The 2021 Melbourne Cup is an annual horse race that takes place in Melbourne, Australia. It is considered one of the most prestigious and widely attended events in the world. The Melbourne Cup is a Group 1 race, the highest level of Thoroughbred racing in Australia, and is run over a distance of 3,200 metres (2 miles). The Melbourne Cup has been held since 1861 and has become a national institution in Australia. In 2021, the Melbourne Cup will be held on November 2nd and will feature 24 horses competing for the coveted Cup.
History of the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup was first run in 1861 and was won by Archer, ridden by John Cutts. It was originally a two-mile handicap race, but in 1875 the distance was changed to 3,200 metres. The first four-mile race was held in 1876 and won by The Barb, ridden by John Cutts. The Melbourne Cup has since become one of the most iconic races in the world and is run on the first Tuesday of November each year.
Horses Competing in 2021 Melbourne Cup
The 2021 Melbourne Cup will feature 24 horses competing for the coveted Cup. All horses will be competing at the highest level of Thoroughbred racing in Australia. The horses competing in the 2021 Melbourne Cup include:
- Anthony Van Dyck – trained by Aidan O’Brien
- Tiger Moth – trained by Aidan O’Brien
- Prince Of Arran – trained by Charlie Fellowes
- Master Of Reality – trained by Joseph O’Brien
- Sir Dragonet – trained by Joseph O’Brien
- Vow And Declare – trained by Danny O’Brien
- Twilight Payment – trained by Joseph O’Brien
- Verry Elleegant – trained by Chris Waller
- Avilius – trained by James Cummings
- Mustajeer – trained by Kris Lees
- Surprise Baby – trained by Paul Preusker
- Finche – trained by Chris Waller
- Etah James – trained by Joseph O’Brien
- Steel Prince – trained by Anthony Freedman
- Youngstar – trained by Chris Waller
- Downdraft – trained by Joseph O’Brien
- Miami Bound – trained by Danny O’Brien
- Dashing Willoughby – trained by Charlie Fellowes
- Verry Elleegant – trained by Chris Waller
- Strategy – trained by Mark Newnham
- Ole Kirk – trained by Anthony Freedman
- Ashrun – trained by Andreas Wohler
- Cross Counter – trained by Charlie Appleby
- The Chosen One – trained by Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
Favourites for 2021 Melbourne Cup
The favourites for the 2021 Melbourne Cup are:
- Anthony Van Dyck – trained by Aidan O’Brien
- Tiger Moth – trained by Aidan O’Brien
- Prince Of Arran – trained by Charlie Fellowes
- Sir Dragonet – trained by Joseph O’Brien
- Vow And Declare – trained by Danny O’Brien
- Twilight Payment – trained by Joseph O’Brien
- Verry Elleegant – trained by Chris Waller
- Mustajeer – trained by Kris Lees
- Surprise Baby – trained by Paul Preusker
- Finche – trained by Chris Waller
These horses are all well-known and have had success in the past. Anthony Van Dyck won the 2019 Epsom Derby, Tiger Moth won the 2020 Irish Derby, Prince Of Arran won the 2019 Lexus Stakes and the 2019 Geelong Cup, Sir Dragonet won the 2019 Caulfield Cup, Vow And Declare won the 2019 Melbourne Cup, Twilight Payment won the 2020 Irish St Leger, Verry Elleegant won the 2020 Australian Oaks, Mustajeer won the 2020 Ebor Handicap, Surprise Baby won the 2020 Caulfield Cup, and Finche won the 2019 Sydney Cup.
2021 Melbourne Cup Prize Money
The 2021 Melbourne Cup will offer a prize pool of $8 million, with the winner taking home a purse of $4.4 million. This is the largest prize pool for any horse race in the world. There is also a bonus of $1.2 million for any horse that can win the ‘Australian Triple Crown’, consisting of the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup.
Odds for 2021 Melbourne Cup
The odds for the 2021 Melbourne Cup are as follows (as of October 28th):
- Anthony Van Dyck – 4/1
- Tiger Moth – 9/2
- Prince Of Arran – 13/2
- Sir Dragonet – 7/1
- Vow And Declare – 15/2
- Twilight Payment – 9/1
- Verry Elleegant – 10/1
- Mustajeer – 12/1
- Surprise Baby – 14/1
- Finche – 16/1
Rules and Regulations for 2021 Melbourne Cup
The 2021 Melbourne Cup will be held under the rules and regulations of the Australian Racing Board (ARB), which governs all horse racing in Australia. The main rules and regulations that apply to the 2021 Melbourne Cup are:
- Only 24 horses may compete in the Melbourne Cup.
- All horses must be 3 years old or older.
- The race will be run over a distance of 3,200 metres (2 miles).
- The race will be run on the first Tuesday of November each year.
- The prize pool for the 2021 Melbourne Cup is $8 million, with the winner taking home a purse of $4.4 million.
- No horse may compete in the Melbourne Cup more than once.
- No horse may compete in the Melbourne Cup if it has previously competed in any other race on the same day.
- All horses must be registered with the Australian Racing Board.
- All horses must be stabled at Flemington Racecourse prior to the race.
- All horses must be inspected by the ARB Veterinary Officer prior to the race.
Conclusion
The 2021 Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious races in the world and will feature 24 horses competing for the coveted Cup. The favourites for the 2021 Melbourne Cup include Anthony Van Dyck, Tiger Moth, Prince Of Arran, Sir Dragonet, Vow And Declare, Twilight Payment, Verry Elleegant, Mustajeer, Surprise Baby, and Finche. The prize pool for the Melbourne Cup is $8 million, with the winner taking home a purse of $4.4 million. All horses competing in the 2021 Melbourne Cup must abide by the rules and regulations of the Australian Racing Board.
References
1. Melbourne Cup History
2. Melbourne Cup 2021 Horses
3. Melbourne Cup 2021 Prize Money
4. Melbourne Cup 2021 Odds & Favourites
5. Australian Racing Board