**The Melbourne Cup: By The Numbers**

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Post on Nov 04, 2024

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The Melbourne Cup: By the Numbers

The Melbourne Cup. It's not just a horse race, it's a cultural phenomenon. A national holiday in Australia, it's a day where the entire country stops to watch the "race that stops a nation." But did you know that the Melbourne Cup is also a treasure trove of interesting stats and facts?

Let's dive into the numbers behind this iconic event, and see what makes it truly special:

A Long History

The Melbourne Cup has been run since 1861, making it one of the oldest horse races in the world. That's 162 years of thrilling races and legendary horses! Imagine the stories these numbers could tell.

The Race Itself

The Melbourne Cup is a 3200m handicap race, meaning that each horse carries a different weight to even out their chances. And the race itself? It's a two-lap race around the iconic Flemington Racecourse. That's four times around the track, and it can be a real nail-biter to the finish.

Winners and Records

The highest winning weight ever recorded in the Melbourne Cup was 62.5kg, carried by Archer in 1861. That's a lot of weight to carry, and it just goes to show the power of this legendary horse.

The fastest winning time was set by Kingston Rule in 1990 at 3:16.3. That's a seriously fast horse!

The People

The Melbourne Cup attracts a huge crowd every year, with over 100,000 people attending the race at Flemington Racecourse. And then there's the millions watching it on television, both in Australia and around the world.

The event also brings in a huge amount of money, with millions of dollars wagered on the race each year.

Beyond the Race

The Melbourne Cup isn't just about the race itself. It's also about the fashion, the celebrations, and the community.

There's the iconic Myer Fashions on the Field competition, where people dress to impress in their finest attire. Then there's the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a whole month of festivities leading up to the big day.

The Cultural Significance

The Melbourne Cup is more than just a horse race; it's a cultural icon. It's a day for everyone to come together, regardless of their background or social standing, and celebrate the thrill of the race. It's a day for family, friends, and even strangers to share in the excitement and excitement of the race.

So there you have it, the Melbourne Cup in numbers! From the race itself to the cultural significance, there's a lot to appreciate about this iconic event. If you haven't experienced the Melbourne Cup for yourself, you're missing out! You might just be surprised by how much you enjoy it.