Melbourne Cup
Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of Melbourne Cup in Australia.
History & Origins of Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup, observed on the first Tuesday of November in Victoria, is famously known as 'the race that stops a nation'. Historically, it marks the Melbourne Cup horse race, a 3200-meter handicap race first run in 1861, which has become a massive global sporting and fashion phenomenon.
How It Is Observed & Celebrated
At exactly 3:00 PM, millions of Australians across the country stop work to watch the race on TV. In Melbourne, thousands attend Flemington Racecourse dressed in extravagant high-fashion and hats, while sweepstakes and office lunches are hosted nationwide.
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