Melbourne Cup History

A Race Steeped in Tradition

In 2026, the running of the Melbourne Cup will be the 163rd version of the race, since its origins back in 1861.

The Race Through Historical Events

Throughout that time in history, the race has been through two world wars, the Great Depression, the ascent of several kings and queens, and the making of several equine legends of the turf.

The Melbourne Cup is now cemented in Australian folklore, and remains a permanent fixture on the calendar as well as a public holiday for some during early November.

The race has changed complexion over the 158 years of running.

The Early Days of the Melbourne Cup

In the beginning there were very large fields, sometimes in excess of 30 runners, the jockeys rode/sat upright rather than the crouched stance they have nowadays, prize money was significantly less and there was less involvement from the stewards around the preparation of horses and the taking of supplements as there is today.

Obviously technology has come a long way since those early times.

Now we have a vast improvement in terms of viewing the race via TV and the Internet, journalistic content before and after the race and media interaction with jockeys, trainers and owners, notwithstanding the punting industry as well.

Let’s not forget the sponsorship money that goes into the race these days, a far cry from those early times.

How Much Money?

Runners will be competing for an astounding 8 million dollars this year.

Also, the Melbourne Cup is now a global phenomenon, with international gallopers a frequent addition to the annual running of the race.

In a good year, it was not uncommon to witness crowds of over 100,000 attend on course for Cup Day.

Flemington Racecourse itself has changed its look many times over the duration of the big race.

When Cup Day arrives the course will be resplendent in full bloom roses, green turf and a facility ready for the masses to arrive through the gate.

Enjoy your day out on Cup Day.

Recent Melbourne Cup Race Results

2023

1. Without A Fight
2. Soulcombe
3. Sheraz

2022

1. Gold Trip
2. Emissary
3. High Emocean

2021

1. Verry Elleegant
2. Incentivise
3. Spanish Mission

2020

1. Twilight Payment
2. Tiger Moth
3. Prince of Arran

2019

1. Vow and Declare
2. Prince of Arran
3. Il Paradiso

2018

1. Cross Counter (ENG), K McEvoy, C Appleby
2. Marmelo, H Bowman, H Morrison
3. Prince Of Arran, M Walker, C Fellowes

2017

1. Rekindling (IRE), C Brown, J O’Brien
2. Johannes Vermeer, B Melham, A O’Brien
3. Max Dynamite, Z Purton, W Mullins

2016

1. Almandin, K McEvoy, R Hickmott
2. Heartbreak City, J Moreira, T Martin
3. Hartnell, J McDonald, J O’Shea

2015

1. Prince Of Penzance, Ms M Payne, D Weir
2. Max Dynamite, F Dettori, W Mullins
3. Criterion, M Walker, D and B Hayes, T Dabernig

2014

1. Protectionist (GER), R Moore, A Wohler
2. Red Cadeaux, G Mosse, J Dunlop
3. Who Shot Thebarman, G Boss, C Waller

2013

1. Fiorente, D Oliver, Mrs G Waterhouse
2. Red Cadeaux, G Mosse, J Dunlop
3. Mount Athos, C Williams, L Cumani

2012

1. Green Moon, B Prebble, R Hickmott
2. Fiorente, J McDonald, G Waterhouse
3. Jakkalberry, C McDonoghue, M Botti

2011

1. Dunaden (FRA), C Lemaire, M Dezangles
2. Red Cadeaux, M Rodd, J Dunlop
3. Lucas Cranach, C Brown, A Freedman

2010

1. Americain (FRA), G Mosse, A d Royer-Dupre
2. Maluckyday, L Nolen, Team Hawkes
3. So You Think, S Arnold, J. B Cummings

2009

1. Shocking, C Brown, M Kavanagh
2. Crime Scene, K McEvoy, S Bin Suroor
3. Mourilyan, G Schofield, H Brown

2008

1. Viewed, B Shinn, J. B Cummings
2. Bauer, C Brown, L Cumani
3. C’est La Guerre, B Prebble, J Sadler

2007

1. Efficient (NZL), M Rodd, G Rogerson
2. Purple Moon, D Oliver, L Cumani
3. Mahler, A O’Brien, S Baster

2006

1. Delta Blues (JPN), Y Iwata, K Sumii
2. Pop Rock, D Oliver, K Sumii
3. Maybe Better, C Munce, B Mayfield-Smith

2005

1. Makybe Diva, G Boss, L Freedman
2. On A Jeune, D Gauci, P Montgomerie
3. Xcellent, M Coleman, M Moroney

2004

1. Makybe Diva, G Boss, L Freedman
2. Vinnie Roe, P Smullen, D Weld
3. Zazzman, N Ryan, T Vasil

2003

1. Makybe Diva, G Boss, D Hall
2. She’s Archie, S Seamer, D Weir
3. Jardine’s Lookout, D Holland, A Jarvis

2002

1. Media Puzzle (IRE), D Oliver, D Weld
2. Mr Prudent, C Brown, G Hanlon
3. Beekeeper, K McEvoy, S Bin Suroor

2001

1. Ethereal (NZL), S Seamer, Mrs S Laxon
2. Give The Slip, R Hills, S Bin Suroor
3. Persian Punch, T Quinn, D Elsworth

2000

1. Brew (NZL), K McEvoy, M Moroney
2. Yippiyo, D Beadman, A Denham
3. Second Coming, M Coleman, M Moroney

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