Interesting facts about the Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup day may be about fast horses, slow lunches and fascinators with more architectural ambition than Federation Square.

But beneath the bubbly lies a treasure trove of trivia that’s anything but pedestrian.

From the curious to the controversial, these are the little-known nuggets that prove the Cup is more than just Melbourne’s marquee Tuesday.

Melbourne Cup day once clashed with the US election – and still won headlines

In 2008, the Melbourne Cup fell on the same day as Barack Obama’s historic election. But here in Australia? Front pages were still plastered with Viewed’s photo-finish win.

Proof that, even on the brink of global change, we simply must know which horse came third.

The trophy used to be a bit… underwhelming

Before the now-iconic golden loving cup became a symbol of racing triumph, the winner’s prize varied wildly – from a gold watch to a bag of gold sovereigns. It wasn’t until 1919 that the current three-handled design galloped into regular use.

Sometimes tradition takes its sweet time.

Michelle Payne wasn’t the first female jockey to ride in the Cup

Michelle Payne made history in 2015 as the first woman to win the Cup as a jockey – but she wasn’t the first to ride in it. That title goes to Maree Lyndon of New Zealand, who competed in 1987.

Still, Michelle’s sass and victory speech? Iconic.

Phar Lap’s security detail was no joke

The most beloved horse in Australian history travelled with an armed guard during his trip to the US after his 1930 Cup win.

Rumours of mafia threats and poison plots made the rounds – and while some of it sounds far-fetched, someone did try to shoot him before the Cup. So, you know… fair.

Archer may have walked from Nowra to Flemington

And we complain about traffic! The first-ever Melbourne Cup winner, Archer, is rumoured to have walked over 800km from Nowra to Melbourne to compete in – and win – the 1861 Cup.

Myth? Possibly. Fabulous party anecdote? Absolutely.

Champagne flows like a small river

On Cup Day, Flemington Racecourse sells upwards of 50,000 bottles of champagne. That’s not even counting the private marquees, garden parties or at-home soirees.

And yet, someone always ends up drinking from a shoe.

Bart Cummings wasn’t just a trainer – he was the trainer

Twelve Melbourne Cup wins. Twelve.

Bart Cummings remains the undisputed king of Cup Day, and his name is now synonymous with success. It’s why we say: if you’re hosting a Melbourne Cup event, you’d best channel a bit of Bart – prepared, precise and never underdressed.

A Melbourne Cup winner once ate his own prize

Think you’ve overindulged on Cup Day? In 1920, Poitrel celebrated his win by eating the floral garland he’d just been crowned with. Carnations, apparently. A bold move, sartorially and digestively.

Possibly a metaphor for late-stage capitalism, but let’s not get too carried away.

Even Queen Elizabeth II had a punt

Her Majesty placed a bet on her horse, Aureole, in the 1950s. It didn’t run in the Melbourne Cup – but she was a lifelong racing enthusiast who followed Cup Day with interest.

Proof the Melbourne Cup reaches even the most dignified diaries.

Fashions on the Field once banned strapless dresses

Scandalous! In the 1960s, Flemington had a brief but bizarre rule against strapless frocks. (No word on spaghetti straps.) Thankfully, times have changed, and fashion is now part of the spectacle.

And yes, these days, you can absolutely back yourself a winner with your shoulders in or out.

Hosting your own Melbourne Cup event this year? Whether it’s hats and high tea or something a little more understated (but no less fabulous), we can help you make it one to remember. Get in touch to find out how.

You might also like