Melbourne Cup Day

The very first Melbourne Cup was held on the 7th of November 1861 at the Flemington Racecourse. Seventeen horses competed in that first race, which was won by a horse called Archer.

Although the two mile course back then was rough, with no guide rails or stands, it soon became the place to be seen for the rich and famous, the celebrities and politicians. It was a place where the working class could rub shoulders with the wealthy.Garden parties were held and ladies dressed in their finest clothes.

Probably the most famous horse to win the cup was Phar Lap in 1930.

Today the Melbourne Cup is a major event for thoroughbred horses 3 years or over. It has become the richest and most prestigious 2 mile handicap in the world. The total prize money is $5.5 million dollars (AU).

Photo of Phar Lap winning the cup in 1930. Courtesy of Wikipedia

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People attend the Melbourne Cup in their thousands. They arrive by car, boat, train, bus and even helicopter. The crowds gather not just to watch the race but also for a good time.

There is a great feeling of fun and excitment with car boot parties, picnics on the lawn and fine dining available in the many restaurants at Flemington and a great carnival atmosphere to the day.

Fashion on the Field has also become a major draw card on cup day and you will see fashion creations from the sublime to the ridiculous. In 1965 British model Jean Shrimpton caused an uproar by wearing a mini skirt with no hat or gloves. Since then the World Fashion spotlight has been on the Melbourne Cup.

Some Useful Links
Melbourne Cup Fashion
Melbourne Cup Day Tickets

Whilst all the excitment goes on in Melbourne the rest of the country creates it's own fun. Melbourne Cup Day fun and activities are everywhere. Wether in your own back yard, or out and about, functions are held with all the fun and games to rival those in Melbourne. Everyone can dress up in their own fashion creations, and compete for the best hat and fashion awards. It can be a real hoot. Local racecourses have there own race day. Picnics, luncheons and Barbeques being the order of the day.

For those that have to work there's still the office sweepstakes to participate in.

But where ever you are in Australia something is happening for the Melbourne Cup and at precisely 3 o'clock everything stops to watch "The Cup".

What to serve for your Melbourne Cup Day Party?
Melbourne Cup Day Recipes.

Want Some Activity Ideas?
Find some quizzes and games to add to the fun at:-
Fun Trivia
Party Game Central