Melbourne Cup Day
100 days until Melbourne Cup Day
About Melbourne Cup Day
Melbourne Cup Day is a major horse racing event held on the first Tuesday of November, recognised as an official public holiday throughout Victoria. Renowned as 'the race that stops a nation', the 3,200-metre handicap race at Flemington Racecourse captivates viewers across Australia.
History
The inaugural Melbourne Cup took place in 1861 at Flemington Racecourse, drawing a crowd of around 4,000 spectators to watch seventeen horses compete for a gold watch and a cash prize. A horse named Archer won the first two runnings of the race in 1861 and 1862, establishing a tradition that quickly grew into one of Australia's premier sporting events.
In 1873, the government declared Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday for civil servants and bank employees in the Melbourne metropolitan area. Over time, official public holiday coverage expanded across the state of Victoria, while the race itself became an enduring cultural institution nationwide.
Traditions & Celebrations
On Melbourne Cup Day, workplaces and social gatherings across Australia pause at 3:00 pm AEDT to watch or listen to the main race. Office sweepstakes, where participants draw horses at random, are widely held in workplaces nationwide. At Flemington Racecourse, attendees dress in elegant race day attire to participate in the iconic Fashions on the Field competition, famous for its striking suits, dresses, and elaborate fascinators.
Did you know?
- Makybe Diva is the only horse to win the Melbourne Cup three times, securing consecutive victories in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
- The modern Melbourne Cup trophy is crafted from 18-carat gold and takes artisan goldsmiths over 200 hours to produce each year.
- The race distance was originally two miles until Australia adopted the metric system in 1972, converting the track distance to 3,200 metres.
- In 2015, Michelle Payne made history as the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, riding Prince of Penzance to victory at 100-to-1 odds.
Melbourne Cup Day dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melbourne Cup Day a nationwide public holiday in Australia?
No, Melbourne Cup Day is an official public holiday only in the state of Victoria. However, the event is widely followed across all states and territories.
What time does the Melbourne Cup race start?
The feature race traditionally begins at 3:00 pm AEDT on the first Tuesday in November.
Do all regional areas in Victoria get Melbourne Cup Day off?
While Melbourne Cup Day is the default public holiday across Victoria, non-metropolitan municipal councils have the legal option to substitute it for a local event, such as a regional horse race or agricultural show.