The Melbourne Cup is an annual horse race held in Melbourne, Australia, on the first Tuesday of November each year. It is one of the most prestigious and well-known horse races in the world, with a purse of A$8 million (USD$5.5 million) and a total prize pool of A$7.3 million (USD$5 million). It is run over a distance of 3,200 metres (two miles), and the winning horse is presented with trophies, a championship sash, and the iconic Gold Cup.
History of the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup has been run since 1861, making it the oldest continually run major horse race in the world. The first winner was Archer, ridden by John Cutts, and the race has since become an important part of Australian culture and society. It is watched by millions of people each year, and is a major event on the Australian sporting calendar.
Notable Winners
Throughout its long history, the Melbourne Cup has seen some of the most famous and successful racehorses in the world win the coveted trophy. Notable winners include:
- Phar Lap: The legendary New Zealand-bred gelding, nicknamed ‘the Red Terror’, won the 1930 Melbourne Cup and remains an icon of Australian racing.
- Makybe Diva: The bay mare became the first horse to ever win three consecutive Melbourne Cups, claiming victory in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
- Winx: The champion mare was the first horse to win four consecutive Melbourne Cups, claiming victory in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Horses in the 2020 Melbourne Cup
The 2020 Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday, November 3, and there are 24 horses competing for the trophy. The horses and their jockeys are:
- Tiger Moth: Jockey Ryan Moore
- Anthony Van Dyck: Jockey Hugh Bowman
- Prince Of Arran: Jockey Michael Walker
- Vow And Declare: Jockey Craig Williams
- Surprise Baby: Jockey Michael Dee
- Mustajeer: Jockey Damian Lane
- Steel Prince: Jockey John Allen
- Dashing Willoughby: Jockey Brett Prebble
- Yucatan: Jockey James McDonald
- Twilight Payment: Jockey Jye McNeil
- Verry Elleegant: Jockey Mark Zahra
- Master Of Reality: Jockey Frankie Dettori
- Finche: Jockey James Cummings
- Verry Elleegant: Jockey Mark Zahra
- Strategem: Jockey Dean Yendall
- Shared Ambition: Jockey William Buick
- King Of Leogrance: Jockey Tommy Berry
- The Chosen One: Jockey Stephen Baster
- Persan: Jockey Jordan Childs
- Mustajeer: Jockey Damian Lane
- Southsider: Jockey Dean Holland
- True Self: Jockey William Pike
- Vow And Declare: Jockey Craig Williams
Odds for the 2020 Melbourne Cup
The odds for the 2020 Melbourne Cup are currently:
- Tiger Moth: 5/1
- Anthony Van Dyck: 8/1
- Prince Of Arran: 9/1
- Vow And Declare: 10/1
- Surprise Baby: 11/1
- Mustajeer: 12/1
- Steel Prince: 14/1
- Dashing Willoughby: 16/1
- Yucatan: 16/1
- Twilight Payment: 16/1
- Verdicchio: 16/1
- Master Of Reality: 16/1
- Finche: 16/1
- Verry Elleegant: 20/1
- Strategem: 25/1
- Shared Ambition: 25/1
- King Of Leogrance: 25/1
- The Chosen One: 25/1
- Persan: 25/1
- Mustajeer: 25/1
- Southsider: 33/1
- True Self: 33/1
- Vow And Declare: 40/1
Tips for Betting on the 2020 Melbourne Cup
There are a few tips to keep in mind when betting on the 2020 Melbourne Cup:
1. Research the horses
Before placing your bets, make sure you do your research into the horses and jockeys competing in the race. Look at the horse’s form, the jockey’s experience, and the track conditions.
2. Consider the odds
It is important to consider the odds when betting on the Melbourne Cup. Horses with higher odds are more likely to be outsiders, and may offer better value for money.
3. Look for value
Look for value in the form of long shots and dark horses. While these horses may not win, they could offer a higher return on your investment.
4. Don’t be afraid to take a risk
While it is important to be aware of the risks involved, don’t be afraid to take a risk if you believe a horse has a good chance of winning.
Famous Quotes About the Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup has been the subject of many memorable quotes over the years:
- “The race that stops a nation.” – Unknown
- “It’s the highlight of the Australian racing calendar.” – Bart Cummings
- “The Melbourne Cup is a great national event.” – John Howard
- “It’s a great day of celebration and fun.” – Gai Waterhouse
- “It’s the biggest and best race in the world.” – Tony McCoy
- “It’s a great thrill to be involved in the Melbourne Cup.” – Frankie Dettori
- “It’s a race like no other.” – Bart Cummings
Conclusion
The Melbourne Cup is an iconic horse race that has been held in Melbourne since 1861. It is one of the most prestigious and well-known horse races in the world, and is watched by millions of people each year. This year’s race will be held on Tuesday, November 3, and there are 24 horses competing for the trophy. Before placing bets, it is important to do your research into the horses and jockeys competing, consider the odds, and look for value. Finally, remember to enjoy the race and the many memorable quotes about the Melbourne Cup.