’t face severe penalties.
The 2024 Melbourne Cup
World War I and World War II were the only periods during which the Melbourne Cup was not run. This year will be the 164th time the best jockeys compete for the prestigious multi-million award; the race is scheduled for 5 November 2024 at Flemington Racecourse, and the winner will take home $8.56 million.
As we approach November, the number of entries has narrowed to 55 horses still in contention for the race finale. With the competition still being whittled down to the final 24, punters and bookmakers alike are still adjusting their odds for the Melbourne Cup. As for this year’s favourites, Aidan O’Brien-trained Jan Brueghel, the St Leger winner, has a good chance to become the first UK classic winner to compete in the Melbourne Cup in the same season. With jockey Ryan Moore in the saddle, this would be a history-making event, one that hasn’t been achieved since 1883.
Vauban and Absurde, a duo from Ireland, also arrived in Melbourne. Kerrin McEvoy will ride Absurde, while William Buick will ride Vauban. Should McEvoy be the first to cross the finish line, it would be his fourth triumph at the Melbourne Cup.
You would also want to pay attention to these horses. Predictions say they have a good chance to make it to the final 24: Circle of Fire, trained by Ciaran Maher; Magical Zoe, with trainer Henry de Bromhead; Saint George, also trained by Ciaron Maher; Warmonger, with trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr., and Without a Fight, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman.
The Melbourne Cup: More than a Horse Race
The Melbourne Cup is a unique social event in Australia. It gathers not only horse racing enthusiasts but also everyone who likes to be part of one of the city’s top cultural events. Undeniably, people come to watch the race, but they also get a chance to network, present their best attire, and enjoy delicious food and drink.
What’s interesting is, that while the official dress code is pretty much casual, many take the opportunity to display outfits that are very much the complete opposite of casual. Men wear tailored suits, while women showcase opulent gowns, often with a floral pattern. Everyone wears interesting hats, upgrading their outfits with yellow roses, the Cup’s official flower.
Audiences can enjoy pre and post-race programs. Food is an inseparable part of the experience; it’s the combination of tried-and-true traditional dishes blended with contemporary culinary tendencies. Sparkling wine and Flemington Fling cocktails are among the Cup’s top refreshments.
You Can’t Come to the Cup: Watch it On TV
We won’t lie to you—nothing beats the live atmosphere of the Melbourne Cup. But, if for whatever reason you can’t attend the Cup, you can watch it on TV. After the last five years of broadcasting, Network 10 has dropped out of the bidding. Luckily, the Nine Network has taken over the reins and will be the place to catch all the action come November.
Whether you’re at home, or work, you’ll be able to recreate the excitement by getting your friends, family or colleagues to dress up for the event. Organise nibbles and drinks, and get a betting pool set up giving everyone a chance to wager on their favourites. Come race day, there will be plenty of excitement to keep all participants thoroughly engaged in the event.
The Melbourne Cup has gained international popularity and recognition because it is more than a sporting event; it represents a distinct part of Aussie culture that gets reaffirmed each passing year. It is also a testament to how important it is to build and cherish tradition, which makes a community authentic and recognisable.