The 2024 Melbourne Cup is one of Australia’s most prestigious and iconic horse racing events. It takes place annually on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse.
Often referred to as “the race that stops a nation”, it is hugely popular in Australia. So much so that many businesses and schools even close for the day to allow people to watch or attend the race.
First run in 1861, the Melbourne Cup is one of the oldest horse races in Australia. The standard distance is 3,200 meters (about 2 miles), making it a true test of stamina for the competing horses.
Who Won The Melbourne Cup In 2023?
The 2023 Melbourne Cup was the 163rd running of the race. It took place on Tuesday, 7th November 2023 with 23 runners.
It was won by Without A Fight, ridden by Mark Zahra, which was his second win in the race having ridden Gold Trip to victory in 2022.
Trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Without A Fight went off at odds of 7/1.
It was his second win of the season after he romped home in the Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup less than three weeks earlier.
Between those two races alone, Without A Fight earned his connections more than £4.1 MILLION.
When Is The 2024 Melbourne Cup?
The 2024 Melbourne Cup is scheduled to run on Tuesday, November 5th 2024.
How Much Does The Winner Get In Prize Money?
The total prize money for the 2023 race was A$8,410,000 which roughly translates as £4,236,000.
The first 12 past the post receive prize money with the winner being paid $4.4 million (£2.3 million).
Second place gets $1.1 million (£575K), third gets $550,000 (£287K), fourth gets $350,000 (£183K) and fifth gets $230,000 (£120K)
Finishers from sixth through to twelfth place each earn $160,000 (£83K).
But it’s not just cold hard cash on offer. The winner also gets plus an 18-carat solid gold trophy valued at $250,000.
Prize money is distributed to the connections of each horse with 85% going to the owner, 10% to the trainer and 5% to the jockey.
How To Bet On The Melbourne Cup
Given that the 2023 race has just happened, we have a very long way to go before the 2024 renewal.
That said, as the race gets closer and the entries are declared, most UK bookmakers will offer a betting market for the Melbourne Cup.
Until then you can you check out other major races taking place around the world or entertain yourself by playing online pokies in Tasmania – perfect if you’re ever down under and want some fun.
So check back closer to the time to see who is in the running and who we think could run a good race.
Who Has Trained The Most Melbourne Cup Winners?
Bart Cummings holds the record for as the trainer with the most wins in the Melbourne Cup.
Since 1965 he has won the event a staggering 12 times.
- Light Fingers (1965)
- Galilee (1966)
- Red Handed (1967)
- Think Big (1974)
- Think Big (1975)
- Gold and Black (1977)
- Hyperno (1979)
- Kingston Rule (1990)
- Let’s Elope (1991)
- Saintly (1996)
- Rogan Josh (1999)
- Viewed (2008)
To celebrate his remarkable achievements, in 2008 Racing NSW announced a new horse racing award to be known as The Bart Cummings Medal.
It is awarded for consistent, outstanding performances from jockeys and trainers through a racing season.
In 2023, it was apprentice jockey Zac Lloyd who had the honour of receiving the medal.
Flemington Racecourse
Flemington Racecourse is one of Australia’s most famous and historic horse racing venues.
It is situated in Melbourne, Victoria, and has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in the mid-19th century.
Officially opened in 1840, it one of the oldest racecourses in Australia and is known for its beautiful and expansive grounds.
One of its most iconic features is the Flemington Birdcage, an exclusive enclosure for VIP guests and celebrities during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
While the Melbourne Cup is the most famous event held at Flemington Racecourse, it hosts several other important horse racing events throughout the year.
These include the Victoria Derby, the VRC Oaks, and the Australian Guineas, among others.
Flemington holds a special place in Australian culture and history with countless memorable moments in horse racing, including legendary horses, jockeys, and trainers who have made their mark on the sport.
Conclusion
Much like the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Japan Cup or the Kentucky Derby, the Melbourne Cup is a race that transcends its home in Australia and is loved by millions of racing fans around the world.
With 162 years of history it is iconic in the world of horse racing and we can’t wait for 2024 to roll around so we can do it all again!
